9
Tungsten Electrodes
With conventional transformer Tig welders, the general rule of
thumb is to use a pure tungsten (identified by a green tip) for
AC welding (generally aluminum), and a 2% thoriated tungsten
(identified by a red tip) for DC welding (generally steel
welding). However, with an inverter Tig welder, the ability
to control the frequency and balance over a much wider range
allows you to take advantage of the new “rare earth” tungsten
which is no available.
A 2% lanthanated or 2 % ceriated tungsten is the best tungsten
selection for both AC and DC welding with a modern inverter
power source.
HTP offers the following premium quality tungsten ground
to a high quality finish. All tungsten is 7" long and can be
purchased individually.
Pure Tungsten (TP) – green tip - Pure tungsten readily forms
a ball on the end. It is generally used with transformer based
power sources for AC welding of aluminum.
2% Thoriated Tungsten (TT2) – red tip - This tungsten is the
most common tungsten currently used. Generally used for DC
welding of steel and stainless steel. Draw back is it has a low
level radiation hazard. Offers good overall performance.
2% Ceriated Tungsten (TC2) – grey tip - 2% ceriated is an
excellent substitute for 2% thoriated tungsten if you are using a
transformer based power source for DC welding. More popular
for thinner materials because it requires less amperage to start.
Offers a stable arc. Can be used for both AC and DC welding
with inverter power sources.
2% Lanthanated Tungsten (TL2) – blue tip – 2% lanthanated is
probably the most popular substitute for 2% thoriated tungsten.
It offers good arc starting characteristics and longer life than
2% thoriated. Can be used for both AC and DC welding with
both inverter and transformer power sources.
Tungsten Type Diameter
.040"
1/16"
3/32"
1/8"
(1.0mm) (1.6mm)
(2.4mm)
(3.2mm)
Pure Tungsten
TP-7040 TP-7116
TP-7332
TP-718
2% Thoriated
TT2-7040 TT2-7116 TT2-7332 TT2-718
2% Ceriated
TC2-7040 TC2-7116 TC2-7332 TC2-718
2% Lanthanated TL2-7040 TL2-7116 TL2-7332 TL2-718
Amperage - AC
20-30
30-80
60-130
120-200
Amperage - DC 15-50
50-120
80-150
130-250
The electrode should be sharpened to a point with a fine
grinding wheel. If the stone used for sharpening the electrode
is not clean, contaminants could lodge in the electrode and
dislodge when welding. The grinding wheel used for tungsten
electrodes should not be used for any other materials. When
grinding the electrode to a point, a 15 to 30 degree angle is
desired. The grinding marks should run lengthwise with the
point, opposed to in the direction of the diameter.
The HTP Tungsten Sharpener is an excellent tool for precisely
sharpening tungsten electrodes without any fear of contanimation.
Tungsten Sharpener