Lens vs. regular collet

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I am looking for opinions on gas lens vs. a regular gas collet. I am a decent TIG welder but always looking to improve, and I have heard that lens's are a big improvement. I have a PTA-17 air cooled torch that came with my Lincoln185 welder which I have been happy with. One more question I have is the PTA-17 the same as the wp9 torch?
Reply:A gas lens is a big improvent you get the gas coverage without the blsat of conventional ceramic/collet Its just BIGGER
Reply:diffuses the gas much better, and imo is much easier to "walk the cup"Owner - Certified Welding & Fabrication / 22yrs in businessSteamboat Springs, Co(970) 879-5491AWS structural shopHMI 70t iron worker2 field trucks specailizing in structural steel, aluminum and stainless steel
Reply:I'm not sure why anyone would choose a standard collet body over a gas lens.  Maybe smaller size is important in some applications.  But, the gas lens provides improved laminar gas flow allowing lower flow rates, longer electrode stickout, and better shielding.  The gas lens cost a bit more, but they last forever.Here's the price difference for your WP-17,http://www.arc-zone.com/catalog/web_...=6197552_40022photo from CKWorldwidehttp://www.ckworldwide.com/ Attached Images
Reply:The gas lens works much better with my old Lincoln Idealarc. It gives a much more stable arc.
Reply:My TA came with collet bodies.  They have never been used as I bought gas lenses to replace them with.DennisThermal Arc 185-TSWMillermatic Challenger 172VictorO/AAtlas Craftsman 12 by 24 LatheEsab PCM-875Wholesalem Tool Mill-Drill
Reply:i'm all for the gas lense. i like the visability of it also. some say its distracting but i think it helps keep you from contaminating by acidently hitting the filler to a tung you cant see. visability is a big + 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.