Pp256

[scorp765]

I was wondering where and what Tig Welding Tungsten Electrodes to get. My torch came with parts marked 1.6/ 2.0/ 2.4 I would like to be able to weld AC and DC with out changing electrodes, and just about any metal. and what is 1.6? I assume its "mm" and what would be the sizes in sae measurements?
Most of my welding needs I go to AirGas!

[geezer]

If you use .040 thous. per mm that's close enough for a conversion. 1.6 = .064 2 = .080 2.4 = 0.96 3.2 = .128 , not exact but close enough.

probably 2.4 mm (3/32) would be your best bet for all round size with an amp range from 145 to 250. cup size 6,7,8,,,,5 to 10 litres

[everlastsupport]

Also, run 2% thoriated tungsten electrodes for both aluminum and steel if you do not want to change the electrode. But you will probably want to sharpen the electrode after welding aluminum and going back to steel.

[scorp765]

Ok so what two should i get? I was told its better to get two... 1 for steels, and another for aluminum and softer metals. but still what ones?
2%...ok got that
Thoriated?
Lanthanated?
Ceriated?
Rare Earth????
Im going to go crazy trying to find the all around best/last the longest electrodes....HELP!!! hahaha...lol

I got the size thing worked out all but one
1.6=1/16__________________came with the pp256
2.0= (no size for this one)____came with the pp256
2.4=3/32__________________came with the pp256
3.2=1/8___________________Did not come with the pp256 (Don't got this one)

[dgarnier]

pretty sure none of us rookies really see much differance between the 2% Thoriated, Lanthanated and Ceriated?...All seem to work ok in steel and aluminum. I ended up cutting most of my tungstens in half so that I dont have to stop and regrind as often. So now after I bugger one up I just put in another random Thoriated, Lanthanated or Ceriated

[Timberwolf]

You will notice at high frequencies in AC that the lanthanated can't take it as well as others and will start to break apart and form small balls on the end of the electrode. Thoriated starts easiest at low amperages. One of my favorites is the cryogenically treated 2% thor from DGP. Their tri mix also seems to hold up well as an all around use electrode