Changing Tungsten for Steel/Aluminum?

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Is it necessary to keep your tungsten separated according to what material it is used to weld? For example, if I am tig welding aluminum and need to make a few welds on a steel part, do I need to change to a tungsten that has only been used with steel or can I simply proceed with the same tungsten (assuming I don't contaminate the tungsten by touching the work piece)?
Reply:Meh, I just sharpen between changing materials.  Aluminum rounds the tungsten, which screws up my arc control when I switch to steel.  Sharpen to return to a point and it welds fine on steel.  I don't know that I have changed going from steel to aluminum though. Assuming I didn't dip the tungsten when welding steel, I wouldn't worry about going straight to aluminum.  I am not a Pro however, so we can see what others say.Harbor Freight Inverter 130 amp DC stick/tig (sold, really!)Lincoln Square Wave Tig 175 AC/DC stick/Tig
Reply:unless you are working on critical rockets parts and the procedure makes you its not needed ... if its just hobby/normal stuff it does not matter just grind a fresh point on it and get back to weldingMiller Xmt 350Lincoln Ln-25Ahp 200xSmith Gas Mixer AR/HTig is my Kung FuThrowing down dimes and weaving aboutInstagram http://instagram.com/[email protected]
Reply:Depends on the tungsten a bit, but pretty much no unless it's contaminated.2% La makes a tiny ball on the end of a sharp tip on AC and just makes a smaller ball on DC.  Can switch back and forth no prob.As stated above, I wouldn't wanna go from a pure monkey fist ball to DC.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum