How to identify tungstens

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Is there a way to tell which tungsten is which? I have been cutting mine in half or even thirds. the problem is the one in my torch does not have the colored band on it and I forget if it is 1.5 lanth. Or 2%lanth. Or thoreiated. Still trying to see which one works best for certain materials and occasions.
Reply:Take a chunk and stick it in a talibaner.  If his beard falls in a couple months off it might be thoriated. I have no idea how to tell now.
Reply:I believe a geiger counter will tell you if it's thoriated.
Reply:Weld with it on AC, if it forms lots of small balls on the end its thoriated.Airco Ac/Dc 300 HeliwelderMillerMatic 200 (stolen)Miller Maxstar 150STLMiller AEAD200LE (welding and generating power) Hobart MIG
Reply:For future, I use a red and green sharpie and color the middle so I can sharpen both ends."Where's Stick man????????" - 7A749"SHHHHHH!! I sent him over to snag that MIC-4 while tbone wasn't looking!" - duaneb55"I have bought a few of Tbone's things unlike Stick-Man who helps himself" - TozziWelding"Stick-man"
Reply:I sharpen both ends of the thoriated stuff and leave a square end on the pure tung.
Reply:Originally Posted by SquirmyPugWeld with it on AC, if it forms lots of small balls on the end its thoriated.
Reply:That's what I'm coming up with gamble, but the marker idea is good stick man
Reply:vettersjakeThe beauty of VPT's code is its simplicity: add one or two cord cuts, on the square end, to denote 1.5 or 2% Lanthanated, and you have a system that endures.Stick-Man's Sharpie color-code also works well: mark the middle, or the insert end - may need a periodic re-ink.Sharpie produces 'bluing' broad points - to fine point silver line pens.  For some lay-out operation they are the best. http://www.sharpie.com/enUS/Pages/sharpiemarkers.aspxAnd if you're a Metro Welder - consider Nail Polish.You can get an exact color match.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lou_ReedOpusLast edited by OPUS FERRO; 11-18-2013 at 11:57 PM.Reason: punc.
Reply:Originally Posted by GambleNot if he has an inverter.I don't bother trying to figure out what is what. I have small pieces of red,blue,gold,orange on the bench and just grab one when I use a small back cap. They all perform pretty similar to me.