tungsten/ ceramic

[simon718]

getting stuff ready to start tigging shortly, is this the correct profile for a sharpened 2.4mm grey tipped tungsten, for DC?

also, what do the little symbols mean beside the numbers on this ceramic?

thanks

 

[Shox Dr]

8= 8x 1/16"

so the hole size will be 1/2"

 

[Tungsten Sharpener]

point should be 2.5 times the diameter in length ish, so a little blunt me reckons.

TS

 

[Hitch]

Not really, you want it roughly about the same as a pencil.
The angle does affect the arc, but l=2.5 x d is a good guideline for starting off.

 

[JayRS4]

Oh, and it hink you`ll find the arrows and stick is actually a P as in parweld

 

[Hitch]

Yes, thats the parweld logo

 

[simon718]

will go resharpen it in a minute and see what you'se think, cheers

oops but its only on 2 out of the 8 ceramics i got

 

[simon718]

this better? sharpened part measures just over 6mm

 

[Hitch]

Spot on Simon, looks like youve got the grain of the grind running to the point aswell?

 

[Hitch]

On a quick safety note, how are you holding it while grinding? I always hold it so the point is facing down. That way if your wheel bites it it wont fire it through your hand.

 

[Welderpaul]

I always find the straighter the point, the better control of the arc you will have - yours looks to be a little off. You'll soon get the hang of it.
Tungstens get very hot very quickly when grinding. Use a dedicated grinding wheel as not to contaminate it with anything else.
I'm on the look out for a little bench grinder - some have 4 inch wheels, then i'm not tempted to use it for anything else!

 

[simon718]

Hitch - yep, the grain is running to the point. i was holding the tungsten above the grinder, didnt fancy sharpening it up the ways too much

paul, i bought one of the cheap (£15) little bench grinders from b&q, one side for drill bits, the other for tungstens

 

[tracer]

is it best to let the tungsten cool down naturely or dip it in something?

how do they differ for ones for steel and ali ?

should the tip be ground the same for steel, ali ?

 

[Shox Dr]

it depends on the welding set, transformer type need a balled end, Sq wave (most Inverters) can use a pointed end

 

[hotrodder]

Angle of the tip has quite an effect on the shape of the arc (which in turn effects puddle), there's also a trade off between longevity of the tip and arc stability. More detail here but bear in mind this site is more oriented towards automated/orbital kit and so can be OTT for manual welding. Having said all that i'd do as the others suggested and stick with a tip around 2.5D long for now

You can cool 'em in water while sharpening but i find it easier to simply have a mass sharpening session (switch when they get hot) with a fresh pack of tungstens. A pin vice or a slow drill works well for sharpening short tungstens (for use with a short back cap/speciality miini torch)