Tungsten Question

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I'm going to start practicing tig welding aluminum this week. I picked up 2 % ceriated per my local weld shop recommendation, because I can use it on both steel and aluminum. I have tried aluminum with a Precision Tig before and was told to ball the tungsten. So here's my question I have Dynasty 200dx and was told by my local weld shop I didn't need to ball the tungsten when welding aluminum this this machine... Is he correct on this? TIA, Bill
Reply:For whatever reason, when welding on a transformer style machine, the tip of the tungsten balls automatically, at least it does so on aluminum.  Through technology, today's inverter based TIG welders don't seem to erode the tip of a tungsten, at least not anywhere near as much.  A pointed tungsten gives you far better arc starting and stability.  You will want to put a flat landing on the tip if you are welding at higher amps, probably something like 50 amps (Not really sure) and above.  If you don't, the tip of the tungsten may fall off into the weld.Be sure to clean the weld area prior to begin welding, so far I know of 4 or 5 methods for doing this.  Scrubbing the area with a stainless steel brush, hitting the area with a flap disc or wheel, going over the area with a buffing wheel that is coated in greaseless compound, or there are some sprays you can get that remove the oxide layer.  After removing the oxide layer, it would be good to spray the area with some kind of solvent and wiping the area with a clean paper towel.  A lot of people seem to suggest acetone.  Personally, I don't recommend it.  I think that most people don't need to use acetone, plus, acetone isn't very good for your lungs or skin.  I use 99% rubbing alcohol and a spray bottle.  It works great, it doesn't destroy plastic bottles and it isn't bad for you.I went to my LWS for tungstens recently, they suggested ceriated tungsten for an inverter on aluminum, but they didn't have it in 1/16ths.  I've been wondering what the best tungsten for inverters are for a while, I really can't say I know for sure myself.  I put up a poll a few days ago and the voting is pretty even across the board.  Thoriated, ceriated, lanthanted, zirconiated and I've also wondered about types like arctime and tri-blend.Miller 330 a/bp water cooledI believe in gun control, I hold my gun with two hands.  If you want to know why, click here.Buy American or bye America.
Reply:With an inverter, sharpen your tungsten to a point, then very slightly blunt the point on the grinder and weld.  Taking the very sharp tip off the ground end of the tungsten helps to keep it from burning off and spitting out into the weld.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:The biggest reason that tungsten doesn't tend to ball or erode on inverter machines is that it is possible to configure substantial DCEN balance, concentrating much more heat in the material being welded, and substantially less in the tungsten electrode.As for tungsten alloy selection, I've had good luck with 1.5% lanthanated electrodes.  Arc starts seem to be as good as or better than thoriated electrodes, as does current handling capacity.  The couple of tests that I have seen floating around on the web seem to support my impression.
Reply:Using a Dynasty 300dx I've gotten great performance with Zirconiated (Brown) for Aluminum.
Reply:Since were on the topic of tungsten;I know Diamond Cut used to give out samples for people to use, I quess a couple of sticks of each so you can try them all, and precut samples.I requested some awhile back as I am just started with aluminum this year and got the reply that they cannot give out 1/8 samples because of the cost, so I told then Ok but never ever got any of the others.
Reply:Originally Posted by pistolnoonSince were on the topic of tungsten;I know Diamond Cut used to give out samples for people to use, I quess a couple of sticks of each so you can try them all, and precut samples.I requested some awhile back as I am just started with aluminum this year and got the reply that they cannot give out 1/8 samples because of the cost, so I told then Ok but never ever got any of the others.
Reply:I like Zirconiated for use with transformer based machines and go for Lanthanated or Ceriated with an inverter for the reasons mentioned above. I just got some Zirconiated tungstens from arc-zone in their house brand and have been very pleased with them.