A TIG collet is a small, cylindrical device that is used to hold the tungsten electrode in place in a TIG welding torch. It is made of a heat-resistant material, such as brass or copper, and has a tapered bore that fits snugly around the electrode. The collet is held in place by a collet body, which is attached to the torch handle.
TIG collets come in a variety of sizes, to accommodate different diameters of tungsten electrodes. The size of the collet is indicated by a number, such as 10N24. The first number (10) refers to the collet body size, and the second number (24) refers to the orifice size. The orifice size is the diameter of the hole in the collet, and it determines the size of the arc that is produced.
When choosing a TIG collet, it is important to select the correct size for the tungsten electrode that you will be using. If the collet is too small, the electrode will not fit snugly and may slip out of place. If the collet is too large, the electrode will not be held securely and may arc wander.
TIG collets are a consumable item, and they should be replaced regularly. The frequency of replacement will depend on the amount of welding that you do. In general, collets should be replaced every few months, or sooner if they become damaged.
Here are some of the benefits of using a TIG collet:
Here are some of the risks of not using a TIG collet:
