Teflon gasket fit, how good does it need to be?

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My WP-26 torch assembly provides a tapered fit between the teflon gasket and the cup.  I have a set of after market gas lens and cups from Weldingcity.  Hand tightening seems to provide adequate seal.  I've noticed dirty looking welds when I've neglected to tighten it properly.My new CK 26 torch provides a flat interface between the gasket and cup when I try to use the aftermarket gas lens and cups.  It seems fairly gas tight if I torque it firmly but just wondering about how good this seal needs to be or how you might test it.
Reply:Could plug the torch end, and pressurize the gas line with low pressure air, and put a gauge on it to see if the pressure leaks down...if you're that worried about it.Or, just snug it down and go weld.
Reply:It sounds like the situation I ran into with my 26 when I switched to gas lens.The Teflon gasket barely touched the cup and screwing down tightly to make it touch put too much pressure on the cup - then the cup would crack and break the end off during welding at high amps.Turned out I needed an additional gasket with the gas lens and cup.Or, I could use a replacement gasket that was thicker then the normal one.Last edited by MinnesotaDave; 01-10-2015 at 10:17 PM.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:I needed that same part on my 17, though the one I got at the LWS was made of rubber.
Reply:Originally Posted by MinnesotaDaveIt sounds like the situation I ran into with my 26 when I switched to gas lens.The Teflon gasket barely touched the cup and screwing down tightly to make it touch put too much pressure on the cup - then the cup would crack and break the end off during welding at high amps.Turned out I needed an additional gasket with the gas lens and cup.Or, I could use a replacement gasket that was thicker then the normal one.
Reply:The CK version for medium gas lenses is 1pc and eliminates the need for using the stock 17 gasket plus another gasket.That picture is not mine, it belongs to HTP USA. 1st on WeldingWeb to have a scrolling sig! HTP Invertig 400HTP Invertig 221HTP ProPulse 300HTP ProPulse 200 x2HTP ProPulse 220MTSHTP Inverarc 200TLP HTP Microcut 875SC
Reply:This is what i use Attached ImagesLincoln Power Arc 4000 Thermal Arc Fabricator 252 iThermal arc 186Thermal Arc 26 tigTweeko 200 amp spool gunHobart AirForce 400WP-17V-12R
Reply:I might be confused but can't you take the standard insulator right off and replace it with the one for the gas lens so you don't have 2 of them on the torch?
Reply:Originally Posted by Welder DaveI might be confused but can't you take the standard insulator right off and replace it with the one for the gas lens so you don't have 2 of them on the torch?
Reply:I think they make a special insulator to use with a gas lens so you can take the standard one off. You don't just take the standard one off.
Reply:Originally Posted by Welder DaveI might be confused but can't you take the standard insulator right off and replace it with the one for the gas lens so you don't have 2 of them on the torch?
Reply:@dave thats what i mean i sure they make a single big one to eliminate the use of 2 of themLincoln Power Arc 4000 Thermal Arc Fabricator 252 iThermal arc 186Thermal Arc 26 tigTweeko 200 amp spool gunHobart AirForce 400WP-17V-12R
Reply:Originally Posted by assassin_works@dave thats what i mean i sure they make a single big one to eliminate the use of 2 of them
Reply:The LARGE gas lens most usually requires a separate gasket.  It is the medium-gas lens that can be retrofitted with a single gasket instead of doubling up on gaskets.  I have yet to see a LARGE gas lens gasket that doesn't require the standard 17/26 gasket in place.  If anything CK Worldwide probably makes one, but I haven't looked. 1st on WeldingWeb to have a scrolling sig! HTP Invertig 400HTP Invertig 221HTP ProPulse 300HTP ProPulse 200 x2HTP ProPulse 220MTSHTP Inverarc 200TLP HTP Microcut 875SC