So, I Got some Huntingdon Fusion multi-strikes.

[Pete.]

I have used up just about all my white tipped tungstens so I bought a packet of ten 2.4mm multi-strikes. On the packet it says they cover all tig and plasma welding applications. So, does this mean I can safely dump all my red-tip DC tungstens and just use these for all my welding?

It suits me well if I can use these for AC and DC just by grinding them differently but I am aware that 'covers all types of tig welding' might not be the same as 'ideal tungsten for all types of tig welding'. What's the truth here are these as good as using any other tungsten?

 

[Richard.]

Multi purpose tungstens are nothing new. Lanthanated and ciriated are both acdc tungstens as well. I don't suggest you throw them away that's just a waste. But the hfms tungstens will do all you need. I used to be a red and white man and switch to hfms on the advice of HR. I now would not look back but I've still got a load of others that I keep for a rainy day or if I've got a bit of galv that needs a spot (I won't use my best tungstens for that). 2% lanth (blue) are a good multipurpose one also.

 

[Windy Miller]

I have used up just about all my white tipped tungstens so I bought a packet of ten 2.4mm multi-strikes. On the packet it says they cover all tig and plasma welding applications. So, does this mean I can safely dump all my red-tip DC tungstens and just use these for all my welding?

It suits me well if I can use these for AC and DC just by grinding them differently but I am aware that 'covers all types of tig welding' might not be the same as 'ideal tungsten for all types of tig welding'. What's the truth here are these as good as using any other tungsten?

Let me know how you get on with them Pete - I'd like to have a try too...

 

[Richard.]

Yes IMO the multistrkes are better at ac and dc than the other types available. They keep a point on dc for longer than thoriated they ball up so evenly under load. Better than zirconiated and they are marginally better than 2% lanth as a multipurpose IMO. Others may not agree with the last statement but I've got both and prefer the hfms.

 

[Richard.]

A good tungsten on dc should stay sharp and bright after a good number of strikes but you have to help it out by using the right size in the current range, enough post flow to prevent oxidation and only have what you really need Petruding the cup. On ac you need the right current/ balance combination along with all of the above. Get this wrong and even the best tungstens won't perform.

 

[roofman]

A good tungsten on dc should stay sharp and bright after a good number of strikes but you have to help it out by using the right size in the current range, enough post flow to prevent oxidation and only have what you really need Petruding the cup. On ac you need the right current/ balance combination along with all of the above. Get this wrong and even the best tungstens won't perform.

Whats the best length Richard on say 1.6 welding 3mm stainless? ime having problems with the cup getting in the way sometimes as i tend to use the edge to stop the tungsten dipping but maybe ime too short on my point

 

[Richard.]

3mm stainless flat? You don't need much sticking out at all for a flat position weld. 3-5mm just enough so you can see where your going the closer your cup is over the pool the better in ALL CASES. Sometimes it's not always possible with joint type and tight gap etc so you then need to extend the electrode out further because a tighter arc length is even more important. In this case the gas flow needs to go up to compensate. It's all logistics really.

 

[Pete.]

Let me know how you get on with them Pete - I'd like to have a try too...

Pop round and pick one up you can try one of mine mate. Not this weekend though I'm out for the most of it.

 

[arthur]

I use them for DC, AC, Mild, Stainless and Tig brazing.