What size type tungsten to use

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My company is being forced into new and unsure waters so to speak.     For the past 30 years, we've done aluminum, and only aluminum.     Now our new corporate ownership wants us to start welding stainless.Our first project is TIG welding grids using .048" thick 304 stainless slats.    We have to tack weld the intersections, using no filler, 100% argon.The attached picture is an example of what we have to achieve.What size/type tungsten would you recommend for this?    Is there a special tip grind necessary for stainless? Attached ImagesThere are no small projects
Reply:For SS I would suggest 2% thoriated tungsten (red).  You will need to sharpen it to a blunt point similar to a pencil unlike letting it form a ball as you would for aluminum.  When grinding, grind lengthwise not radially and the tapper should be approximately twice the diameter of the rod.  For .048" material you could use 1/16" or .040" tungsten with a 1/4" cup.Others may have different thoughts.MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:Originally Posted by duaneb55For SS I would suggest 2% thoriated tungsten (red).  You will need to sharpen it to a blunt point similar to a pencil unlike letting it form a ball as you would for aluminum.  When grinding, grind lengthwise not radially and the tapper should be approximately twice the diameter of the rod.  For .048" material you could use 1/16" or .040" tungsten with a 1/4" cup.Others may have different thoughts.
Reply:Originally Posted by duaneb55For SS I would suggest 2% thoriated tungsten (red).  You will need to sharpen it to a blunt point similar to a pencil unlike letting it form a ball as you would for aluminum.  When grinding, grind lengthwise not radially and the tapper should be approximately twice the diameter of the rod.  For .048" material you could use 1/16" or .040" tungsten with a 1/4" cup.Others may have different thoughts.
Reply:Excellent point TJ.  An inverter machine never entered my mind as mine is transformer based and until now I haven't thought in terms of inverters.Even though Miller shows 2% Ceria, 1.5% Lanthanum and 2% Thorium tungstens for use with inverter machines in their sizing selection chart they do recommend Ceriated.MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:With the inverter use the red tip, 2.4 or 1.6mm, big gas defuser and bump the flow rate up on your argon.  And grind to a sharp point with the technique duaneb55 said to use.I'd rather be hunting........USE ENOUGH HEAT.......Drifting around Aussie welding more pipe up, for something different.....wanting to get home.
Reply:Unbelievable. Just the whole discussion.I don't know what I could say....WOWAWS certified welding inspectorAWS certified welder
Reply:Originally Posted by Fat BastardUm.... don't you two want to know what kind of machine he is using??? Your agreement on using 2% Thor. is great is he is using a transformer but not if he is using an inverter. To the op if you don't want the work ship me the parts and I'll get er dun. lol
Reply:3/32 tungsten .035 filler. don't mess around with that tiny tungsten just sharpen it to a point. i know that a lot of people say to blunt the end of it but the only time i find that remotely necessary is when welding at high amps or above what the electrode will carry.whats that thing for anyway?