Furick 17 Conversion Kit 2.4MM

What is included in this set:

• Stubby 2.4MM gas lens
• Insulator
• 2.4MM Collet (Wedge collet)
• 3 x O-rings

Why do I need this kit?

You require this kit if you intend on using the Fupa12, BBW, MK14, 8Pro or any other gas lens mounted cups on your 17, 18 or 26 torch. The 2.4mm wedge style collet and insulator are also included- you may need to keep your stock insulator- depends on the type of torch. This kit allows you to go into the AC/DC cup range and mount smaller cups for example the #8 ceramic cup (Product code: 53N61S). The gas lens replaces the collet body on your torch.

Stubby gas lens- the purpose of this part is to reduce the size of the torches front end while maintaining good gas coverage- this allows you to weld in confined spaces. These gas lenses are lighter in weight which means better overall comfort for the user. The Furick 17 conversion kit allows you to take your torch length down potentially below 2 inches- ideal if you need to weld in tight spaces. 

How do you install your stubby gas lens? 

First of all you need to remove your current set up- remove the back cap (if using a shorter back cap and tungsten), remove the existing tungsten, insulator and collet. 

When you have your torch stripped back you can first of all attach the insulator, you may then thread the stubby gas lens onto the torch, after this you can thread on your chosen cup. When this is all complete get your stubby tungsten (you may break a longer one down to get the desired length) put it in the collet and drop it into the torch to the desired length. Small tip- the tungsten can generally stick out as far as the diameter of the cup. Once your tungsten is where you want it to be you can screw on the short back cap until it is relatively tight. 

Note if you are using glass cups then you will need to fit an O-ring to the gas lens (there is a machined area below the thread where it will sit comfortably). The glass cups do not have a thread on- they just slide over the O-ring to give it a nice tight fit. 

Why use a gas lens instead of a collet body?

Collet bodies are standard consumables used when TIG welding, the purpose of these parts are to hold electrodes in place and also allow the gas shield to surround the weld pool. The plume of gas over the weld pool comes through the special holes at the end of the collet body, the gas is filtered out but it does not have any specific direction just out of the torch- the shape of the cup aims the gas over the weld pool but it can result in uneven pockets in the gas as it is pushed from the torch.

A gas lens can be used as a replacement to the collet body (not the collet though), it also holds the collet in place and evenly distributes the gas over the weld area. Gas lenses have a mesh screen used as a diffuser which distributes the gas in a laminar pattern over the weld area which allows for less turbulence and a better overall weld. A gas lens allows for increased gas coverage and means the tungsten can stick out further. 

With all welding consumables you must ensure that you use the correct specification of consumables with your torch- this conversion kit allows for you to use smaller welding consumables on your existing WP 17, 18 and 26 torch.

Should I use a glass or ceramic cup?

Ultimately this is a personal choice but each have benefits. Glass cups are useful to use when welding in tight confined spaces as they light up the area as well as allowing you to see through the cup to the weld puddle. Ceramic cups are durable cups and are much cheaper than glass cups. Ceramic cups will improve the spread of gas when welding stainless steels, titanium or nickel-chromium. This improves the shield around the weld pool. Furick cups allow for precision gas coverage around your weld- if you require cups then you can see our full Furick range here. 

What is a wedge collet? 

This conversion kit comes with a wedge collet but there are a number of other options available including the older style split collets. The collet ensures a good electrical connection to allow for high quality welds. Collets come in a range of specifications dependant on your requirements, they come in smaller sizes to fit stubby gas lenses and short back caps.  

Wedge- These collets have an angled end with no slots on the sides. By not having slots in the collet it increases the lifetime of the collet as they are less likely to become deformed or twisted if overtightened. These collets have a chamfer on the end which wedges the tungsten to one side to prevent any movement. These have a better electrical contact with less resistance and require less heat.

Normal collets (also known as a split collet or a standard collet)- these are longer collets which fit with the standard collet bodies, they are great for straightforward TIG welding and made to fit all 17/18 and 26 type welding torches. The split collets hold the electrode firmly in place and the splits on the sides allow the collet to grip the tungsten as it compresses when you tighten the back cap.