What type of tungsten should i use

[welderShane]

I will be tig welding mild steel with 80 amps and under.(1/16) I was thinking of buying 2% Thoriated (red). But after reading on weldcraft the say 2% thoriated is better for higher amps. So now im thinking about 2% Ceriated which they recomend it better for lower amps. Which should i get? Thanks

Shane

[jotram]

i always get 2% thor . im no pro though. i once baught 1/16 red and used about 150 amps on mild steel it pretty much turned white and melted the tip ..so someone suggested 3/32 and it solved that prob now thats all i use works great....

[Rojodiablo]

The red is the most common for that kind of welding. I see no problems welding down to 5-10 amps with .040 tungsten, and I regularly take 1/16" down to 15 amps with no issues.

[jamlit]

Hey Shane

I just got a new tig and have been spending some time learning to become a better tig welder. I did some research and talk to others and a lot recomended the gold tungsten. I have been practicing on 20 gauge up to 1/8 and the amp range from 20amps to 100 amps. I am using 1/16 gold tungsten and so far like it a lot. great arc and control and the point last a very long time. I was told that the gold tungsten can be used for aluminum as well so one tungsten does it all.

I am no pro but this is my two cents worth.

[Rojodiablo]

Originally Posted by jamlit

Hey Shane

I just got a new tig and have been spending some time learning to become a better tig welder. I did some research and talk to others and a lot recomended the gold tungsten. I have been practicing on 20 gauge up to 1/8 and the amp range from 20amps to 100 amps. I am using 1/16 gold tungsten and so far like it a lot. great arc and control and the point last a very long time. I was told that the gold tungsten can be used for aluminum as well so one tungsten does it all.

I am no pro but this is my two cents worth.

The gold is great stuff if you can find it!!!

[Supe]

Ceriated can be used for just about everything. Its also recommended for use with inverter machines if you do any aluminum welding.

[CarmenElectrode]

Miller has a great article online about tungsten, specifically for inverter machines:

To Get The Full Benefits of AC TIG Inverter Welding, Selecting The Right Tungsten Becomes a Critical Issue


and shameless plug here... we always recommend the ArcTime tungsten. It's a secret blend of rare earth dopents... believe it or not people have actually called us and thanked us for selling it to them. It IS more expensive but it performs better and lasts longer (unless you dip your tip-- can't help you there) (end shameless plug)

Keep in mind that where you buy your tungsten is also important. Buy from a trusted supplier so you can be sure you'll get quality tungsten.. Believe it or not there is a difference between tungsten manufacturers, this article explains it pretty well if you're interested.