lava nozzle?

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What is a lava nozzle? I see it comes in a #3 cup size, which seems to be the smallest cup you can get, is that correct. I guess if they get any smaller there would be too much heat? thanks.
Reply:and with that  I guess you would want to use the 1/16th tungsten? Do the lanthaniated work, they state they are the best for all around welding?
Reply:I was told that the lava nozzle is preferred for AC aluminum welding.  I belive the reason is better strength/durability at prolonged higher temperatures.Why do you want the smallest cup you can get?  Do you have a tight place to get into?  If so, maybe use a gas lens which will allow you to stick the electrode out further beyond the nozzle.Tungsten size is basically a function of the maximum current you intend to run, and smaller/sharper grind will start the arc easier.Lanthanated, ceriated, thoriated, probably not any noticable difference to manual welding.  Just forget about using pure, there is no reason, the maximum current is lower and lacks the additions to help with arc starting.Read up for your self:  http://www.diamondground.com/index.html
Reply:thanks, what is the story on the gas lens? I see them in the catalog but not much info on them.
Reply:Basically, the lens helps create a laminar flow that can provide shielding with the nozzle at a greater distance from the workpiece.Experiment with flow, too high causes turbulence.  With a small gas lens and a #8 cup (8/16 = 1/2"), and about 1/4" stickout from the cup, I can run around 8 cfh argon.This photo kind of shows the idea.CK Worldwide claims with their larger lens the tungsten stickout can be up to 2".  http://www.ckworldwide.com/gas_saver.htmMost any weld suppliers should be able to get you a gas lens for your torch.  I use Arc Zone, very good service.  http://198.170.235.20/catalog/web_st...44089_81199#16 Attached Images
Reply:I ordered some gas lens's yesterday.
Reply:thanks for the props, pulser!Regarding nozzles...  basically you have lava, usually tan or gray, is a high-temp nonconductive clay. It is machined on a lathe for special or odd shaped nozzles (long or extra long)Standard alumina nozzles (pink) are the most common. It is a high temp nonconductive ceramic that is injection molded and mass produced....There's also Pyrex and Quartz nozzles--  hand-blown for specialty torches for microwelding. Also, made for improved visibility ...  or to just look cool :-)  for general-purpose welding. Nozzles are measured in 1/16ths.. so a No. 3 nozzle is really 3/16" in diameter.As far as it goes for the gas lens... I can't really say it any better than Mike Sammons from Weldcraft:http://www.thefabricator.com/ArcWeld...le.cfm?ID=1531great article....-----------------------Carmen Electrodewww.CarmenElectrode.comand the boss blogs at  www.JoeWelder.comall powered by  www.Arc-Zone.com
Reply:i use a gas lens all the time and like it.not shore that its needed but it dose seem to produce better looking beads, probly due to better gas coverage.i also use 2% lanthanated exclusively. i tryed cerated but preferd the lanthanated for holding a better tip in the higher amps. using 2% lanthanated alows me to only have to keep 1 type of tungaten on hand for all my TIG needs be it AC or DC they work great on both. i am using an inverter type TIG unit. summer is here, plant a tree for mother earth. if you dont have time or space, sponcer some one else to plant one for you.feel free to shoot me a PM or e-mail me at [email][email protected] i got lots of time.
Reply:Thanks for the info. I am going to lanth also.