17GL18 - Miller 17GL18 Stubby Gas Lens 1/8 Inch (2-Pack)

Technical Specifications and Compatibility

The Miller Weldcraft 17GL18 is a specialized gas lens body designed for use with 1/8" (3.2mm) tungsten electrodes. It is engineered to fit standard 17, 18, and 26 series TIG torches, including both air-cooled and water-cooled models. This component is essential for converting a standard torch setup into a "stubby" configuration. By replacing the standard long gas lens or collet body with the 17GL18, operators can utilize shorter alumina nozzles (typically the 53N series), thereby reducing the front-end length of the torch assembly by approximately 25-30%.

Operational Benefits

Implementing a gas lens system is one of the most effective upgrades for a TIG torch. The 17GL18 features a fine mesh screen that acts as a gas diffuser. This diffuser eliminates the turbulence associated with standard collet bodies, creating a column of laminar gas flow. This technical improvement offers two main benefits:

• Improved Shielding: The stable gas column is more resistant to cross-drafts and provides a wider coverage area over the heat-affected zone (HAZ).
• Extended Stick-Out: The laminar flow maintains shielding integrity even when the tungsten is extended significantly past the cup, improving joint access and visibility.

Installation and Parts

To install the 17GL18, simply remove the existing collet body and nozzle from your 17/18/26 torch. Thread the stubby gas lens into the torch head. Note that this gas lens requires compatible stubby collets and specific nozzles (53N series) to function correctly; standard 10N series cups will not fit this body. This product is sold as a pack of 2, providing excellent value for professional fabricators and MRO shops requiring reliable inventory of high-wear consumables.