Cutting/Shortening Tungstens

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I did a search for "cutting tungsten", but did not find what I was looking for.  Is it okay to use a separating disc or carbide bur to shorten a tungsten, or does this do some kind of irreparable damage?Thanks
Reply:I just use 2 pairs of pliers and snap the tungsten where I need it, they are very brittle and break with ease.Ron ShopFloorTalk Millermatic 350P, M-25, M-40 gunsDynasty 300DX, Coolmate 3, Crafter CS-310 TorchTrailblazer 302, 12RC, WC-2430A spoolgunSpectrum 2050Thermal Arc Plasma Welder PS-3000/WC-100B
Reply:The sharpening disc in my tungsten grinder is made of carbide, so I would think a carbide cutter of some kind would be fine for cutting them.  I have used that grab and snap procedure too.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Most tungsten grinders use diamond wheels some of the higher end units have a cutoff features.  I just snap them (when I need to) and grind them on an aluminum oxide wheel.  Once they are pointed you should only have to touch them up once and awhile.Ron ShopFloorTalk Millermatic 350P, M-25, M-40 gunsDynasty 300DX, Coolmate 3, Crafter CS-310 TorchTrailblazer 302, 12RC, WC-2430A spoolgunSpectrum 2050Thermal Arc Plasma Welder PS-3000/WC-100B
Reply:I measure and mark 3.5"....1/2 of the electrode.  Chuck in a drill and cut it in half on the corner of the bench grinder wheel.  I then sharpen each half.  With that length and shorter, I can use the mid size black cap on a wp20 or an air cooled #17 torch.   Then I have 20 to contaminate instead of 10  .DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:I use a diamond blade in my 4.5" grinder.  Originally for tile, it works fine to cut tungsten - and cheap!
Reply:Originally Posted by TSORI use a diamond blade in my 4.5" grinder.  Originally for tile, it works fine to cut tungsten - and cheap!
Reply:A great idea for the budget cutter! Thanks TSOR. John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:I just lay them on the edge of my table, overhanging where I want to cut, and tap the tungsten with a hammer. I fold a rag over the tungsten before I do this so I don't have to crawl around looking for the piece of tungsten after I break it.Miller EconotigCutmaster 38Yes ma'am, that IS a screwdriver in my pocket!
Reply:I have used the corner of the wheel on a benchgrinder on occasion.  But I have been taught that using the corner of the wheel is not a safe practice, so sometimes I just lightly graze it(not to damage the wheel) all the way around the tung. on the spot to be cut(usually cut in half). Once you get a groove around it, it snaps pretty easily by hand. Now the pointed tip is already started.don't try this at home.
Reply:I clamp the Tungsten in a vice where I want to make the break, then grip it with a pair of pliers & snap it off.  I have found that this is a good way to avoid "green breaks" where the Tungsten splits lengthwise and makes a mess.I'm sure that with due care, pretty much all of the methods mentioned will work for you.Later,Jason
Reply:As the first post said. you hold them and break them with pliers.NO tungsten grindings to ingest or abrasive dust to ingest.That is the proper way.I would be afraid to grind them. They could break into many pieces and hit you.
Reply:i agree i just break them by handComplete Fabrication Shop specializing in pipe fabrication. Also offering heavy steel fabrication and sheet metal work.
Reply:I tried breaking them off and the ends would always splinter.  By the time I ground them down to use I've wasted too much and produced twice as much or more tungsten dust then just cutting them off with the diamond blade I now use.  Besides, If you spin them while cutting them with the blade, it's already halfway sharpened.  A little touch on the grinder and your done.
Reply:I put them on the anvil and hold my pocket knife at midpoint and whack it with a small sledge.You do know I'm just kidding.  I twirl them between my fingers against the corner of my grinding wheel just like most of us.
Reply:Put 3" in a vice and snap it off..I do it all the time..Hold your finger along the bottom of the vice jaws when you back the pressure off so you don't drop it on the floor.....zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Thanks for the replies.  No problem, now.  Just did not know if it would splinter or weaken the two pieces left.  Worked fine!
Reply:As of late I put them in a vise. I hold the end of the tungsten, put a little pressure on it. And whack the tungsten at the base with a hammer. I have not yet once gotten that triple break. I had tried just breaking them off in a vise, with a set of pliers but I would sometimes get a triple break. It started to happen more then less. So I have adopted this method. There are different kinds of tungsten out there though. Some is more pliable then others. This softer tungsten is the tungsten that gets jammed in the copper collet. It tends to bind in the collet. This stuff I noticed also breaks axially. The harder stuff like the Sylvania brand is very brittle. This tends to do the triple break. I love to work with the Sylvania brand though. A welding shop near me "Clinton Welding" sells the Sylvania. You can just score them with the grinder though, to a near point on both pieces and then break them with ease. If I am at the grinder that is what I do.       Sincerely,             William McCormick
Reply:Originally Posted by William McCormick JrThe harder stuff like the Sylvania brand is very brittle. This tends to do the triple break. I love to work with the Sylvania brand though. A welding shop near me "Clinton Welding" sells the Sylvania.
Reply:$60!?!?! What the....????3/32" thoriated tungstens cost like $1.30 each at my LWS. That's 10 for $13.Miller EconotigCutmaster 38Yes ma'am, that IS a screwdriver in my pocket!
Reply:Originally Posted by Joe H$60!?!?! What the....????3/32" thoriated tungstens cost like $1.30 each at my LWS. That's 10 for $13.
Reply:I figure it doesn't matter how much I pay for it, I'm just going to dunk it in the puddle.    I pay $20 for a 10 pack of 3/32.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Originally Posted by TSORSylvania are the brand I use.  They don't break clean and, at close to $60 for a 10 pack of 3/32 ceriated, I don't like to waste any.  If you guys are having luck snapping the other brands clean - great! I may try that with the cheaper stuff someday.