Furick 2 Series TIG Parts FAQs
Cups, gas lenses, diffusers, O-rings and cup kits for a TIG torch, and how to match and look after them.
What is a gas lens and how is it different from a standard collet body?
A standard collet body releases shielding gas through small side holes, which can make the flow turbulent. A gas lens holds the collet in the same way but passes the gas through fine mesh screens, which produces a smoother, more uniform flow.
Trade guidance says a gas lens lets the tungsten extend further out of the cup while keeping good gas cover, and a gas lens usually needs its own matching cups. It is made for the same torch style as the standard part, so check the fit before ordering, and fit the collet size that matches the electrode.
When is a gas lens worth fitting?
A gas lens is most useful when coverage matters: critical or high-quality welds, joints that need a longer electrode extension, such as inside corners, and materials sensitive to contamination, such as stainless steel and titanium. For practice pieces or non-critical joints, a standard collet body is often enough.
A gas lens also tends to be less sensitive to small changes in set-up, so it can help with consistency. It does not cure bad technique, a leaking gas line or draughts, so fit it as part of a sound set-up, and check the cup, collet and tungsten sizes all match.
How do I choose a cup size?
Cups are sized by the diameter of the opening, usually in sixteenths of an inch, so the bigger the number, the bigger the opening. A larger diameter and a longer cup generally give a longer smooth column of gas and better shielding. A smaller cup suits tight access, but it speeds the gas up and can make the flow more turbulent.
Gas lens cups and standard cups are different designs, so use the type that matches your collet body. Choose the largest cup that still lets you see and reach the joint, and adjust the gas flow to suit rather than just increasing it.
What are the pros and cons of clear glass cups compared with ceramic?
The main benefit of a clear heat-resistant glass cup is that you can see the electrode and the weld pool through it, which helps in corners and tight spots. The drawbacks are that glass is more brittle than ceramic, can cloud with fume deposits and heat, and the visibility benefit matters less with larger cups and longer electrode extensions.
Some welders keep a ceramic cup as a spare for general work. Handle glass with care, avoid dragging or knocking it, and replace any cup that is cracked, chipped or badly clouded. Check that the cup is designed for your collet body or gas lens and torch style.