Smaller tungsten/collet in larger body?

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Hey all... sorry to ask this, but i'm new to TIG and have searched without finding my answer... i've read in one or two threads that this is possible, but most others seem to say that you use the corresponding collet body for the size of tungsten and collet. first off, is this accurate, or can i use whatever collet body i want to use so long as it is larger than the tungsten and collet i want to use in it? it makes sense to me that if the collet is the part actually doing the holding of the tungsten then there isn't a logical reason why the body has to be sized to match. yes or no?on that note, i just purchased (but haven't recieved) some of the CK gas saver stuff.... i figured that, for the money, it will be cheaper in the long run since i can use the main body with whatever tungsten adapter (screen piece) that is applicable. would this be the same idea... could i use, for example, a 3/32 screen piece with a 1/16 collet and tungsten inside of it? isn't it just the hole in the end that lets the tungsten through thats a different size, and if so, what's the problem with the hole being a little oversized, so long as the collet is matched to the tungsten won't it be held in normally and current transferred normally?thanks for any help, and if this is a stupid question, i apologize...
Reply:Spend an extra $10 and get the right collet bodies. It might work with the wrong size, but I bet the parts don't last as long when used incorrectly.Airco Ac/Dc 300 HeliwelderMillerMatic 200 (stolen)Miller Maxstar 150STLMiller AEAD200LE (welding and generating power) Hobart MIG
Reply:The answer to your question is this.      Yes you can use 1 collet body and different size collets. Lets say you have a w17 torch and only have a 1/8" collet body but you have 1/16" tungsten and collet on hand. Will it work, YES, will it work as well as if all the parts matched, NO, it was not made to work at its best that way. Gas flow and arc stability, etc. is affected.     They make things in sizes to match so they work with the best performance in mind.www.georgesplasmacuttershop.comPlasma Cutter and Welder Sales and Repairs--Ebay storeTec.Mo. Dealer Consumables for the PT and IPT torch's
Reply:Ok, cool, that answers my questions then. the biggest reason i ask is because i just ordered up some gas saver stuff and they don't come in 0.020" size bodies, and i did order the collets just in case i ever want to do that, and wanted to make sure i didn't need to order a different collet etc just to have it on hand for using it.likely won't be doing metal that thin for a while anyways but figured i might as well have it in the toolbox.what size would you use to start with for something like automotive side panels or such? just for doing butt welds on it or lap joints?
Reply:I use 3/32 most of the time, even for the thin stuff. If I need a fine bead I sharpen it like a needle and not so sharp for thicker stuff. I seam to have less burn through with that size tungsten and can use more amps.www.georgesplasmacuttershop.comPlasma Cutter and Welder Sales and Repairs--Ebay storeTec.Mo. Dealer Consumables for the PT and IPT torch's
Reply:I also use 3/32" most often, will use 1/16" if I know I'm going to be welding lots of small parts though. Anything under .035" I will use a small tungsten, 1/16" or sometimes .040". Don't think I have ever used .020", guess if you need to weld really thin stuff and have to start on an edge it would be nice.Airco Ac/Dc 300 HeliwelderMillerMatic 200 (stolen)Miller Maxstar 150STLMiller AEAD200LE (welding and generating power) Hobart MIG
Reply:I go on different kicks. Lately it's been 1/8" for everything. From the bottom of 2 cans to 1/8" no issues. 1/8" is probably the thickest I ever go.Torchmate 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:The reason I change tungsten sizes is a thicker tungsten (Lets say 1/8 ) wont fire up as fast as a 1/16 at a lower amp setting......Creating a start issue....Not saying it wont work...just saying the smaller tungsten fires off better with the lower amp setting....The new inverter machines are so "Adjustable"   you can find just about any cure for what ales you.....But this works best for me...   Miller Dynasty 350Twenty Six HammersThree Crow BarsBig Rock
Reply:So I probably wasted my money buying 0.020 collets and tungsten then hey? Damn....
Reply:No, its just that you won't need then very often. I have them and have used them a few time on real small parts.www.georgesplasmacuttershop.comPlasma Cutter and Welder Sales and Repairs--Ebay storeTec.Mo. Dealer Consumables for the PT and IPT torch's
Reply:I have used the same 1/8" gas lens during the last 8 months for 0.40" , 1/16" and 3/32", (and of course 1/8"). The collet must match the tungsten but there are no issues with damaging collets or poor performance in any way. Approximately 800 hrs of arc time, one gas lens and one collet for each size tungsten.SqWave 200Millermatic 190Airco 200 ACHypertherm PM45Boice-Crane Band SawVictor O/A
Reply:Hmmm.... well 800 hours of arc time in 8 months....that's a lot of welding time on one body what's the secret to keeping zero foul up? And I guess I'll just give it a try my new torch just came in and my consumables should be here from arc zone this week. Just have to learn to tig now lol
Reply:If you're just learning, and spending your own cash try to just use 3/32 on everything. Sharpen up a whole pack and keep them handy. Pointy for thin, slightly dulled for thick. Time to push some filler!  The secret to zero foulup is clean metal, and cleaner technique . That's why my gas lens is 1/8 clogged with little bb's welded to the mesh, but it still gives perfect coverage with 1" stickout, #8 cup at 18 cfh. <150aLast edited by Brazin; 03-09-2014 at 12:52 PM.SqWave 200Millermatic 190Airco 200 ACHypertherm PM45Boice-Crane Band SawVictor O/A
Reply:I use the .020 tungsten when im woking on .015 medical parts but thats it!Yes, I use a 3/32 lense and 1/16" collet very often and vise versa in other sizes. It does not damage them unless you crank the pressure down to tighten them which is not needed.