Tungsten size question.

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I read somewhere that someone said you can't use a 1/16th tungsten at 100 amps because it will blow up. Is this true? If so what is the general rule of thumb for each tungsten size? How many amps should you go on each size?Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:Miller in their "Guide to Gas Tungsten Arc Welding", lists 1/16" orange, red and grey tungstens at  50-160 amps on DECN. That's a bit higher than they recommend in their slide calculator. where it looks like they suggest changing over to 3/32" tungstens around about 100 amps roughly.http://www.millerwelds.com/pdf/gtawbook.pdf.No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Ah so I can use 1/16th for up to 160 amps then, not that I would though.Edit: Pic added for future reference for others. Attached ImagesLast edited by Gamble; 02-13-2012 at 10:46 AM.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:Originally Posted by GambleI read somewhere that someone said you can't use a 1/16th tungsten at 100 amps because it will blow up. Is this true? If so what is the general rule of thumb for each tungsten size? How many amps should you go on each size?
Reply:I have found 1/16" will melt down like a fuse some where around 200 amps.   I use 1/16" on my TA-185.   I use 3/32 on my V350.  Sometimes I switch depending on what I am doing.  The 1/16" has a much more concentrated arc.  I only use 1/8 for aluminum.  All on water cooled torch.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:I'm no expert but I generally try to use the smallest diameter tungsten I can get away with. Seems like the arc behaves better with a smaller tungsten. Bigger tungstens at low amperages, the arc seems to wander more.Up to 150A on DCEN, I'll use 1/16"
Reply:Originally Posted by BCRDA rool of thumb for DC tig is same as 7018 rod - Shoot for your amps to match your tungsten decimal size. ie 1/16 tung = .0625" = 63 amps, 1/8" = .125" = 125 amps, etc. Its good for a lot more amps, or a lot less, and you can use oversize or undersize tungsten to help manage your heat input for unconventional situations. This becomes less true as you get to sizes larger than 1/8", where they can handle a lot more heat.Jason
Reply:i use only 3/32  on my ta185..never tried it at real low amps, could be a point where it needs to go down to 1/16..but up to 185 amps aint no problem at all for 3/32..
Reply:I find I can use an amazingly small tungsten with a Helium mix.  Seems like smaller diameter than with pure argon at a given amount of welding current.With that disclaimer, here is a current vs. tungsten diameter guide, for two different welding modes (AC and DC) and two different tungsten types (thoriated and pure):http://www.ckworldwide.com/tech-3.pdfLast edited by jakeru; 02-16-2012 at 12:51 AM.
Reply:Originally Posted by jakeruI find I can use an amazingly small tungsten with a Helium mix.  Seems like smaller diameter than with pure argon at a given amount of welding current.With that disclaimer, here is a current vs. tungsten diameter guide, for two different welding modes (AC and DC) and two different tungsten types (thoriated and pure):http://www.ckworldwide.com/tech-3.pdf