Tig Tungsten Prep

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I have a Lincoln Precision Tig 225 and have been practicing on aluminum using gray pointed tungsten with a small flat in the tip. Am I correct for my machine or should I be doing something else. Results are not bad though welds look pretty good for a newbe.
Reply:If it works for you, then go with it. Most use the red tungsten, and there are a couple other types folks use, like a gold colored one, and the orange, which I believe is lanthiated tungsten. Eventually you'll find what you really like, or you will just be adept at it, and you can use whatever gets thrown at you. It sounds like you are doing OK, so just have a good time.And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.
Reply:Do you sharpen the red or ball it?
Reply:Originally Posted by worm122Do you sharpen the red or ball it?
Reply:Thanks I will give that a try just trying to figure out what works best for me and get some ideas. But it sure is fun to play with and learn. Lots more to figure out in tig rather that mig but I will get it in time and again thanks for the help!
Reply:yes green with a ball is better. at high amps the red ends crack and split (not sure why)6G zirconium 702 GTAW 2" xxheavy6G P.E.D. carbon steel GTAW 2" xxheavy3G titanium Gr. 2 - Gr. 7 GTAW up to 3/4" 3G 316L stainless GTAW up to 1" 3G carbon steel GTAW up to 1" 3G Hastalloy GTAW up to 3/4"1G tantalum GTAW up to .060"
Reply:make sure the grinding wheel your using ONLY gets used for tungsten, if you grind other things on the wheel you will contaminate the tungsten.
Reply:is it ok to use an aluminum oxide wheel if u r only  gonna tig ms ?
Reply:Just my $.02I use a hand held grinder with wheels marked for masonary.Someone told me they are made of silicon carbide and won't comtaminate like a regular aluminum oxide wheel does.I also use them to bevel and clean up the edges of the stock I want to tig but but they will plug up after time like most wheels and aluminum. The gold tipped electrodes work well for me and seem to last longer and hold a point longer for fine work than the green but you pay gold for them.Cyclenorthman
Reply:I use Ceriated tungsten for pretty much everything. Ground to a point with a small flat on the tip. I don't use pure tungsten (green if I remember correctly) for anything. It sloughs and is the most likely to contaminate. Lincoln has a real good read on choosing the right tungsten, point type and shield gas for the type material you are working with.The difference between art and craft is the quality of the workmanship. I am an artist.
Reply:Originally Posted by weldbeadis it ok to use an aluminum oxide wheel if u r only  gonna tig ms ?