Chemical Tungsten pointer

[jmm03]

Hello all,years back I used a chemical paste that worked by grounding the TIG electrode until it turned orange,and then by putting the tip of the electrode in the paste it formed it into a perfect welding point. (sorry if it is a bit of a vague description of the process,but that is about what I remember) If anyone is familiar with such an animal would you please tell me the proper name of it and where I might find it? Thanks, Jim

[boatbuoy]

chem sharp is one brand

[Coaltrain]

I heard that was some bad stuff. You could always sharpen them with a O/A torch.

[jmm03]

Coaltrain,care to elaborate? I suspect that it gives off fumes or has some detrimental effects or more people would probably use it. Thanks, Jim

[manning]

It always seemed to make the point too long, except for some .040 tungsten. I quit using it for that reason.

[crab fisherman]

Here are some links:

http://www.hobartwelders.com/weldtal...ight=chemsharp

http://store.weldersource.com/chemsharp.html

http://www.everlastgenerators.com/fo...ght=chem+sharp

I used it on one job long while back. Good if you don't have a grinder.

-Ian

[Drf255]

I fell for it. I tossed it already.

Apparently you can buy the chemical for much less than the welding supplies sell it for. Maybe someone will chime in with what it is (?Sodium Nitrite).

It will bubble and spit when the tungsten is dipped in it. Whatever you do, don't use it while a gas lens is installed on your torch (as I did) because it will spit up onto the screens.

[3ruedas]

you can buy that from sportsman warehouse, it is sodium nitrite and I think is used to preserve food. I got 2 pounds for 15 bucks. It works great I heat up the electrodes with a propane torch and then dip them a 1/4" into the powder it is fast and as long as you have good ventilation safe.