tungsten stickout & color

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What determines how far the tungsten should stick out?Is it the metal thickness your welding the joint design or the amperage range?How does saya 1% thoriated tugsten differ froma 2% thoriated assuming you are using them both on mild steel, what are the benifits with one versus the other.Is there some place that lists the bennifits of one kind of tungsten verses anotherLast edited by thenewguy4; 04-27-2004 at 10:27 PM.MM135 on 75%-25%Miller Dialarc 250AMP AC/DC TIGSpectrum 375 Victor torchesOptrel Satelite
Reply:thenewguy4,Take a look around this site. There is some good information here.http://www.tigdepot.com/index.htmlAllen
Reply:Hey newguy, I've been out of town and only recently gotten back to the computer. So I'm posting a little late on your question.Tungsten stick out is personal preference with a limit. The tungsten should never be stuck out any further than the cup/nozzle diameter. If the cup measures 1/2" diameter , then the tungsten has a limit of 1/2" stickout. There are situations where the tungsten may be extended further, such as in a corner, but it is not recommended.  A good "rule of thumb" is to have the tungsten extend past the end of the cup no more than 1/2 the cup diameter. If you're using a 1/2" diameter cup, then the tungsten should extend 1/4".  The reason for this is to make sure that the tungsten has plenty of shielding gas. The longer the stickout the more chance that the shielding gas will disperse  and not provide coverage.The addition of thorium to the tungsten  allows the tungsten to transmit the electrons easier than pure tungsten. Thorium provides for increased current carrying capacity and better arc stability. Going to higher currents? You would then need to step up to 2% thoriated tungsten. Stands to reason that it has better current carrying abilities and can withstand the heat better than 1% . You could also compensate by going to a larger diameter as opposed to changing percentages. Again, personal preferrance. What you are using is perfect for thin gauge material. 1% or 2% tungsten is used for mild steel, stainless steel, copper and other metals.Hope this helps.