Alternatives to 2% Thoriated tungsten

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What are you guys using instead of the thoriated tungstens on mild steel and stainless?
Reply:Ceriated or Lanthanated.I doubt that anyone doing manual TIG welding could tell the difference between Thoriated, Ceriated, or Lanthanated electrodes.You can read up on the various aspects of different tungsten electrodes here:http://www.diamondground.com/index.html
Reply:Yeah  I was told  you could use the RED for  most everything but alluminum ,  I don't know  but I thought and don't quote me   but did I read that ZAP mostly used the red thoriated on most except alluminum?  I'm just wondering .. weld it like you own it
Reply:He uses the red on everything and made a believer outa me.  It just holds up better during high frequency and heat.  It may split on you, but its still way better than pure.  Ive used lanthiated on aluminum with similar results as the red.  Had to turn post purge up a bit to keep the contamination down.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 use 2 percent thoriated for everything, aluminum included.
Reply:I have all of the colors, but for some reason only known to my sub-conscience,  I use 2% Thoriated tungsten for almost everything.  Thorium is know to be radioactive, but I have a Geiger counter and it does not even read on my machine. The Northeastern United States has the highest concentration of Thorium in the world.  I live in Rhode Island, no matter how you cut the cards, I am on the hook.When we learn how to harness the power of thorium or hydrogen we will be energy independent.Mike
Reply:The AWS has a fact sheet about the thoriated tungsten.  My motto is why take chances when there are perfectly viable alternatives.....  some even better, like the new rare earth blend from Weldcraft.  It is true, however, that much of the nuance of differnce will only be noticed in a highly automated application or Plasma Arc Welding application.http://aws.org/technical/facts/(Fact sheet # 27)Last edited by CarmenElectrode; 02-27-2007 at 07:07 PM.-----------------------Carmen Electrodewww.CarmenElectrode.comand the boss blogs at  www.JoeWelder.comall powered by  www.Arc-Zone.com
Reply:the problem with all the dangerous stuff, like asbestos is that they don't know how much or how little it takes to make you sick. Two people can be exposed to the same thing at the same time, one die and the other live. Its not the radiation that you get from just  handling the stuff, its breathing it in and the it is right next to cells, not protects by layers of clothes and skin. I think if you don't breath in the dust, the chances are much less.