Tungsten

Tungsten electrodes for TIG welding, by alloy and diameter. The tungsten is the single component that decides arc start, arc stability and how long you can weld before you have to stop and regrind.

Choosing the alloy

• Thoriated (red, 2% thoriated) - the long-standing DC standard. Excellent arc starting, holds a sharp point, high current capacity. It is mildly radioactive; the exposure risk is in grinding dust, so grind with extraction and do not do it dry in a confined space.
• Lanthanated (gold or blue) - performs comparably to thoriated on DC, runs AC well, and carries no radioactivity concern. The sensible default for most shops replacing thoriated today.
• Ceriated (grey) - starts exceptionally well at low amperage. The choice for thin material, fine detail and orbital work.
• Pure (green) - forms a stable balled end on AC and is the traditional aluminium electrode on transformer machines. Largely superseded by lanthanated on modern inverters.

Diameter follows amperage

Undersized tungsten overheats, spits and contaminates the weld. Oversized tungsten will not start cleanly at low current and gives a wandering arc. Each diameter has a working current band - stay inside it.

Grinding is part of the process

Grind longitudinally, along the axis of the electrode, never across it. Grinding marks running around the circumference cause the arc to wander, because the current follows those ridges. A dedicated tungsten grinder pays for itself in consistency.

Point geometry is a variable you control: a sharper taper concentrates the arc for thin material and precision work, a blunter taper carries more current and lasts longer.

If you dip it, regrind it

A tungsten that has touched the puddle is contaminated. Grinding back past the contamination is the only fix - carrying on produces a spattering, unstable arc and inclusions in the weld.

Free shipping over $175 across Canada. Counter pickup in North York.