flak monkey
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| posted on 24/11/06 at 09:58 AM |
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Thoriated or zirconiated
So, those in the know, whats the difference between thoriated or zirconiated tungsten electrode for tig welding?
David
Sera
http://www.motosera.com
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Gav
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| posted on 24/11/06 at 10:16 AM |
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From thewelderswarehouse:
quote:
Two types of Tungsten Tig Electrode are available, Thoriated (red tip) for DC applications and Zirconiated (white tip) for AC applications. When AC
welding the arc will cause the tungsten to "ball" at the end. The diameter of this ball should not exceed the diameter of the tungsten, if
it does a larger tungsten should be used. When DC welding the tungsten should be ground to a point. This point should be as sharp as possible with the
grinding lines running from the point, down the length, NEVER around the point.
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Gav
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| posted on 24/11/06 at 10:25 AM |
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According to though This their is a small chance your gonna change into the
hulk  
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Peteff
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| posted on 24/11/06 at 10:53 AM |
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There are all-purpose tungsten available which are not radioactive, not sure who supplies them in U.K. but arctime sell them in U.S.
yours, Pete
I went into the RSPCA office the other day. It was so small you could hardly swing a cat in there.
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spunky
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| posted on 24/11/06 at 11:05 AM |
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Zirconiated for welding alloy, Thoriated for ferrous.
David, your avatars brighten my day...
The reckless man may not live as long......
But the cautious man does not live at all.....
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flak monkey
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| posted on 24/11/06 at 03:13 PM |
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Thank you gentlemen 
Glad you like the new one   (the same pic is currently my girfriends msn pic )
Sera
http://www.motosera.com
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ed_crouch
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| posted on 24/11/06 at 03:17 PM |
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If you ever work in the defence game, your security clearance interview is gonna be interesting...
I-iii-iii-iii-ts ME!
Hurrah.
www.wings-and-wheels.net
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flak monkey
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| posted on 24/11/06 at 03:28 PM |
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Que?
Sera
http://www.motosera.com
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John Bonnett
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| posted on 24/11/06 at 06:06 PM |
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I am using ceriated electrodes which are suitable for both steel and aluminium. I believe that there is less of a health risk with these.
I hope 907 will be able to give the definitive answer regarding their respective merits.
John
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Confused but excited.
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| posted on 24/11/06 at 07:52 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by ed_crouch
If you ever work in the defence game, your security clearance interview is gonna be interesting...
Why? Abby didn't have a problem getting into NCIS!
I've been waiting for Dave to use her pic as an avatar. Well you would, wouldn't ya?
Tell them about the bent treacle edges!
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907
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| posted on 25/11/06 at 08:40 AM |
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quote:
Originally posted by John Bonnett
I am using ceriated electrodes which are suitable for both steel and aluminium. I believe that there is less of a health risk with these.
I hope 907 will be able to give the definitive answer regarding their respective merits.
John
Hi All,
No such thing as "definitive" in welding.
There's more than one way to swing a cat.
The subject is covered well in this thread but I will give one piece of advise.
Don't try to save money by buying cheap tungstens. Buy from your local reputable welding supplier.
They are not that expensive, and they do last a long time if you don't keep dipping them in the weld pool.
Those loose, pound a time eBay ones might be plain tungsten, I won't use the word pure, with the ends dipped in white/red paint.
If you must make savings then buy the universal ones in a size that suit your welder output.
Then you don't have to buy two sorts in three different sizes.
Below is a pic, sorry it's blurred, (must get a macro camera) of a 3.2mm (1 1/8" ) "Multistrike" ceriated tungsten
that has been ground to a long taper, then used to weld 1.5mm ally. Note the ball end.
Just my opinion you understand.
hth
Paul G
 
Rescued attachment IMGP1503-s.jpg
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John Bonnett
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| posted on 25/11/06 at 11:00 AM |
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Hi Paul
Your pic clearly shows the blueing on the electrode. Would you say then that ceriated is inferior to thoriated and zirconiated and that it would be
best to have both types depending on what you are going to weld?
alb
John
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907
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| posted on 25/11/06 at 12:33 PM |
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Hi John
The pic was taken just after dawn this morning on the dining room windowsill with no flash.
There's a pic below that's been through Photoshop to give a true colour.
I don't think it's that critical what tungsten is used as long as your welder gives a nice ball on the end.
My Miller will ball up a thoriated tungsten and weld perfectly OK on ally.
Thorium and zirconium are added to reduce vapourisation of the tip but unless your welding all day this is not relevant to Locosters.
The correct electrode for the job is supposed to make arc striking easier so this may help those with low powered h/f circuits.
There are other more important things to consider, like what filler rod to use for instance, and in my case,
how the hell do I stop my hand from shaking?
Atb
Paul G
 
Rescued attachment IMGP1503-s-cc.jpg
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John Bonnett
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| posted on 26/11/06 at 05:10 PM |
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quote
how the hell do I stop my hand from shaking?
You're obviously not drinking enough!!
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flak monkey
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| posted on 26/11/06 at 05:19 PM |
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Thanks Paul
Now all I have to do is get back into it, must find a load of stuff to weld up
Sera
http://www.motosera.com
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907
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| posted on 26/11/06 at 07:01 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by John Bonnett
quote
how the hell do I stop my hand from shaking?
You're obviously not drinking enough!!
It's true I don't drink as much as I used to.
With the shaky hands I spill so much now.
Paul G
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NS Dev
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| posted on 27/11/06 at 04:49 PM |
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those ceriated ones are grey ended aren't they Paul? I bought some and can't remember what the buggers are now!
As you say, I seem to be able to ball up the end of any of them if I choose to!
I'm sure I remember the chap at my welding suppliers saying that most of the big places he supplies use the grey ceriated ones for everything
now
Retro RWD is the way forward...........automotive fabrication, car restoration, sheetmetal work, engine conversion
retro car restoration and tuning
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907
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| posted on 27/11/06 at 07:26 PM |
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Yup, but grey sounds sooo boring.
I prefer "Wild Goose"
Paul G
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