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A TIG cup can improve shielding coverage, but only when the cup, diffuser, tungsten, and torch hardware fit together correctly. The Furick Fupa 12 TIG Welding Cup Kit, model FU12KOKN, gives you two ceramic Fupa #12 cups and one spare diffuser for a specific 3/32-inch DC TIG setup. Its ceramic construction is less fragile than a glass cup, while its narrow compatibility makes pre-purchase checks essential. This review explains what is included, what hardware you still need, and who should choose another cup system.
Quick Verdict
Rating: 8.2/10
Best For: TIG welders using 3/32-inch tungsten with a compatible 9/20 or 17/18/26 torch setup who want a durable ceramic Fupa #12 cup for DC work.
Bottom Line: The kit offers useful value through two ceramic cups, a spare diffuser, and a no-O-ring cup design. It is not universal, and you may need a separate 45V44 gas lens or Furick 17-series adapter kit before you can install it.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Furick Cup |
| Model | Fupa #12 Ceramic Kit, FU12KOKN |
| Product type | TIG welding cup kit |
| Cup design | Fupa #12 ceramic cup |
| Package quantity | 2 ceramic cups and 1 spare diffuser |
| Cup material | Ceramic |
| Tungsten size | 3/32 inch, 2.4 mm only |
| 9/20 torch fit | Requires a compatible 45V44 gas lens |
| 17/18/26 torch fit | Requires the Furick 17KIT adapter setup |
| O-rings | Not required for the ceramic cup |
| Amperage rating | Up to 200 amps, non-continuous use |
| Recommended polarity | DC applications only |
| Diffuser compatibility | Designed for Furick brand cups |
| Package limitation | Required gas lens or torch adapter is not part of the listed cup-and-diffuser package |
What Is the Furick Fupa 12 TIG Welding Cup Kit?
The Furick Fupa 12 Ceramic Kit is a replacement and backup cup package built around Furick’s #12 cup system. Model FU12KOKN includes two ceramic cups and one spare diffuser, so you can keep a second cup available if the first is damaged or set aside for another torch.
This is not a complete torch conversion kit. The cups attach to a 45V44 gas lens on a #9 or #20 torch, or to Furick’s 17KIT hardware on a #17, #18, or #26 torch. The ceramic version is made only for 3/32-inch, 2.4 mm tungsten and does not require O-rings at the cup.
Furick recommends this Fupa #12 version for DC applications and rates it for up to 200 amps under non-continuous use. Those limits make it suitable for many fabrication and practice jobs, but not for every polarity, tungsten size, or high-duty-cycle process.
Before You Buy: Check more than your torch number. Confirm that you have the correct 45V44 gas lens or Furick 17KIT hardware, use 3/32-inch tungsten, and plan to weld on DC. The required mounting hardware is separate from the two cups and spare diffuser.
Who Should Buy It?
Best For
- DC TIG welders already using 3/32-inch tungsten and compatible Furick mounting hardware.
- Shop or mobile welders who prefer ceramic cup durability over the visibility of a glass cup.
- Frequent users who want a second cup and a spare diffuser in one package.
Skip If
- Your main work is AC TIG welding, such as common aluminum jobs.
- You use a tungsten diameter other than 3/32 inch, 2.4 mm.
- You want a universal cup that works with generic diffusers or without extra torch-specific hardware.
Ceramic Cup Design and Durability
The main reason to choose this kit over a glass Fupa #12 is durability. Furick states that the ceramic version performs like the original glass version while adding the strength of ceramic. That can be useful when cups move between a bench, welding cart, toolbox, or mobile repair kit.
Ceramic does not make the cups impact-proof. A drop onto concrete can still chip or crack a cup, and damage near the rim may disturb shielding coverage. Store both cups in a small divided case rather than loose beside collets, back caps, and hand tools.
The tradeoff is visibility. A clear glass cup lets you see through the cup body, while this ceramic version blocks that view. Choose ceramic when handling strength matters more than the extra sightline offered by glass.
Package Contents and Replacement Value
You receive two complete ceramic cups and one spare diffuser. That package is more practical than buying a single cup if the Fupa #12 will stay in your regular rotation. One cup can remain assembled while the other serves as a backup.
The diffuser is a wear component, not a permanent part. Furick advises keeping spares because the diffuser can eventually need replacement. The included extra reduces the chance that a worn or damaged diffuser ends a welding session, but heavy users may still want additional Furick replacements on hand.
Do not assume the package converts every torch by itself. A #9 or #20 torch needs a compatible 45V44 gas lens, while a #17, #18, or #26 torch needs the Furick 17KIT setup. Check the parts already on your torch before comparing the kit’s value with a more complete conversion package.
Compatibility and Tungsten Fit
Compatibility is the kit’s biggest buying filter. The ceramic cups support 3/32-inch, 2.4 mm tungsten only. A welder who regularly switches to 1/16-inch or 1/8-inch tungsten will need another cup or diffuser system rather than forcing a mismatched part.
For #9 and #20 torches, the cup threads onto a 45V44 gas lens. For #17, #18, and #26 torches, it uses Furick’s 17KIT hardware. Matching the torch family alone is not enough if the gas lens or adapter on the torch uses a different thread or cup system.
The ceramic cup does not require O-rings. That removes one small installation part and avoids the O-ring care associated with some glass cup setups. You still need the diffuser seated correctly and the cup tightened without cross-threading.
Diffuser Design and Shielding Coverage
The diffuser controls how shielding gas exits through the cup, so its condition and installation affect performance. Furick specifies that these diffusers are designed for Furick cups and should seal tightly around the cup. Mixing a generic diffuser with this cup can create a poor fit even when the parts look similar.
The screen assembly uses two layers with a gap between them. Furick advises reinstalling the screens in the same arrangement in which they arrive, with the cupped side entering first. Flattening the screens together or reversing the assembly can change the intended gas path.
A large cup cannot correct every gas problem. Leaks, wind, excessive torch angle, contamination, or an incorrectly seated diffuser can still cause oxidation and poor coverage. Inspect the full gas path before increasing flow to compensate for a setup fault.
Setup Tips Before First Use
Begin with the torch disconnected and cool. Confirm the torch family, gas lens or adapter, and tungsten diameter before opening the package. Compare the new parts with your current setup so you can spot a thread or size mismatch before applying force.
Seat the diffuser in the same orientation in which it was supplied. Keep the two screen layers separated by their intended gap, place the cupped side in first, and check that the diffuser seals evenly around the cup. Furick notes that correct screen installation may take more than one attempt.
Thread the ceramic cup on by hand. Stop if you feel binding, uneven resistance, or cross-threading. After assembly, check for leaks and follow the welder, torch, regulator, and cup manufacturer’s instructions for gas flow and tungsten stick-out.
Pro Tip: Keep one cup assembled and store the second cup with the spare diffuser in a labeled parts case. This prevents the Furick diffuser from being mixed with similar-looking generic screens.
How It Performs in Real Use
For Bench Fabrication
On a compatible DC setup, the Fupa #12 gives you a purpose-built large-cup option without the fragility of glass. The ceramic body suits routine bench handling, while the no-O-ring cup installation keeps the parts count simple.
For Shop and Mobile Work
The two-cup package is useful when you carry consumables between work areas. Ceramic is still breakable, but it is a more practical choice than glass when tools are moved often. A protective case remains important because the diffuser screens and cup rim can be damaged.
For Practice and Repeated Starts
Students and experienced welders practicing torch control can benefit from having a backup cup ready. The kit does not make shielding automatic, so you still need to manage torch angle, gas coverage, surface cleanliness, and post-flow.
For Higher-Amperage DC Jobs
Furick rates the cup for up to 200 amps under non-continuous use. That is a ceiling, not a promise of continuous operation at maximum current. For long high-heat runs, monitor the cup and torch setup and use parts rated for the actual duty cycle.
Compatibility and Safety Notes
Use this cup only as part of a correctly assembled TIG system. Follow the instructions for your welder, torch, regulator, gas cylinder, and personal protective equipment. Keep the torch cool before changing ceramic parts or touching hardware near the front end.
Do not use the kit as an AC-rated cup when the manufacturer recommends DC-only applications. Do not exceed the stated 200-amp non-continuous limit, and do not substitute a different tungsten size simply because it can be inserted through part of the assembly.
Inspect the cup for cracks, chips, damaged threads, and contamination. Also inspect the diffuser for loose, flattened, clogged, or displaced screens. Replace worn Furick diffusers rather than trying to reshape badly damaged screen layers.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Includes two ceramic Fupa #12 cups instead of one.
- Comes with a spare Furick diffuser for maintenance or replacement.
- Ceramic construction is better suited to regular handling than a glass cup.
- Fits supported #9/#20 and #17/#18/#26 torch setups with the correct hardware.
- No O-rings are required for the ceramic cup installation.
Cons
- Recommended for DC-only applications, limiting its use for common AC TIG work.
- The ceramic version supports only 3/32-inch, 2.4 mm tungsten.
- Required gas lens or adapter hardware may need to be purchased separately, and the diffuser is Furick-specific.
Is It Worth the Price?
The Furick Fupa 12 Ceramic Kit offers strong value when you already own the correct gas lens or adapter and plan to use this cup regularly. Two cups and a spare diffuser give you a working setup plus useful backup parts, which is more practical than a single-cup purchase.
Its value drops if you must also buy mounting hardware or if you switch tungsten sizes often. It is worth considering for a dedicated 3/32-inch DC setup, but it is not the best fit for someone building a universal consumables kit.
Before ordering, compare the total cost of the cups, required 45V44 or 17KIT hardware, and future diffusers. That full-system cost is a better measure than the cup package price alone.
How It Compares to Alternatives
The glass Fupa #12 is the closer alternative if you want to see through the cup and are willing to accept a more fragile material. Furick’s mixed ceramic-and-glass kits make sense when you want both handling durability and a clear-cup option without committing to one material.
A standard smaller ceramic gas-lens cup may be cheaper and easier to source, but it will not provide the same Fupa #12 format. The FU12KOKN kit makes the most sense when you specifically want the Furick system, already use compatible hardware, and prefer two ceramic cups.
Frequently Asked Questions
What comes in the Furick Fupa 12 Ceramic Kit?
Model FU12KOKN includes two ceramic Fupa #12 cups and one spare diffuser. The listed package is a cup-and-diffuser kit, not a complete torch conversion package.
Does it include the 45V44 gas lens or 17KIT adapter?
The listed contents are two cups and a spare diffuser. For a #9 or #20 torch, you need a compatible 45V44 gas lens. For a #17, #18, or #26 torch, you need Furick’s 17KIT hardware.
What tungsten size does the ceramic Fupa #12 support?
This ceramic version is made for 3/32-inch, 2.4 mm tungsten only. Choose another cup or diffuser setup if your work requires a different tungsten diameter.
Can you use the Furick Fupa 12 Ceramic Kit for AC TIG?
Furick recommends this Fupa #12 ceramic kit for DC-only applications. Choose a cup that is clearly rated for your AC process instead of treating the 200-amp statement as an AC approval.
Does the ceramic cup require O-rings?
No O-rings are required for this ceramic cup. You still need the correct gas lens or adapter, a properly seated diffuser, and clean threads for a secure installation.
How should the diffuser screens be installed?
Keep the two screen layers arranged with the intended gap between them and insert the cupped side first. The diffuser should seal tightly around the cup, and Furick notes that correct installation can take a few attempts.
Can you use a generic replacement diffuser?
Furick states that the diffuser is designed for Furick brand cups. A generic part may not seal or position the screen layers correctly, so use the matching replacement specified for the cup.
Who should skip this TIG cup kit?
Skip it if you need AC use, another tungsten size, a clear cup, or a universal setup that accepts generic consumables. It is also a poor value if you do not want to buy the required gas lens or adapter hardware.
The Bottom Line
The Furick Fupa 12 Ceramic Kit earns an 8.2/10 for welders with a compatible 3/32-inch DC TIG setup who value two durable cups and a spare diffuser. Its main strength is the practical ceramic twin pack, while its main limitation is narrow compatibility and the possible need for separate mounting hardware.
Buy it when you already use, or plan to build, the correct 45V44 or Furick 17KIT setup. Skip it when you need AC support, another tungsten diameter, clear-cup visibility, or broad cross-brand compatibility.
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