How to cut tungsten?

[robert-r]

Tig newby here. I recently acquired a #9 torch and a 7" tungsten is too long to fit inside the end cap.
So I need to cut some in half for use in this torch.

My bandsaw shatters them. They take the sharp angle off the edge of the grinding stone (wears the stone really fast). They are too long to fit in my ebay rotary tool sharpener.
Suggestions?

TIA,
robert

[villageblacksmith]

I would suggest an abrasive cut-off wheel on a 4 1/2 inch anglehead grinder. Or use one in a die grinder. (One that is made for the die grinder.) Sometimes they are called zip disks, some call them Metabo wheels,etc. No matter the name, it is simply a thin abrasive disk designed to cut on the edge of the wheel. Good luck!

[Oscar]

Yup, an 045 or 040 disk will slice them quick.

[robert-r]

Thanks, dudes!!! & haha.... there is a grinder with a thin cutoff disc on the bench. Was out there whole time I was driving myself nuts.

[woodchuck]

A quick rap with a flat metal bar when resting on the edge of a metal table of bench vice will break it sharply and easily. i use that to knock of dips before sharpening. Yes I've had lots of those.

[WTXBTUMOVER]

I use the edge of the bench grinder wheel to grind a V in the middle then snap it. Then touch up the point.

Zach

[123weld]

I use the edge of the bench grinder wheel to grind a V in the middle then snap it. Then touch up the point.

Zach

exactly

[Welder Dave]

A couple pairs of pliers will snap them too.

[12V71]

When i had to cut a bunch of pieces for short cap torches i would drill a hole in a wood block to the right depth and cut them with a very narrow (.035 x 3") disc on a right angle die grinder, then dump the hot piece in a tray. Didn't take long to cut a bunch up.

[robert-r]

Thanks, Everyone!!! Great solutions!!! Very much appreciated.

[OPUS FERRO]

robert-r

Thanks, Everyone!!! Great solutions!!! Very much appreciated.

Stop thanking - there are many refinements - unposted . . .


Opus

[Welder Dave]

Here's a similar method to using pliers I borrowed from a Miller forum.

I've grown fond of using 2 vice grips, nose to nose for quite some time...snaps 'em nice and easy. I prefer the 8WR's because they "square up" easy due to their width and I usually have a pair with me just about everywhere I tig. The splitting thing doesn't seem to be a problem for me this way.

[Munkul]

You shouldn't snap any tungstens other than thoriated... not great advice IMO!
Thoriated are the only type that reliably cleanly snap.

Lanthanated tungstens can often hairline crack when you snap them, and welding with a cracked tungsten is horrible. Ceriated and other types are even worse, they splinter.
This is common knowledge and something I've seen myself.

Abrasive wheel is your friend. I use the corner of my diamond wheel to cut through them, you've then got half a prep on the ends straight away as well

[scsmith42]

exactly

Me too

[motolife313]

I use the edge of the bench grinder wheel to grind a V in the middle then snap it. Then touch up the point.

Zach

I just take the extra 2 seconds and cut all the way through so I don’t worry about splintering the tungsten

[Kelvin]

Don't cut it -- just grind it back to a point again. I don't know why everybody seems to think new welders need to cut off tungstens. I've never cut a tungsten.

It's like cutting an inch off a pencil before sharpening it. WTF? Who does that?

[acourtjester]

he is using a short back cap, must cut

[Kelvin]

he is using a short back cap, must cut

Well.
That's very different, then.
Never mind!


Oh -- and, cutoff wheel!