Ahp Tig welder 200x

[CNC Dan]

Ok, as suggested by CNC-Dan, I got a stubby gas lens kit from HTP. All I can say is the torch is now infinitely better. Even my fillet welds look pretty good. Now Kenny at the shop says he doesn't use one, but does own them. Obvious from his welds he doesn't need it. But for me the gas lens is like night and day different. No idea why. I'll post some weld pics when it cools off here, the shop was about 105 in there today. It may be just me, but if you're new to TIG get a gas lens.

Glad it worked out. I like using mine to allow greater tungsten stick out.

 

[Fawken]

Glad it worked out. I like using mine to allow greater tungsten stick out.

It's not just that for me. The heat seems to be more forgiving or something. On fillet welds 1/8" aluminum I was having trouble getting a puddle on the vertical piece and the bottom piece at the same time without overheating the vertical piece. Not now. Maybe the arc seems tighter if that's possible. The cleaning is definitely improved as well. The one at HTP was pricey, but it says "American Made." Definitely better quality than the collets that came with the torch.

 

[Fawken]

Just an update, I'm a little past half way through my third argon bottle with this welder. No complaints and still starts flawlessly and maintains a steady arc. The gas lens kit has really improved my welds.

This is a fillet weld I did last night on 1/8" aluminum (and some practice beads if you can see them):


View from backside of fillet weld:

 

[CNC Dan]

Not bad at all.

 

[Fawken]

Not bad at all.

Thanks Dan. I was wondering why my pics are so blurry and dull lately. Noticed this morning that the glass, lens protector is cracked in 3 places. I took the glass shards out with tweezers so we will see an improvement. When the actual camera lens gets to be unserviceable that will be new phone time.