Ok,

So I have had my Miller 180SD for a few months now, haven't really been welding much the last 2 months since it was 45 degrees in the garage, that makes for one SWEATY *** welder so I decided to take a break.

I have the standard DB17 torch with 1/16th and 3/32nd Collet and Collet body's with a # 7 alum. nozzle..standard stuff that comes with the machine.

I keep seeing posts about Gas nozzle and how most people are using it. Couple of questions first:

1. what is the advantage over the regular nozzle? Better gas distribution/coverage while welding?

2. Is it only for stainless or good for mild and aluminum welding as well?

I have the part#'s that i need to purchase since I have the tig parts list and diagram so that was easy, the only thing I don't know is:

3. Do I still use the collet and collet body or are these replaced when using the Gas lens?

4. I see people talk about they use the biggest gas lens they can get..does this mean for a 1/16th electrode you would get a 1/16th gas lens but then a larger gas lens nozzle like say a #8 or #10?

So what I am ordering tomorrow are:

-Insulator Gas Lens Med
-Gas lens Med 1/16th
-Gas lens Med 3/32nd
-Gas lens Nozzle med 1/16th
-Gas lens Nozzle Med 3/32nd

5. Anything else you suggest I buy while I'm ordering, maybe something I'm missing.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, I love this forum, lots of great info and projects, really inspiring.

Jay

 

Heres some pics of a lense







EDIT: you can buy that from Camcarb at Weston Rd and finch in Toronto


http://www.camcarb.com

Ask for Murray


Modified by essex at 3:37 AM 9/13/2005


Modified by essex at 3:38 AM 9/13/2005

 

WOW, that really helps, that's awesome, thanks essex.

I'll contact camcarb tomorrow as well to get a price, probably cheaper then from air liquide.

 

Can someone answer these questions that I still am wondering about...

1. what is the advantage over the regular nozzle? Better gas distribution/coverage while welding?

2. Is it only for stainless or good for mild and aluminum welding as well?

4. I see people talk about they use the biggest gas lens they can get..does this mean for a 1/16th electrode you would get a 1/16th gas lens but then a larger gas lens nozzle like say a #8 or #10?

So what I am ordering tomorrow are:

-Insulator Gas Lens Med
-Gas lens Med 1/16th
-Gas lens Med 3/32nd
-Gas lens Nozzle med 1/16th
-Gas lens Nozzle Med 3/32nd

5. Anything else you suggest I buy while I'm ordering, maybe something I'm missing.

 

Jay,
1. Advantage is better gas coverage, and directs the gas more towards your weld puddle. Because of this, you can actually use less gas because it is more efficient.
2. It is great for all kinds of welding. It allows you to see your weld puddle MUCH better also.
3. The gas lense itself is only for one size tungsten, just like your standard collet body in your torch now. The only thing you can change would be the gas cup size...which yes the more the gas the better, but you waste alot too..you have to find the happy medium, in order to get plenty of gas coverage, but also not watse a bunch.
Good Luck! Hope this helps!
Kyle

 

I have different gas lenses for each size tungsten. Not sure how necessary it is, but they sell them in different sizes so that's how i got them.

 

Thanks for the great info guys, I really appreciate it.

going to buy the Gas lens stuff tomorrow, can't wait to try it out.

 

You can actually use a 1/8" gas lens with 3/32 tungsten and collet if you want/need to.

I use 3/32 tungsten for everything...unless I'm running more amperage than it can handle and then I go up to 1/8"

There's really no need for 1/16" tungsten. I've welded stuff all the way down to .006" thick with 3/32" tungsten.