retaining cup/drag shield (Air Force 400)

[sts]

Another newbie question, the manual parts breakdown (airforce 400) for figure 8-3 consumable parts shows 2 different tips and retaining cups. the unit came with 202 808 cup and the 176 656 tip. what is the difference between the other set shown and when would you use them?

[Rocky D]

Another newbie question, the manual parts breakdown (airforce 400) for figure 8-3 consumable parts shows 2 different tips and retaining cups. the unit came with 202 808 cup and the 176 656 tip. what is the difference between the other set shown and when would you use them?

The one you have is for the 1/8" stand-off, used when you have an automatic CNC machine or you just don't like to drag your torch on the material you are cutting...enables you to see the line better...requires a 1/8" gap between torch and material...the other is a contact drag tip, preferred by most folks...you can drag the tip on the material, you just can't see your lines as well. Also, lots of folks don't use a shaded lens, just keep the torch between you and the flame.