Gas Lens or Gas "Saver" ?

[Welding_Swede]

Just looking for some comments/experiences with TIG torch gas lens systems. I'm trying to figure out which way to go.

I have a Tec Torch Speedway SW-320 water cooled torch on my Syncro 250. It has a 320 amp max capacity in a "20" series sized torch and I like the torch a lot even though its probably overkill for my application. But, most people I talk to really suggest the use of a lens for the type of work I'm trying to become proficient at (stainless food grade tubing). Yeah, I know its difficult work but I have both the time to learn and some experienced SS sanitary welders helping me out.

The question is which way to go with the lens. I have heard both good and bad comments on other threads about the CK Worldwide Gas Saver. Their system has Pyrex cups available and I thought that it might help with visibility. But, it could just be a gimmick. They are a little more expensive and I hear that they break more easily. Since I'm more concerned with being able to get good gas coverage (and yes, I understand that SS tube requires a dual reg. and purge block for the inside) and a slightly longer tungsten extension, I'd rather choose a system that works right the first time.

Are all gas lenses about the same? The CK lens is claiming "up to 40% gas savings" due to the reduced CFH needed with their system. That's a pretty bold statement but worth investing in for me if there's any truth to it.

I called around to every LWS in my area and heard basically the same thing. They all said they had very little experience with the CK product and had only one or two customers that use it. Not a very encouraging piece of info but perhaps its something new? I don't know.

Any ideas?


Thanks,

Eric.

[Baila La Pinza]

Personally, I wouldn't bother shelling out on an expensive CK gas saver kit, you could get several different normal ones for the same price. Normally, a standard size gas lense with a number 6 ceramic is used for walking around tube without filler (a bigger one makes you walk too wide and travel too fast) or for fillet welds where the gas is trapped by the joint geometry anyway (and a larger one stops you getting in). If welding with filler on tube/flat/outside corner then IMO the bigger the better, I use a large size gas lense with a number 12 (3/4") ceramic.

[shlammed]

I am not an experienced welder at all, so take what i say with a grain of salt...

I just bought the CK pyrex kit and i love it. it has reduced the HAZ in my welding (on san pipe for car exhausts read: doesnt need to be perfect) by a signifigant amount.

As a beginner, it is nice for me to be able to see whats going on under there and keep the lense closer to the pipe.

[Baila La Pinza]

A couple of fotos of tig welds on 16swg stainless tube using a normal large gas lense, 1mm filler, 1/16" tungsten and about 40 amps, no pedal, no pulse and a slight 'wobble' on the root

[SundownIII]

Save your money. Go with a standard gas lens and develop your technique.

So many newbies think that the latest "bell and whistle" is going to make up for their lack of experience.

[Welding_Swede]

A standard lens it is then. Thanks for the help everyone.

Sundown, I agree with your statement. If its one thing I've learned over the years - there are no shortcuts or replacements for learning the rudiments and that takes practice and dedication. Seems like a lot of people these days have no patience and expect results quickly without the effort. Thats one of the reasons I decided to take a couple of years at the CC to learn this craft properly.

But, asking questions and searching through the collective knowledge available on this site is also an extremely useful tool. I've picked up an enormous amount of good, reliable info from posters like you and many of the other regulars on this site.

Thanks again.

Eric