New tig welder ?

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Just picked up my new Lincoln tig 225, it came with a Red Tungsten,3/32.  As you can tell I am new to Tig welding. I am looking to weld mild steel to start learning. I am looking to weld mild steel, I took a class last summer but need to refresh.  1-How do I grind the tungsten and what kind of tungsten is it?  2-What filler do you recommend?Thanks,Dave
Reply:You want to grind the tungsten axially, not radiused. The red tungsten is 2% thoriated and is a good all around electrode. Filler depends on what you're welding. If you're just welding mild steel and it is properly cleaned before welding, then you can use a ER70S-2 wire.John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:Thanks, but what do I NEED to grind to tungsten, what kind of grinding wheel?  I was told a silicone carbide grinding wheel.  Is this OK?Dave
Reply:I think the only requirement is that it be used to only grind tungsten.  In a pinch I've used an angle grinder, but the tungsten does a pretty good job at cutting groove in it.  Another thing that works is a Drill Doctor.  That diamond wheel makes short work of putting a point on it.Probably not the best advice... but in a bind, it'll work
Reply:I bought a HF grinder similar to this and dedicate it only to grinding tungstens:http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=94071WeldingWeb forum--now more sophomoric banter than anything else!
Reply:I have seen most everything, to grind tungsten.  Once you get a good point, the current will keep the point, till you get it contaminated in the puddle.   Have fun.   John     SMAW,GMAW,FCAW,GTAW,SAW,PAC/PAW/OFCand Shielding Gases.  There all here. :
Reply:Good show, thats a nice welder.  I also use that cheapo hf minigrinder.  You can spend up to and over a 1000 bucks on a professional (caugh) grinder.Get welding and post some pics man!! heh.Various GrindersVictor Journeyman torch200cf Acet. 250cf oxygenLincoln 175 plus/alpha2 gunLincoln v205t tigLincoln 350mpEsab 650 plasmaWhen you can get up in the morning, Its a good day.Live each day like its your last.
Reply:I would strongly recommend reading some basic books and maybe watching a movie to help you pick up the basics. Miller has a free handbook on TIG welding basics at their website, which discusses tungsten grinding among other things:http://www.millerwelds.com/education/TIGhandbook/ Ron Covell makes a great basic tig video (which also discusses tungsten selection and grinding techniques). You can rent it for $10 for a week at smartflix:http://smartflix.com/store/video/372...Welding-BasicsIn terms of grinding tools, I use a bench grinder, but it is definitely not the best solution. You are supposed to dedicate a wheel to tungstens ONLY to avoid contaminating your tungsten. You are supposed to grind along the length (rather then across) of the rod, which is difficult because of the rounded grinder wheel (it is actually easier to use the side of the wheel, but that is asking for trouble eventually when the wheel comes flying apart).  You can buy a dedicated tungsten grinding pencil-type sharpener for $230, very convenient, but a bit steep.If I don't buy the sharpener, then I will eventually get a bench-top belt sander, since it gives you a nice flat surface to work from:  Last edited by tmarks11; 11-10-2007 at 07:50 AM.Tim
Reply:I bought a Diamond wheel off ebay for my 6" bench grinder. Cost 30GBPlike this one.http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1A1-Diamond-gr...QQcmdZViewItem
Reply:You guys who are using the HF grinder, do you just use to 80 grit wheel that comes on it or did you change it?Thanks,dave