Tungsten Sharpening

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I was reading through the posts about different ways to sharpen the tungsten and today I went to Lowe's and they have this utility sharpener that has a 4 x 1-1/2" 150 Grit grinding wheel that has a small water reservoir below.I tried it on a 3/32 and 1/16 red tungsten and it worked great.  The only thing I noticed it did not take long to cut small groves in the wheel.Has anyone else used this machine and have you had to replace the wheel?  The tool is made by Task Force and is called a Wet/Dry Utility Sharpener #229668Thanks!Build a Barstool Racer at BarFlyRacers.com!
Reply:I leave the grooves in the wheelThere are 5 diffrent depths on mine now..150 is kinda rough..Try a 120 or a 100 grit wheel..last longer..The grooves make it easier to keep the tungestion from "walking around"Cordless drills are perfect for grinding tungestions..Saves the fingerburn... (Thanks MAC702)...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:I am not sure I understand you.  You said 150 is kind of rough, the higher the grit the smoother the surface.Build a Barstool Racer at BarFlyRacers.com!
Reply:Originally Posted by malichI am not sure I understand you.  You said 150 is kind of rough, the higher the grit the smoother the surface.
Reply:i can only find 100 grit wheel.  where do you get 240 grit?
Reply:I am not sure if I can get a higher grit for this machine.  I was sharpening on my hand held grinder which is very course and has been used on other metals for grinding.  I am curious to see what kind of arc I get with the dedicated 150 grit.Can you get a 240 grit for a bench top grinder?  That is another option I could try.I also have one more question, I know you are suppose to grind with the length tungsten, how about the wheel direction?  Spinning towards the tip or away from the tip?  The sharpener I have goes both ways and I have been letting the tungsten drag on the wheel.Build a Barstool Racer at BarFlyRacers.com!
Reply:Those machines have soft wheels.  It will work OK, but....Tungston can get Hot when grinding and it won't hurt it.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Originally Posted by tortisi can only find 100 grit wheel.  where do you get 240 grit?
Reply:I went out and got a 6" Ryobi bench grinder just for sharpening $40... It works good, but I am going to put a fine wheel on it also.  One mod was done to it, rip off the shroud on the fine wheel and use the grinder from the back side.  Much better!  (thanks for that one zap)Me!
Reply:Originally Posted by malichCan you get a 240 grit for a bench top grinder?  That is another option I could try.
Reply:Me bad.. Here is a wonderful site that explanes all about grinding wheels..http://www.pacificgrindingwheel.com/...s/training.pdfThat should clear things up.....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:I found a 220 grit wheel on the Grainger website, would this be any good at all? http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/6PA87There's also a 120 grit wheel.http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/6PA89
Reply:i did not even think about grainger, and we have one here. thanks for bringing that up x1rider.
Reply:Originally Posted by tortisi did not even think about grainger, and we have one here. thanks for bringing that up x1rider.
Reply:The drill trick I saw Zap use is the hot set up.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:Originally Posted by TozziWeldingThe drill trick I saw Zap use is the hot set up.
Reply:great link on grinding wheels. I use a green wheel it works good I think it is a 120. I would like to get a diamond grinder or a least try one. I will have to give the drill setup a go also.
Reply:Originally Posted by David RI sharpened many today.  Kept 5 sharp on hand.  Used the drill.  Does a great job.  I tigged some heat exchangers.  About 21 hours left of the job.  I am getting better, I sharpen less.  David
Reply:No set up needed!Grab a drill, insert tungsten, pull trigger and grind point!zap has short 2"? tungstens, but I have 7" and need to steady the tip end, the drill spin them nice and even so it faster to establish a new point.  Just dot go full tilt with the drill.Me!
Reply:zap has short 2"? tungstens
Reply:I  cut the 7" ones in half and use a shorter cap.  Fits perfect with a wp20 torch.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:For hobbyists where space and budget are considerations , I would recommend a belt grinder before a before small bench grinder dedicated to tungsten sharpening.Something like:http://www.vansantent.com/multitool.htmAt work I've a large 4" pedestal linisher and it is great for sharpening ,quick and gives a great finish.Once you have a linisher you'll wonder how you lived with out it.Though the attachment versions can put a fair load on a small bench grinder .
Reply:Originally Posted by BrettFor hobbyists where space and budget are considerations , I would recommend a belt grinder before a before small bench grinder dedicated to tungsten sharpening.Something like:http://www.vansantent.com/multitool.htmAt work I've a large 4" pedestal linisher and it is great for sharpening ,quick and gives a great finish.Once you have a linisher you'll wonder how you lived with out it.Though the attachment versions can put a fair load on a small bench grinder .
Reply:That is a nice sharpener.  Knives....Chisels,,,, tungston......I have been chucking them in  a cordless drill.  Run slow it makes for a better point than I can put on by hand.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:$40.00 ?Well, you cant go wrong there.What do you do ? Feed the guard dogs?Originally Posted by Brett$40.00 ?Well, you cant go wrong there.What do you do ? Feed the guard dogs?