tungsten "question"

[wildb454]

i was wondering how the- brown tungsten(1% Zirconium) works for aluminum.I currently use -green( pure 100%) checked on price there is a big diffrence and do you use straight argon.if not what do you use.

thanks,BILL

[wildb454]

anybody know this question

[alanaker]

I bought a couple of new packs of brown tungstens at the local used tool place along with some other stuff several months ago. I tried the 1/8" ones a week or 2 ago and could not tell any difference between the green ones in the same diameter I've been using all along for aluminum. The balance control knob position which determines cleaning action vs: penetration has way more effect on the tungsten than which color(trace alloy) I use. My opinion! I also use straight Argon.

[pulser]

This is good source of info on tungsten.
http://www.diamondground.com/index.html

For aluminum, Argon, Helium, or Argon/Helium mix, no reactive additions such as Oxygen, CO2, or Hydrogen. Helium runs at a higher arc voltage and helps transfer more heat so it is helpful for thicker aluminum.

[zapster]

i like to use 2% red end for everything..

i've used it for 20 yrs and to me theres no need to change..

...zap!

[riley mcmillan]

I agree with zapster. When I weld aluminum, I set my machine on reverse polarity to melt a ball on the end of the 2% thoriated tungsten, then go back to AC high freq. for the welding.

[zapster]

I agree with zapster. When I weld aluminum, I set my machine on reverse polarity to melt a ball on the end of the 2% thoriated tungsten, then go back to AC high freq. for the welding.



just for laffs try welding aluminum with a sharp point right off the bat..
let the ball form naturally as you weld..
you'll see a big diffrence..in the overall weld...

much better..

...zap!

[wildb454]

just for laffs try welding aluminum with a sharp point right off the bat..
let the ball form naturally as you weld..
you'll see a big diffrence..in the overall weld...

much better..

...zap!
I've tryed tryed both ways I also saw the diffrence
thanks BILL

[wildb454]

I bought a couple of new packs of brown tungstens at the local used tool place along with some other stuff several months ago. I tried the 1/8" ones a week or 2 ago and could not tell any difference between the green ones in the same diameter I've been using all along for aluminum. The balance control knob position which determines cleaning action vs: penetration has way more effect on the tungsten than which color(trace alloy) I use. My opinion! I also use straight Argon.
thank you for the advise Ithink I will stick to green (pure) BILL

[alanaker]

I'm going to try the red tungstens on aluminum that zapster likes. Why not?

[pulser]

thank you for the advise Ithink I will stick to green (pure) BILL

You're sticking with green. I am wondering why? Because it's the cheapest?

I wonder what Engloid or the other guys doing AC on anodized aluminum would recommend.

I know it is common to read that pure is recommended for AC on aluminum, but I think this is a hold over from the old days when the choice was mainly pure or 2% thoriated, and people were willing to tolerate the lower current capacity of pure because it balled up easily, and they had trouble with the the 2% thoriated forming a split/hole in the ball and getting arc wander.

I was taught AC aluminum with 2% thoriated and I can deal with the splitting issue. If the splitting issue gives you head aches, there are still other (better IMO) choices than pure. Also, with the modern variable frequency inverters, you don't need to ball the tungsten, so 2% thoriated is really not an issue.

Did you go to the link I provided for Diamond Ground Products, did you read this:

"a. Electron Work Function (eV) - The work function is the energy needed to remove an electron from an atom and is measured in electron volts (eV). The lower the work function of an electrode, the lower the voltage necessary to strike an arc, thus the easier the arc starts. The oxides added to a tungsten serve to promote the electron emission by lowering the work function of the tungsten. Below is a list of different oxides and metals and their respective work functions. The oxide work function is important because the lower the eV for the oxide, the easier it will start. The metal work function is important, because upon emitting an oxide the metal is left as a film on the tip. The lower the eV of the metal at the tip, the lower the temperature will be at the tip which will decrease grain growth and provide a constant flow of oxides and longer service life."

"5. Pure Tungsten - This material has a very high work function thus it is more difficult to start and produce a stable arc than other materials. Also, because of the high work function, the temperature at the tip is higher and grain growth occurs. This leads to an unstable arc, starting difficulty, and a shorter service life. This material is only used for AC welding; however; better alternatives are available."

[gnm109]

<snip>

I was taught AC aluminum with 2% thoriated and I can deal with the splitting issue. If the splitting issue gives you head aches, there are still other (better IMO) choices than pure. Also, with the modern variable frequency inverters, you don't need to ball the tungsten, so 2% thoriated is really not an issue.

<snip>

"


I've tried the red 2% thoriated tungstens. They work OK on aluminum but they do split the ball. They seem a little harder than the pure green coded ones and the ball never gets very large. I usually just point the tungsten and let the ball form by itself on my transformer machine.