contact tip

[Weld65]

On a typical mig welder......
Should the contact tip extend pass the gas nozzle or
should the tip be recessed into the nozzle?
And.... how far should the tip extend or be recessed? 1/8", 3/16"?

Thanks

[ASKANDY]

weld65,

Good question.

It really doesn't matter. Some companies prefer to give recessed tips as standard. MILLER supplies flush tips. The main thing is how gas coverage is with that type of gun, the arc length, and stickout that you weld at. Some individuals prefer an extended tip to better see the stickout and arc length. Many people use the recessed tips when welding spray or pulse spray modes. This helps keep the tip cooler and prevents swelling of the tip that could pinch the wire. Keep in mind that an extended tip could have the chance of shorting to the work piece if you get too close and is more easily damaged by spatter.

Hope this helps.

Andy

[aametalmaster]

I like the tip to be inside a little, as Andy said it will short out if it touches. I used to weld sheet metal inside corners all day long and I found if it stuck out I always had problems plus it gives more area for splatter build up in the nozzle..Bob

[cope]

Re: contact tip

Originally posted by Weld65
On a typical mig welder......
Should the contact tip extend pass the gas nozzle or
should the tip be recessed into the nozzle?
And.... how far should the tip extend or be recessed? 1/8", 3/16"?

Thanks

I just acquired a like new Esab Gunmaster 250 (Tregaskiss). The manual for it recommends recess for Spray and either flush or extended for short arc with the extended for lower settings and recessed areas. The recess looks about 1/8" and the stickout about the same. This is using standard tips. The HD tips are longer and addabout 1/4" length.

If your nozzle is threaded ala Tweco this isn't an option

[klsm54]

Re: Re: contact tip

Originally posted by cope
..........If your nozzle is threaded ala Tweco this isn't an option

Ah, but it is an option with Tweco guns too cope .

Tweco screw on nozzles are available in at least two lengths, a 1/8" recess and flush, and in the larger guns, also an 1/8" projection. Tweco controls the contact tip position with different length nozzles instead of different length contact tips. And of course, many welders prefer slip on style nozzles for than very reason, they can easily adjust the position of the tip/nozzle opening without changing anything.

[aametalmaster]

There was many a day I yanked off the nozzle and ran a 4 1/2" disc over the tip to shorten it up. Especialy when the nozzle is wore down..Bob

[Danny]

In short circuit transfer mode where you're dealing with a relatively short stickout length (1/4"- 1/2"), having the contact tip flush with the nozzle or extended past an 1/8" is the recommend range. I tend to favor having the contact tip extended past the nozzle. On units like my MM 175 that only has a flush mounted nozzle available, I shorten the length of the nozzle by an 1/8".

[cope]

Re: Re: Re: contact tip

Originally posted by klsm54
Ah, but it is an option with Tweco guns too cope .

Tweco screw on nozzles are available in at least two lengths, a 1/8" recess and flush, and in the larger guns, also an 1/8" projection. Tweco controls the contact tip position with different length nozzles instead of different length contact tips. And of course, many welders prefer slip on style nozzles for than very reason, they can easily adjust the position of the tip/nozzle opening without changing anything.

I was speaking of the Mini-Mig and #1. I know the larger guns are slip on. I was not aware of different length nozzles for the smaller guns. Thanks for the info.

[klsm54]

Unfortunately cope, most dealers, or on-line places are not aware of the different length nozzles either...

But there are definitly two lengths made for the mini-mig and #1 guns. You may have to have your distributor order them, just like the three lengths of screw on nozzles that are available for the larger guns. It is one of those things, unfortunately, that we as distibutors do a poor job of when informing our customers. Tweco puts a nozzle on the gun, and that is what we sell, until somebody sets us straight.

[cope]

Originally posted by klsm54
Unfortunately cope, most dealers, or on-line places are not aware of the different length nozzles either...

But there are definitly two lengths made for the mini-mig and #1 guns. You may have to have your distributor order them, just like the three lengths of screw on nozzles that are available for the larger guns. It is one of those things, unfortunately, that we as distibutors do a poor job of when informing our customers. Tweco puts a nozzle on the gun, and that is what we sell, until somebody sets us straight.

Thanks for the information, I will pass it own to whoever inherits the gun. I like the 12' Gun Master much better and it has the sliding nozzle.

[HAWK]

I run a flush tip with short arc, glob transfer, and spray. I like to keep things simple. That's one less variable in the equation.

[Paul Seaman]

HAWK;
I agree

[paulrbrown]

By the way, Miller offers 3 Nozzle lengths for the M25 & M40 guns which are MADE BY Tregassis for Miller, recessed,flush, and stick out.
Guy's I know put Miller contact tips in Tweco guns, way too short and recessed about 3/4 inch which gives them lot's of splatter, they don't believe me when I say flush for short circuit, they say it is the wire or feeder or the machine causing the mess???? Miller has proprieitary parts, so don't try mixing with Tregassis stuff, but both are Great!!!!, I also have a Tweco, but always carry my Miller's when I go to new shop to work....Pay attention to that stickout length, It will make ya or break ya...Paul

[paulrbrown]

I guess I just made the Low Precentage group with that thread, don't think I will ever catch up to the MAN ----'Hawk' Keep um coming, I really look forward to reading all you guy's and gal's out there, nobody here understands what I am saying or even wants to Speak WELDing.....Paul