Question on possible tungsten dip contamination.

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06-24-2014, 09:59 PM
Frank

Question on possible tungsten dip contamination.

Hello

I've been practicing on tungsten gap and rod filler hand control, I touched the tungsten into the puddle a few times and noticed that the arc turned in to a bluish:green color I continued to weld and noticed some splatter and when I was done I also noticed a reddish/orange rust color around the areas of where the tungsten tuched the puddle. Now am I able to reuse the tungsten or would it be best to break of the effected piece of it ? Or regarding the end ? Also when I Reuse a filler rod is it recommended to clip the end from the pervious weld or will it be fine to add to the new puddle ?
Thanks in advance
Frank
06-24-2014, 10:33 PM
DaveO

If you dip the tungsten, best practice is to swap it out for another right away. You can re-sharpen the dipped one, rather than break it off. There's a lot of discussion about how to sharpen tungstens, so if you need a primer, just let us know.

OK to re-use filler from puddle to puddle, no worries, because ideally you keep the filler rod within the envelope of shielding gas. Jody at WT&T has a video devoted to three TIG pitfalls to avoid, and keeping the filler inside the shielding gas envelope is one of them.

Sounds like you're getting after it, good on ya!
06-24-2014, 11:23 PM
zoama

Don't try to break lanthanated tungsten... it will splinter lengthwise.
06-25-2014, 12:05 AM
Frank

Thanks , what is a primer ?
I'm using the harbor freight diamond wheel that was recommended by welding tips and tricks,
On a drill , making sure to grind it inline with tungsten.
06-25-2014, 12:53 AM
zoama

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank

Thanks , what is a primer ?

Help getting started... like priming a pump.
06-25-2014, 11:19 AM
DaveO

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank

I'm using the harbor freight diamond wheel that was recommended by welding tips and tricks,
On a drill , making sure to grind it inline with tungsten.

Sounds like you've got it covered... you can skip to the back of the book!
06-25-2014, 05:30 PM
Frank

Quote:

Originally Posted by zoama

Help getting started... like priming a pump.

Ahhhh yeah makes sense now, lol ... Nice one
Thanks for the information guys , very helpful !