TIG grinding & contamination

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Hi everyone,I just recently purchased a mini bench grinder from Harbor Freight cuz it was cheap. I plan to use it to grind my TIG electrodes.However, a thought occurred to me, if I'm using different types of electrodes, would I contaminate them by using them on the same wheel? Thanks,Owen
Reply:Owen,  I'm not so sure contamination between thoriated, ceriated, pure or even lanthanated Tungsten would be a problem.  However, if you used the grinder to grind other metals as well then I would be more concerned, ie mild steel, aluminum, copper or brass.  I used several types of Tungsten on my grinder (which is dedicated to Tungsten grinding only) without any problems.
Reply:nope.. tungestion is tungestion..diffrent grades/properties but in the end its still tungestion..but do not ever use the wheel for steel..sharpening drill bits.. thats what will contaminate the tungestion  ...zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:So, would one of the HF mini grinders be adequate for grinding tungstens?  Any additional features that might be worthwhile to spend more $ on?  I thought about getting one with a buffing wheel for other uses, but sounds like I'll want a dedicated grinder.  Ive also got my 10A Dewalt 4.5" grinder...makes me happy just thinking the buffing job I could do to my neighbor's Escalade...ThermalArc 185MillerMatic 180 w/ AutosetVictor Cutskill Oxy/AcetyleneThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38and spite!
Reply:Ive also got my 10A Dewalt 4.5" grinder...makes me happy just thinking the buffing job I could do to my neighbor's Escalade...
Reply:Originally Posted by 383bigblockOwen,  I'm not so sure contamination between thoriated, ceriated, pure or even lanthanated Tungsten would be a problem.  However, if you used the grinder to grind other metals as well then I would be more concerned, ie mild steel, aluminum, copper or brass.  I used several types of Tungsten on my grinder (which is dedicated to Tungsten grinding only) without any problems.
Reply:I have one of the HF mini grinders for grinding my Tungsten. Works great. I'm sure there is better but, I can't see spending that much money as a hobby.
Reply:If you are using a regular grinding wheel that gets used for other jobs. Just get a dressing stick or diamond dresser for the wheel and give it a new clean face to grind with.I have one wheel that I use for tung. If I need to grind a tool bit I will reface the wheel before I go back to grinding Tungston. The dresser I use looks like a square stick. It eats the face of the wheel off and gives you a nice clean surface.mm135HTP Invertig 201 With water cooler9" Southbend LatheLots of hand tools.
Reply:There are all kinds of grinders/sanders and abrasives that will work for putting a point on tungsten electrodes.Some things to consider are:How fast does it cut the tungsten, how fast does it wear out the abrasive, and what surface finish does it leave on the tungsten?
Reply:Originally Posted by pulserThere are all kinds of grinders/sanders and abrasives that will work for putting a point on tungsten electrodes.Some things to consider are:How fast does it cut the tungsten, how fast does it wear out the abrasive, and what surface finish does it leave on the tungsten?
Reply:Originally Posted by CarmenElectrode  Unless you're running some sort of automated application, or Plasma arc welding application, the $3000 machine is probably a bit of overkill :-) .