Diamong Ground "trimix" tungsten comparo

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Diamond ground came through with a couple of free sample tungstens so . . . only fair to give them a try and post the results.They sent me a 3/32" 2% lanthanated and a 3/32" proprietary "trimix" blended dopant tungsten.  The trimix is non-radioactive and is touted to give similar performance to 2% thoriated with longer life and more stable arc performance.The test . . . 1/8" 6061 aluminum, 4043 3/32" filler, machine set for 125 amps AC, balance set to "10" (60% DCEN, 40% DCEP), 60 Hz (only choice on my syncro), 15 cfh argon, gas lens with #7 cup, yadda, yadda, yadda.I went with aluminum because it's really hard to compare performance of tungstens on steel with manual welding processes.  On steel, if it works at all, they all usually work pretty well.The results . . . the trimix tungsten did very well when compared with the 2% lanthanated.  Pics below.Fist pic is a bead using the trimix tungsten.  Seems to give a very stable, smooth arc which made it a little easier to keep the bead width consistent and also, strangely enough, makes it easier to see better what the heck exactly you're doing.Next pic is using the 2% lanthanted. Similar performance but maybe I didn't get "the rythm" at the start so the start looks a little cold.Next, the trimix ball -- balls a little more than the 2% lanthanted but like I said, gives a very nice stable arc and the ball is very smooth which helps with the arc stability.Next, the 2% lanthated ball.  Very little ball, just sort of "rounds" a bit.  Does give a very stable arc, but the trimix was actually a little better even though it made a slightly larger ball.I also tried with what I would usually use -- 1/8" 1.5% lanthanated and the results were so poor I will not post pics.  So I learned something there -- use the recomended tungsten sizes for best results.  The conclusions -- I like the trimix.  At first it sounds like a "gimmick" but it does seem to perform very well.  Worth a try if you buy tungsten from diamond ground anyway; throw some into your next order and give them a go. Attached ImagesFavorite right now is a Miller Syncro 200.Tons of tools and I blame at least one of them when things don't go right.
Reply:Nice demo..Thanks! But I'll stay with my 2% red ends.....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:So, you liked the "trimix". How well did it hold a point ?
Reply:On AC it held a point as well as 1.5% lanthanated would, but I'd say the arc was more stable.  It did not hold a point as well as 2% lanthanated.  It did compare very favorably to 2% lanthanated as far as weld performance and arc stability.  For AC, if given the choice of 2% lanthanated or this "tri mix" thing, I'd want both and maybe lean toward the 2% lanthated as the old faithful of something I know works pretty good.  If given the choice between 1.5% lanthanated or "tri mix," I'd choose the tri mix.On DC, it holds a point same as most other doped tungstens.  It is supposed to be more long lived with lower burn off than other dopants.  I'd have to use it for a lot more time to say if that's true.  It is said to not evaporate the dopant like ceriated does.Favorite right now is a Miller Syncro 200.Tons of tools and I blame at least one of them when things don't go right.
Reply:Originally Posted by zapsterNice demo..Thanks! But I'll stay with my 2% red ends.....zap!