Tungsten Discoloration

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Hey Folks,I'm using:MTS 2% Lanthanated Blue 3/32" tungstenFurick Gas LensEdge #8 Pyrex cupArgon @15 cfh116 amps0.116" carbon steel (clean/shinny)1/16" SR70s 0.6 sec pre flow7 sec post flowPedalBeing a FNG I need to ask if the discolored area on my tungsten in the below photo is normal.  This area shows up where the cup 'necks' down to less than the diameter of the gas lens.  My welds are OK and if I lightly put the area on a buffing wheel it comes off.I'm just trying to find out what is or isn't normal....ThanksMike

Every Day I Attempt To Be The Person My Dog Thinks I am.
Reply:I get the same thing, as long as your welds are getting the proper shielding.RichardWest coast of Florida
Reply:How quickly are you moving the tig torch after your done welding. The primary reason for gas is to make the welding area inert. The second reason is to keep the tungsten from oxidation. Which is what you have.It seems your moving your tigtorch too fast after your done welding and the tungsten isnt done cooling off yet.
Reply:That doesn't look too bad. I get it more on air cooled torches. I thought it was the area in the collet without gas coverage when the torch gets smoking hot. What torch/lens are you using , and how much stick out and flow ?Airco 250 ac/dc Heliwelder Square waveMiller Synchrowave 180 sdMiller Econo Twin HFLincoln 210 MPDayton 225 ac/dcVictor torchesSnap-On YA-212Lotos Cut60DPrimeweld 225 ac/dcPrimeweld mig180Miller AEAD-200