Gas lenses for 200PI

**Uncle Ed** · 12-07-2009, 12:29 AM

I have read that a gas lens will economize gas use and give a more uniform coverage over the weld pool.

What brands / sizes will work with the torch on the 200IP?

Thx,

Ed

**arandall** · 12-07-2009, 01:14 AM

Hell - I don't even know what a gas lense is. - But it sounds promising!

Cheers,
Art R.

**jbman45** · 12-07-2009, 06:42 AM

You can use Weldcraft tips, check the model on the side of the torch, it should be something like WP-27. It is a high quality torch, 200 amp as I recall. But glass lenses are quite a bit more expensive, try them but to me they are high cost unless you're doing extremely fine work or maybe they control drafts a bit better.

**Gadget** · 12-07-2009, 06:57 AM

I think the advantage to a glass lens is you can keep the electrode shorter and still see the work.

**frijoli** · 12-07-2009, 07:12 PM

Originally Posted by Gadget

I think the advantage to a glass lens is you can keep the electrode shorter and still see the work.

That's what we use them for. Or I should say our Micro welder guys. My hand isn't steady enough anymore.

They also have a microscope with a green lens!

**junes** · 12-07-2009, 07:32 PM

The torch number if it is a 200 amp model is called a wp-26. The gas lense is alot more expensive and keeps a bit of upkeep. Also you need new cups for it. They save a bit of gas but they are mstly used on expensive very reactive metals due to the very laminate flow. They make them for all torches as far as I know. It is the same consumables that fit the wp-17 and 18 torch also.

**Uncle Ed** · 12-07-2009, 08:31 PM

Thanks, for the info fellas. I am gathering items for when the toy gets here. Since the lenses don't appear critical to general purpose welding, I can hold off on them for now. At least until I have played a bit and decide what sizes I may want to have around. Ed

**weldingtwopotatoes** · 12-08-2009, 01:19 AM

It's seems like two things are being discussed here, a gas lens and a glass nozzle. A basic gas lens is only like $10 or less and is definitely a better way to go over the standard collect body's with only the 4 holes in them. The thing that is expensive is those gas saver gas lenses with the glass nozzles.

**tigqk** · 08-25-2010, 01:00 AM

I did a conversion on my Longevity Tig torch to a 3/32 gas lense $20.52cdn,+ No 7 alumina nozzle $3.19cdn +Insulator $4.46 using Fibre Metal consummables from page 551 of the Acklands Grainger Catolog.The collet is not serviceable but I am going to give it a try to see what kind of life I can get out of it.Total Cost was 28.17 less tax for anyone here in Canada that want to run a gas lense.
Having purchased the insulator and nozzle which is different from the stock ones all that is needed is the collet from here on as they deteriorate from spatter.On another site I have been told that through internet seller gas lens collets can be purchased as low as $6.50 plus shipping.I felt the collet should be around $10.00, but where I am located I don't have the luxury of being choosy.Their have been alot of negative comments about parts for thses import welder being hard to find but as I have shown parts to these torches are quite common.
I did not have the prices listed for the next nozzle size but anyone that wishes to know them can go to acklands-grainger online.If I like the performance I will put together a kit of different collets for 3/32(large collet) and 1/16.I bought a standard collet for 1/8 tungsten as I have noticed with some steel welding my tungsten burning off, so I will have to pick up somee 1/8 tungsten also here soon.