Tungsten Size for practice?

[zero2005]

So i just ordered a longevity 200 DX. i have very little experience with tig, my experience with it basically involves a Forney AT-100, which is a 100-amp DC inverter stick welder alot like the Harbor freight toaster box units, and a harbor freight tig torch for some scratch start tig. i think that torch came with some ceriated tungsten.

now, i've been questioning as a newb, which tungsten sizes should i start with? i've already decided on 1.5% or 2% lanthanated. seems the 1.5% is a good tad cheaper. was wondering if any knows of a place i could maybe get a "size variety" pack so i could have 1 of each size to see which i like best? i cant really see the need to buy several 5 or 10 packs if sizes like 020 or 040 wont serve me much purpose.

I also need collets and bodies? im not sure about the torch for the 200DX? i think the 200DX comes with a "WP20" torch, and ebay has a couple wp20 collets for cheap, and i called up the LWS and they also had Weldcraft "WP20" collets. are other brand collets interchangeable?

[tigqk]

Your machine comes with everything you need to get started, get some 3/32.

[SAS Company]

Tiggk is right on. Unless you have specific low amp less than 16ga sheet metal or high amp aluminum that you will do a lot of the 3/32 will cover most of your bases. The LONGEVITY torches are very similar to Weldcraft and many of the parts interchange, but your machine comes with the 3 collets one of which is for for 3/32. Also the collet body and nozzles. I have yet to find a variety pack. For what the 3-5 packs on the web go for plus shipping, you could probably buy a 10 pack at your LWS. I paid less than $20 for thoriated 3/32.

[Tritium]

And a third suggestion of 3/32". I have others but this one is most used for everyday welding.

Thurmond

[tomsign]

as for size 3/32 is good all around, keep in mind that you can change arc, depth, and width by the angle of the point if you are running HF
as for type. are you doing metal or AL
Tom

[junes]

my vote is for 1/16th thoriated and the consumables are interchangeable. the part numbers should be 10Nxx and 13Nxx. the 13Nxx parts are for the 9 and 20 series torches and the 10Nxx are for the 17,18,26 series torches. there are also specialty consumables but we wont get into those since i don't believe you have to worry as a beginner about them. the 1/16 tungsten should be good for most stuff a beginner would need definitely wont need anything other then a 1/16 or 3/32 for a while. I only use .010 and .020 tungsten when i have to. The only parts that may not be 100% interchangeable would be the torch cables. Especially the water cooled torches be careful. some brands of torch have threaded hoses to the torch and some have barbed fittings. Sorry for all the in depth info hope it helps a bit if not ask away!!