I see alot of different options out there. My Lincoln has a number 17 on the side of the handle, so I assume any #17 torch will fit. Lincoln sells a gas lense conversion kit (conversion?...yeah, that's what the book says) for like 125.00. I just say buy a different torch that fits a gas lense easier.

I looked around through google, saw all kinds of different angles, handle styles, etc. Just really would like some recommendations. My lincoln is gas cooled by the way.

Anyone with any water cooling conversion tips would be awesome though...can I convert my PT185 to water cooling for the hell of it since I changing torches anyway. I know Big Moose from TOO's forum did the conversion....just can't access that post anymore, Endyn won't allow it.

I use the machine 3 days out of the week, and I use it alot so water cooled would be nice, but not absolutely necessary...I've gone this long without it.

 

$125 for a kit wth? Is your #17 a bastard and wont accept normal parts?

I just pick up a lense for $4.50 and a #8 cup for like $1 and I'm on my way. I suggest talking to your local welding supply place.

I hate to say it but if you really can't hook a lense up for like $5 and change then it's another strike against lincoln

 

Well, the welding supply place is in this run-down town...a town polluted with drugs, ******, and alcohol...nothing they say can be trusted.

I looked at some gas lenses, and honestly they seem like they'd screw right on....just didn't wanna waste money buying the thing cause I'm a cheap bastard. Then again...if I buy the lense and it doesn't fit, I'll buy the torch anyway, but if it does fit then I save money...hmmmm.

The torch on my lincoln is a PTA-17....anyone know if that'll fit standard parts?

 

I have the same machine and the same torch, yes you can just buy standard cups, lenses, collets and collet bodies as with any #17 torch.

If you have the money and use your machine often, consider a water cooler upgrade, they are excellent.

Edit: all this stuff is on ebay, as well as the websites for indiana oxygen co, welding depot, etc.

 

If you are in doubt just unplug your torch and take it with you to the local Airgas store. Yes they are usually morons but they will let you test fit pretty much anything your little heart desires.


Yeah watercooled torches are sweet. If you have to cash just do it. In the mean time hook that thang up with a cheap lense setup.

 

Stupid bastards at that shop, I freakin knew it!

Going to get me some damn gas lense and stuff mane !!!!

How far can you pull out the tungsten and still get gas coverage when you use the gas lense? Also, can I still use my collet? I just have to get the gas lense itself and the cup for it correct?

Also, does everyone use the standard or large diameter lenses?


Modified by RC000E at 5:58 PM 9/15/2006

 

I usually have a #8. You can use your standard collet but the lense will replace your collet body(they are one piece)

I've pulled my tungsten out about 1 1/2in before. It really depends on what type of weld you are doing.

 

Because the lense will replace the collet body, be sure you have the appropriate size for the tungsten you will be using (like 1/8" or 3/32, etc). As for cup size, use the biggest you can get away with. How far out can you stick your tunsgten? hmmmm well I guess you could have it 7 inches out if you took the regulator off your bottle and just had 2000psi of argon going
Seriously, you can get away with a little more stick out than you normally would. Playing with it and finding out is pretty much the only way to know.
There's always someone on ebay unloading tons of different cups in a lot for very cheap, I suggest buying an assortment to go with your new lense.

 

If your going to go water cooled then the 20 is the way to go. smaller than a 17 and easier to weld with by it with the silicone hoses ebay indiana oxygen supply

 

Well....last night after posting back and forth here, I had my entire order set up...then had to run. So I have to reorder everything. I had lenses, collets, cups, and everything...parts for both 1/16 and 3/32.

The water cooled I think will wait for now...little expensive...gonna wait til I can come up with an ultracheap diy setup.

Looks like I will have my stuff shortly....wish I wouldv'e just went with my gut and bought the stuff in the first place....I trusted the quack at the welding shop though. Oh well.....should be all good shortly.

 

Update: For searchers that want to get a setup for a 17 torch...here's what I ordered....should be right...LOL. I got standard lenses for both 1/16 and 3/32, plus I got a "jumbo" lense for 1/16. I got collets, a few different cups for the standard lenses, and two cups (1/2" dia, 3/4" dia) for the jumbo. I am hoping the jumbo will allow me to move out the tungsten a bit...we'll see. This is all from WeldingDepot.com

1 45V25 Gas Lens Collet Body 45V25 .062 $4.00
1 45V26 Gas Lens Collet Body 45V26 .093 $4.00
1 54N14 Alumina Gas Lens Nozzle 54N14 #8 $0.83
1 54N15 Alumina Gas Lens Nozzle 54N15 #7 $0.83
1 54N16 Alumina Gas Lens Nozzle 54N16 #6 $0.83
1 10N23 Collet 10N23 .062 $0.70
1 10N24 Collet 10N24 .093 $0.70
1 54N01 Nozzle Gasket 54N01 $1.50
1 45V116 Gas Lens Collet Body Large Dia. 45V116 .062 $8.43
1 54N63 Nozzle Gasket 54N63 $3.30
1 57N74 Alumina Gas Lens Nozzle Large Dia. 57N74 #8 $2.23
1 53N87 Alumina Gas Lens Nozzle 53N87 #12 $2.23

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SUBTOTAL $29.58
SALES TAX $0.00
SHIPPING $10.55
ORDER TOTAL $40.13