Want a gas lens but not ready to buy new torch.

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I have the AHP AlphaTIG (2nd gen) with the M-16 screw on torch. The torch is a #17 air cooled.I think I would like to try out a gas lens but I am not really ready to spend the $100 for a new torch. This one works fine for me as a beginner. Is a #17 a pretty good size torch to stick with? I would rather avoid buying a gas lens kit and then needing a whole new one when I got another torch.Any suggestions on what kit to buy? I know there are some on ebay for $30 but are they crap?I noticed the reviews say the kits don't come with an "insulator." Is that something my torch already has and will work fine or do I need to buy this as well?Last edited by BrooklynBravest; 12-08-2014 at 10:44 AM.www.FirehouseFabricators.comZachLincoln 210mpLincoln SW200Hypertherm Powermax 45xp2x4 CNC Plasma Table.
Reply:Originally Posted by BrooklynBravestI Is a #17 a pretty good size torch to stick with? I would rather avoid buying a gas lens kit and then needing a whole new one when I got another torch.
Reply:You will need a different insulator, the gas lense kits are often different.
Reply:Originally Posted by turismolover22You will need a different insulator, the gas lense kits are often different.
Reply:I have the same welder.   I bought a kit from amazon  (weldingcity.com) that works well.   It included cup size 4 - 8 and all you need for electrodes from .040 to 1/4"The white ring on your torch is the insulator.  It's tapered and fit perfectly with this gas lens kit.Title:  Accessory Kit Cup-Collet-Gas Lens Setup 0.040"-1/16"-3/32"-1/8" for TIG Torch 17, 18 & 26Link:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EZECHLMDan----------------------------Measure twice.  Weld once.  Grind to size.MIG:  Lincoln SP100 TIG/STICK:  AHP Alphatig 200X
Reply:Originally Posted by dbstooI have the same welder.   I bought a kit from amazon  (weldingcity.com) that works well.   It included cup size 4 - 8 and all you need for electrodes from .040 to 1/4"The white ring on your torch is the insulator.  It's tapered and fit perfectly with this gas lens kit.Title:  Accessory Kit Cup-Collet-Gas Lens Setup 0.040"-1/16"-3/32"-1/8" for TIG Torch 17, 18 & 26Link:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EZECHLMDan
Reply:Ive used tigmaster size 17's my entire career, weleded at up to 230 amps dc for weeks at a time using stubby gas lenses and ceramics, i'm yet to melt or otherwise destroy one from heat, sometimes i need to wear a thick kevlar stick glove on my torch hand thoughSent from my LG-P716 using Tapatalk
Reply:Originally Posted by BrooklynBravestThanks thats actually the one i was looking at. I have never even tried aluminum yet. (for all i know my hobart spool gun doesnt even work!) I mostly work in steel 3/16 or thinner. Every so often I go to 1/4" but thats probably getting MIG'd.
Reply:Originally Posted by dbstooGlad to be of help.  Don't feel bad about not using that gun.  I've never used stick, even though my Alphatig will do it, and I had a small 110V unit at one time. When setting the flow for this kit, you use less gas.   Here's a quick summary of a guide for argon that I found.Code:electrode - cup(s)  Steel   Aluminum.040   - 4,5             5-8     5-101/16  - 4,5,6           5-10   7-123/32  - 6,7,8           8-10   10-151/8    - 7,8,10         8-12   10-20Dan
Reply:Ebay --> Stubby gas lens kitTorchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:A whole kit is a bit of a waste, just get a single 3/32" lens and a box of cups, and an insulator. you can still put a 1/16 collet and tungsten in there.SqWave 200Millermatic 190Airco 200 ACHypertherm PM45Boice-Crane Band SawVictor O/A