Tip for TIG welding. Do it or not

[zst]

I have just read following tip for TIG welding:
"Never grind both ends of the tungsten."
Well, I do it always. I use 1.6 mm and 2.4 mm, "2% La" tungsten. I cannot mix or make a mess with different types or diameters. So, by having always 10 pointed tungsten at both sides, I do not waste "production" time with "waste of time" for sharpening. Simply I do it when I am not so busy.

Is there some real reason not to point both ends?

 

[carlos420uk]

I do the same (Sharpen both ends), and personally haven't noticed anything different between them and new Tungsten's that have only been sharpened at one end.

Was there a logical reason given for this "Tip"?

If there is any truth to the theory then it would also mean it's a no no to cut your Tungsten's in half to use a smaller back cap / torch / micro torch etc. See my point (No pun intended lol) ?

 

[chevy2]

If you get a snot of filler of filler rod on the tip of the tungsten you cant simply turn it around as it wont go through the collet so you now need to take the back cap off.
Why not keep a pack of pre-ground (one end only) in your pocket or nearby then regrind them all at once.

 

[langy]

If you get a snot of filler of filler rod on the tip of the tungsten you cant simply turn it around as it wont go through the collet so you now need to take the back cap off.
Why not keep a pack of pre-ground (one end only) in your pocket or nearby then regrind them all at once.

Yup thats what i do

 

[wyn]

As chevy2 says if you get a big lump of rubbish on the end you can't turn it round easily.
I usually cut a new box of tungstens all in half and sharpen up 20 and resharpen when the job is finished ready for next time.

 

[chevy2]

And to add, if you do get a lump on the tip and choose to fit it from the back and then get another lump on the new end you then HAVE to snap the tungsten to get it out from the collet!

 

[NewHampshire]

In college I was always told not to do it for two reasons, one being a safety reason you can accidently stab yourself in the hand when placing it in the torch, number two reason which makes sense, it could also poke through the end cap, hence breaking your equipment.

 

[chevy2]

Another not to reason, if you use a gas lens you're more likely to puncture the gauze with a pointed tungsten when fitting it.

 

[biffa]

All the points about getting it stuck and piecing the gas lens is rubbish, if you only sharpen one end you have to take twice as many trips to the grinder. With both ends sharpened if you ball up one end you don't have to use the other, and if it won't go into the collet with a gentle push again don't use it, when on site you double the amount of tips you have.

 

[Shox Dr]

As Biffa says. I've a drill case full of freshly ground, and another slowly filling with dohs!

Once in a while I'll regrind them and start agin

 

[Lawnmowerboy]

Yeah, I have 3 or 4 sharpened at both ends and keep them on the bench, If it's a lot of little stop start runs where you're more likely to touch down then you're forever at the grinder if you only have one sharp end.

 

[hotrodder]

My thinking is that this tip is aimed more at beginners who are more likely to have 'proper' touch downs/regularly feed 1/2" worth of wire into the tungsten etc than as general advice. From the health 'n safety nazis POV i'm thinking sharpening both ends is more dangerous when, err, sharpening 'em... those with common sense will hold them in a way that won't drive one end into their palm if it goes wrong but common sense is rare and it'll go in easier/further if sharp

Personally i don't sharpen both ends, a pack of ten cut up for med and short back caps = a lot of tungsten. If i needed that many for a mobile job i'd be thinking about finding a new job

 

[gavuk]

I grind both ends ,if I do cock up and the tungsten cannot be reversed in the torch ,i just break the tip off,which removes contamination and allows you to reverse in the torch....

of course I don't pay for anything at work

 

[Shox Dr]

Personally i don't sharpen both ends, a pack of ten cut up for med and short back caps = a lot of tungsten. If i needed that many for a mobile job i'd be thinking about finding a new job

A mate that stil works for the extraction company, refuses to grind them past half way. So saves them up and gives them to me, I must have 2 6mm drill cases full

 

[bert]

I have 3 or 4 tungstens sharpened on rotation, i only sharpen one end so it keeps the colour on the other end so I dont mix them up.

 

[Alex-the-tig]

It is considered not to be good practice to grind both ends as tungsten types cannot be identified easily when the coloured end is removed. In an aviation manufacturing sector things like this can be a problem when audited as the caa are very thorough!

 

[Will_Davis]

It is considered not to be good practice to grind both ends as tungsten types cannot be identified easily when the coloured end is removed. In an aviation manufacturing sector things like this can be a problem when audited as the caa are very thorough!

Why not just paint a band in the middle of the rod?

I only use two grades at the mo. Red and gray. Red is easy ( Misses Nail varnish ) , Grey No probs the rod is grey.

For other colours raid the daughters nail varnish suplly: Gold/Blue/Green/Purple/WHY they are all there!!

 

[langy]

Why not just paint a band in the middle of the rod?

I only use two grades at the mo. Red and gray. Red is easy ( Misses Nail varnish ) , Grey No probs the rod is grey.

For other colours raid the daughters nail varnish suplly: Gold/Blue/Green/Purple/WHY they are all there!!

What happens when they get shorter ??? I can't see the point in grinding both ends, If you are a half decent welder you won't dip the tungsten. I just keep one on the side but very rarely use it.

 

[Alex-the-tig]

I use a pack of 10 ceriated tungstens about every 5 months, ground at one end and used until they become a pain to grind! (about 2" long) welding thin stainless assemblies and titanium skins for aircraft engines.
It's easy to go into a daze while welding and not pay attention closeness of the tungsten to the workpiece, resulting in a touch down.
When I was honing my skills I made sure I paid more attention to this distance, trying to keep it as constant as possible.
These things will only come with practice, that is if you're not happy with just being average.

 

[dannyp]

its a pain when you loose the coloured band.

also if you need to sharpen both ends buy more tungstens.