Have lifetime supply 2% Thoriated tungs- safe to use?

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With the Dialarc HF I got from work was included a boat load of about 20-year-old 2% Thoriated tungtens in 1/16, 3/32 and 1/8 sizes.  I probly have a lifetime supply of tungstens here unless I go into business manufacturing a whole lot of something using TIG welding.   The company switched to mig from tig for the aluminum product about 20 years ago so this Dialarc has been largely un-used all that time except for occasional repair work around the shop.  I got several pounds of aluminum filler rod in various sizes along with the tungstens that were all leftover from the tig production days.  I have been using the filler rods and they seem to work fine, I just polish them with acetone on a rag before use to clean off the dust and oxidation layer on the surface.I have not yet used any of the thoriated tungstens, though they are all still in their original cardboard packages and appear to be clean.   I have been using my usual non-thoriated tungstens that are some kinda mix of cerium and something else (I believe), cause I'm a little afraid of the thorium.  I grind the tungstens in a little hand held tungsten grinder that is really convenient to use that I got at Arc Zone.  I forget the name of it.  I didn't get the self-vacuuming model though cause at that time I wasn't planning on doing anything with thorium.  Whenever I mess up a tungsten really bad, I grind it first on the bench grinder, then once it is ground down enough to fit into the tungsten grinder, I use that to grind the point.  Usually I don't need to use the bench grinder, but sometimes... it happens.  I don't normally use any specialized protective equipment or take any additional precautions with grinding the tungstens, other than what I usually use any time I'm in the shop-- safety glasses and gloves, and I generally try to keep some air flow going in the shop any time I'm welding.  I'm hoping I won't have to suit up in more special safety gear just to spend a couple minutes sharpening the thoriated tungstens, cause knowing me, half the time I won't use it anyways. Now that I have all these thoriated tungs, I would like to start using them but, considering the above, I don't wanna end up with some horrible disease in my old age cause I embarked on a thorium-inducing life-time journey, all to save a few bucks and use up some free tungstens.What should I do??Last edited by DesertRider33; 01-26-2008 at 04:43 PM.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:One thing that you can do is get yourself a tungsten holder. Use it sort of like a vial. Keep a bunch of tungstens sharp at both ends in it. Never have to stop and sharpen one while you are trying to work. When you sharpen them you can do them all at once to minimize going through all the getting ready with whatever safety/ppe stuff you decide to use each time you need a sharp 2% electrode. The ones I have used and seen were fabricated from either ss pipe or tube with at least one threaded end with a cap. I usually use 1/2 pipe because it holds more, but the 3/8 is easier to keep in your pocket comfortably. My one friend has one that he clips right to his welding cart. I like to carry them in my pocket.
Reply:It's safe to use and grind with some easy precautions.Use a dustmask/respirator and eye protection while grinding.To clean up grinding dust use either a wetvac (with water in it), a hepa filter vac or a damp cloth. While welding I also use a respirator but I use it for all welding not just with thoriated tungsten. I've had welding flu from fluxcore and it sux.Feel free to ask any other questions.My Photos on Flickr
Reply:What is welding flu? I actually think i may of had that before. Did you lose your voice at all?
Reply:The 2% part...Put it to rest guys..This subject has been beat to death 10 times over already.. Do a search..That's what it's there for... Now about this "Flu"??...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:Not sure if that's what it's actually called but if you've ever breathed in 20 min of flux core smoke you'll experience what are almost like flu sick to your stomach/headache feelings.Ya I know I should have known better but I was just starting out and didn't have the proper shade (mine was to dark #12 I think) so my face was almost in the weld in order to see. I've become marginally smarter since then.My Photos on Flickr
Reply:Ship them off to Diamond Ground and have then sharpen them, they do a nice job...Me!
Reply:Originally Posted by welderShaneWhat is welding flu? I actually think i may of had that before. Did you lose your voice at all?
Reply:Originally Posted by zapsterThe 2% part...Put it to rest guys..This subject has been beat to death 10 times over already.. Do a search..That's what it's there for... ...zap!
Reply:Originally Posted by Me!Ship them off to Diamond Ground and have then sharpen them, they do a nice job...
Reply:Originally Posted by WildcatIt's safe to use and grind with some easy precautions.Use a dustmask/respirator and eye protection while grinding.To clean up grinding dust use either a wetvac (with water in it), a hepa filter vac or a damp cloth. While welding I also use a respirator but I use it for all welding not just with thoriated tungsten. I've had welding flu from fluxcore and it sux.Feel free to ask any other questions.
Reply:Originally Posted by Mark...One thing that you can do is get yourself a tungsten holder. Use it sort of like a vial. Keep a bunch of tungstens sharp at both ends in it. Never have to stop and sharpen one while you are trying to work. When you sharpen them you can do them all at once to minimize going through all the getting ready with whatever safety/ppe stuff you decide to use each time you need a sharp 2% electrode. The ones I have used and seen were fabricated from either ss pipe or tube with at least one threaded end with a cap. I usually use 1/2 pipe because it holds more, but the 3/8 is easier to keep in your pocket comfortably. My one friend has one that he clips right to his welding cart. I like to carry them in my pocket.
Reply:Unless you plan on being a professional tungsten grinder specializing in the 2% ones I wouldn't worry about it.  If you are still concerned sell it off and go buy what you normally would have.DennisThermal Arc 185-TSWMillermatic Challenger 172VictorO/AAtlas Craftsman 12 by 24 LatheEsab PCM-875Wholesalem Tool Mill-Drill
Reply:Originally Posted by Tailshaft56Unless you plan on being a professional tungsten grinder specializing in the 2% ones I wouldn't worry about it.  If you are still concerned sell it off and go buy what you normally would have.
Reply:You must send them to me immediately to prevent further harm. Whatever you do, don't use them, heh heh........Miller Millermatic 252Miller Syncrowave 200Liincoln AC-DC 225Victor O-A Set
Reply:I've asked scientists and doctors about that, and the level of radioactivity is so low it may as well not be there. They have to label it, the same way plywood now has a label telling you that the glue mite give you cancer, it never will, but that trace amount is hust enough for a good lawer to win a case, so they slap a warning on it. You should wear a mask while grinding anything because inhaling metal dust is sort of a bad idea in general, but if you don't wear one while prepping the metal for welding, that little extra just from sharpening the tungsten is inconsquential. But, I'm always looking for a good deal, so I would recomend selling all that tungsten to me for $1.
Reply:Originally Posted by DesertRider33With the Dialarc HF I got from work was included a boat load of about 20-year-old 2% Thoriated tungtens in 1/16, 3/32 and 1/8 sizes.  I probly have a lifetime supply of tungstens here unless I go into business manufacturing a whole lot of something using TIG welding.   The company switched to mig from tig for the aluminum product about 20 years ago so this Dialarc has been largely un-used all that time except for occasional repair work around the shop.  I got several pounds of aluminum filler rod in various sizes along with the tungstens that were all leftover from the tig production days.  I have been using the filler rods and they seem to work fine, I just polish them with acetone on a rag before use to clean off the dust and oxidation layer on the surface.I have not yet used any of the thoriated tungstens, though they are all still in their original cardboard packages and appear to be clean.   I have been using my usual non-thoriated tungstens that are some kinda mix of cerium and something else (I believe), cause I'm a little afraid of the thorium.  I grind the tungstens in a little hand held tungsten grinder that is really convenient to use that I got at Arc Zone.  I forget the name of it.  I didn't get the self-vacuuming model though cause at that time I wasn't planning on doing anything with thorium.  Whenever I mess up a tungsten really bad, I grind it first on the bench grinder, then once it is ground down enough to fit into the tungsten grinder, I use that to grind the point.  Usually I don't need to use the bench grinder, but sometimes... it happens.  I don't normally use any specialized protective equipment or take any additional precautions with grinding the tungstens, other than what I usually use any time I'm in the shop-- safety glasses and gloves, and I generally try to keep some air flow going in the shop any time I'm welding.  I'm hoping I won't have to suit up in more special safety gear just to spend a couple minutes sharpening the thoriated tungstens, cause knowing me, half the time I won't use it anyways. Now that I have all these thoriated tungs, I would like to start using them but, considering the above, I don't wanna end up with some horrible disease in my old age cause I embarked on a thorium-inducing life-time journey, all to save a few bucks and use up some free tungstens.What should I do??
Reply:Oh my freakin god, not againMiller EconotigCutmaster 38Yes ma'am, that IS a screwdriver in my pocket!
Reply:Originally Posted by DesertRider33Thanks for the info and idea.If I have to pay someone else to sharpen them for me, it kinda defeats the purpose of using the free tungstens...  Plus I have a tungsten grinding machine here that cost me nearly $300 and I'd like to continue getting some use from it.  Thanks anyways though .
Reply:Alright guys, enough of you have agreed that the risk is nothing to fret about, so I'm going to use them and grind them myself on the little grinding machine I've been using for the non-thoriated tungstens.    I'll take Mark's advice and grind a bunch of them at once and wear a particle mask for that.  I'll go grind them out over the weeds and see how they like it.  If purple monsters start growing up in that spot, I'll know I've got a problem.   Thanks again for all y'all's advisement.Bill, yes, I do have a water-cooled torch and sheilding gas.  Thanks for advising.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:http://www.usaweld.com/products/tig_.../sharpener.htmmaybe this the best solution? Now only I have the cash to order one heh? Maybe next month... who knows... Attached Imagestungsten and sharpener.pdf (33.5 KB, 43 views)Unit in my fab shop dept:my good hand and team that trust me...A lone welder make art... a village full of welder make Miracles...
Reply:If any of you are concerned about your thoriated tungstens, just send them to me. I'll make sure that no one else is injured with them. I'll use them for my personal welding projects and that will protect everyone else. Of course, I haven't personally tested the thoriated tungsten for radioactivity but I've read that the amount is no more than we are subjected to on a daily basis on the surface of the earth. So, just send them to me. You must pay shipping, however as a courtesy to me for all of the danger to which I will be subjected.
Reply:Westlawn, that's the one I have here.  Works great!I have been grinding them and I haven't croaked or started glowing in the night yet.Looks like I'll be using up a few of the tungstens.  I got a customer that wants a whole bunch of aluminum frames built for him and looks like it might turn into a long term deal .MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op