tungten sharpening

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I don't do a lot of steel TIG, mostly aluminum.  I use a balled tip normally with the light econotig.  I notice some are recommending sharpening the tungsten for aluminum, what difference does that make?  Also how important is a perfectly sharpened tungsten Vs a hand sharpened one from a dedicated wheel? I have seen tungten sharpeners, but don't know if the cost is justified.
Reply:Transformer machines like you have won't keep a point on tungstens like an inverter will on AC. Even if you use lanthanated, the tip will still ball up to a certain degree. How much will depend on the size of the tungsten and the amps used. If you are running pure, there's no reason to point the tungsten at all as it will always ball up.For the average hobbyist there's really no need for a specialized tungsten grinder, though it's not a bad idea to have a dedicated wheel on a standard bench grinder to use on your tungstens. That said, in a hobby setting, it's wouldn't end the world if you used that wheel for other things. The biggest reason for opting for a bench grinder over some of the specialized ones is the fact most hobbyists constantly foul their tungstens. I find with students it's easier to remove the majority of the fouling with a normal wheel. SInce 95% of the time they'll be back on the wheel in a few minutes anyways because they refouled it, having a perfectly clean ground point isn't that super critical. If they break off the fouling and regrind every time they foul the tip, they'll go thru tungstens almost as fast as they do filler rod. The few specialized tungsten grinders I've seen won't let you shove a badly fouled tungsten into the grinder unless you break off the fouling 1st..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:Up until I got the Inverter machine I pretty much used a 1" belt sander and cordless drill to sharpen my tungsten's.......seems the inverter can be more sensitive to the sharpening method depending on your AC settings.......For me I noticed just changing to different types of tungsten makes Huge differences in weld results (on AC) Your transformer machine just like my old one isn't as sensitive and you can use a belt sander or stone and not have it cause you to have a problem (Tungsten related anyway)  I did try some Lanthanated new style with the transformer and it worked good.....your always safe with RED for DC and GREEN for AC with your machine though....  Miller Dynasty 350Twenty Six HammersThree Crow BarsBig Rock
Reply:I used red at first for AC (LWS advice) and found I had much better welds with green.  I do save the red for steel now.
Reply:Thoriated (red) tends to split on ac. Love it (red) for straight polarity. Lanthium (gray?) Is ok for either However I've also had it split on ac. Has anyone tried the new trimix purple marked tungsten and how does it seem?
Reply:I've only used the two, but my tig experience is limited to the econotig. Mainly fo fixing boats.  If I go thicker I grab the spoolgun.
Reply:Originally Posted by boatwelder Lanthium (gray?) Is ok for either However I've also had it split on ac.
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWFor the average hobbyist there's really no need for a specialized tungsten grinder, though it's not a bad idea to have a dedicated wheel on a standard bench grinder to use on your tungstens. That said, in a hobby setting, it's wouldn't end the world if you used that wheel for other things. The biggest reason for opting for a bench grinder over some of the specialized ones is the fact most hobbyists constantly foul their tungstens. I find with students it's easier to remove the majority of the fouling with a normal wheel. SInce 95% of the time they'll be back on the wheel in a few minutes anyways because they refouled it, having a perfectly clean ground point isn't that super critical. If they break off the fouling and regrind every time they foul the tip, they'll go thru tungstens almost as fast as they do filler rod. The few specialized tungsten grinders I've seen won't let you shove a badly fouled tungsten into the grinder unless you break off the fouling 1st.
Reply:Thanks dsw. Makes since. I use a syncrowave at work sonmy ac is with the green (pure);tungsten. Straight polarity I still use the thoriated. Cant seem to give that up yet.
Reply:Tungsten sharpeners are like $20 at harbor freight... they're labeled as 18volt cordless drill. I'm assuming you already have a grindstone or sanding belt.Welding/Fab Pics: www.UtahWeld.com
Reply:Back when I was in school for welding, we had 2 piranna tungsten sharpeners.  Absolutely loved using them and swore I would have one, one day.  Now, even with all the low amp tig I do, I  couldn't justify the cost of one.  After some time with a grinder, you will get good at sharpening tungsten.
Reply:Originally Posted by JRwldrBack when I was in school for welding, we had 2 piranna tungsten sharpeners.  Absolutely loved using them and swore I would have one, one day.  Now, even with all the low amp tig I do, I  couldn't justify the cost of one.  After some time with a grinder, you will get good at sharpening tungsten.
Reply:I'm not wanting one anymore.  Rather put my money towards other tools.  Thanks though