iWave 190i MV Parts FAQs
Torches, torch heads, remote controls, trolleys and carry cases for a compact multi-voltage TIG inverter, and how to choose and care for them.
Which parts of a TIG torch wear out first?
Most of the small parts at the torch head are consumables. The collet and collet body wear from the tungsten being pushed in and out, and a tungsten that slips even when the back cap is tight often points to a worn collet or collet body. Cups crack or chip, insulators can crack or melt, and back caps and seals suffer from damaged threads.
Look over these parts whenever you change the tungsten. Replace any that are cracked, burnt, stripped or loose rather than carry on, and do not overtighten the back cap, as that can damage the collet body. A damaged collet body can also upset gas coverage.
How do I find a gas leak or a gas problem at the torch?
If the weld looks porous or discoloured, check the whole gas path before turning up the flow. Both too little and too much flow can cause porosity, because excess flow creates turbulence that draws air into the shield, so more gas does not always help.
Look for a cracked gas hose, loose connections at the regulator or torch, a loose collet body or gas lens, a damaged back cap seal, a cracked cup and draughts at the work. Use a suitable leak-detection fluid on joints, never a flame. Set the flow to the torch and cup maker's advice.
Is a gas lens worth fitting instead of a standard collet body?
A gas lens has fine mesh screens that smooth the shielding gas into a steadier, laminar flow. A gas lens improves protection on sensitive joints such as vertical, corner and edge welds, and it often lets the tungsten extend further from the cup, which can help in awkward joints.
The drawbacks are that the screens can clog, the body can be bulkier, and it needs a compatible cup and sometimes a matching insulator. A standard collet body is simpler and works well for general work. Parts are specific to the torch series, so check your torch's parts list to see which options fit.
How do I choose the right cup size and material?
Cups are normally numbered by size, with the middle sizes used for general work, smaller ones for tight joints and larger ones where wider shielding is needed. A larger cup uses more gas, so the flow may need adjusting. The choice depends mainly on electrode diameter and joint access.
Ceramic cups are the usual general-purpose choice and resist cracking well. Clear glass-type cups let you see the weld area and gas coverage, but treat them with care and keep within the maker's current guidance. Cups are specific to the torch series and do not interchange even when they look alike, so match them to the torch and collet body.