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The Furick starter kit is a bundle of Furick gas lenses, stubby collet bodies, collets and specialty ceramic and glass TIG cups made for 17, 18 and 26 series torches. It is aimed at TIG welders who want to try wider gas coverage and better visibility without buying each part separately. It is worth considering if you run one of those torch styles, but note that many of the large cups are DC only, so check your welding mode.
Furick starter kit at a glance
| Part | What is typically included |
|---|---|
| Gas lenses | 1/16, 3/32 and 1/8 in (part numbers 11617GL, 33217GL, 12517GL named in the listing text) |
| Cups | Mix of ceramic and glass, including Jazzy 10, Fupa 12 and BBWSG-style cups |
| Collets and bodies | Stubby collet bodies and collets for the three sizes |
| Extras | Torch insulator, O-rings, install tool, back caps |
| Torch fit | 17, 18 and 26 series torches and equivalents |
The exact contents change between kit versions and sellers. A retailer page for the FU17-SK kit lists wedge collets, stubby bodies, a spare diffuser set and a back cap assortment, but check the Amazon listing for what your version contains.
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What it is and who it suits
Large-diameter glass and ceramic cups paired with gas lenses spread the argon over a wider area. Welders use them to extend the tungsten, to see the puddle better, and to protect hard-to-weld metals such as stainless and titanium from air contamination. The Jazzy 10 and Fupa 12 are known for their size.
This kit suits:
- TIG welders who already own a 17, 18 or 26 style torch and want to experiment with larger shielding.
- Fabricators welding stainless or other metals where extra gas coverage helps.
- Anyone who would otherwise buy several cups and lenses separately.
How to check it fits your setup
- Torch series: Confirm your torch is a 17, 18 or 26 style. Other series use different thread patterns.
- Welding mode: Many large specialty cups are listed for DC only. If you weld aluminum with AC, make sure you have a cup rated for AC, such as a gas lens mount cup. Not every cup in a kit like this suits both AC and DC.
- Current: Glass cups have current limits. Retailers list a limit for some of them, so stay within the stated amperage.
- Tungsten sizes: Confirm you have lenses and collets for the diameters you use.
- Space around the joint: Big cups are bulky. If you weld in tight corners, a smaller cup may serve you better.
Pros and limitations
Pros
- A wide range of cup styles and sizes in one set.
- Gas lenses give smoother flow for improved coverage.
- Comes with tools and spare parts for setup.
Limitations
- Several of the specialty cups are DC only.
- Glass cups are fragile and can crack if dropped or overheated.
- Large cups use more gas and can limit access.
- This is an accessory kit, not a torch. You need a compatible torch and a TIG machine.
How to use and care for the parts
- Check gas lens screens and diffusers for dirt or damage. A clogged lens disrupts flow.
- Use the install tool, not pliers, to seat diffusers so you do not crack the cup.
- Do not overheat glass cups. Let them cool before touching them.
- Set gas flow according to cup size and the maker’s guidance. A bigger cup does not mean the same flow works.
- Clean cups with a soft cloth and non-abrasive cleaner. Inspect for chips before every session.
- Wear an auto-darkening helmet, gloves and eye protection suitable for TIG.
Alternatives and related guides
- For a single named cup, see the Furick BBWSG-16 welding cup review.
- For a different gas lens kit, compare the CK SGL-KITM stubby gas lens kit.
- Check the RIVERWELD TIG glass cups and the jumbo gas lens for alternatives.
- For more cup options, see the ceramic TIG welding cup review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which torches does the Furick starter kit fit?
Retailer pages list it for 17, 18 and 26 series torches and equivalents. Check your torch body or manual, and if you are unsure, contact the seller with a photo before ordering because other series use different threads.
Can I use every cup in the kit for aluminum?
Not necessarily. Several of the large specialty cups are listed for DC only, while certain gas lens mount cups are listed for AC and DC. For aluminum with AC, use a cup the maker confirms for AC work.
Why would I use a gas lens and glass cup?
A gas lens smooths the argon flow, and a large glass cup spreads shielding gas over more area while letting you see the puddle. Welders use them on stainless, titanium and other metals sensitive to air contamination.
Are glass TIG cups fragile?
Yes. Glass cups can crack from impact or if they overheat, and some are rated only up to a stated amperage. Handle them gently, stay within the current limit and replace any cup that is chipped or cracked.
Verdict
The Furick starter kit is a good value bundle for experimenting with gas lenses and large cups, provided your torch is a 17, 18 or 26 style and you check which cups suit AC. Confirm the contents on the listing before ordering.
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