Buying some Tungsten..Question?

[CGCINC]

I've searched but can not find it...maybe you can help?

I'm looking for a mixed package of Tungsten, something with all colors so I can try them out myself and see what I like. I don't want to buy full packs if I don't have to.

Also, anyone that has used Zirconiated Tungsten, do you like it? Does it work well in AC?

[parkour]

3shop-river/riverweld/plasmacutterconsumables will send you whatever kind of tungsten you prefer when you order a kit such as this one. http://www.ebay.com/itm/TIG-Torch-WP...item5d2753de65

I ordered such a kit from him a while back, but that one included lanthanated and thoriated. I asked for the thoriated be replaced by lanthanted. I got all thoriated. I suppose I was needlessly english-ey when I emailed him, but if you can get past the language barrier, you should be gtg because he seems like he's willing to cooperate. On the page I linked to, he shows that he has 9 different varieties.

Here he gives a brief description of each variety. http://www.ebay.com/itm/WL20-Sky-blu...item27bf55a8a2 You could try ordering that and in the paypal note ask him to "dispatch" one of each and list all that he offers. Interesting to see what you get.

This outfit http://stores.ebay.com/tungstendirect in Cali has 6 type offerings. Language should not be an issue with them.

[Hayapower]

Arc-zone has 3 rod hobby packs of CK tungstens. Zirconiated isn't in the hobby packs though..

[redbeard]

The LWS here sells singles, have you tried there yet?

[CGCINC]

3shop-river/riverweld/plasmacutterconsumables will send you whatever kind of tungsten you prefer when you order a kit such as this one. http://www.ebay.com/itm/TIG-Torch-WP...item5d2753de65

I like this kit!!

I have tried my local welding store but all the have is Pure and 2% Thoriated. And only in 3/32" and 1/8".
They said they can order what I need BUT, I can do that as well and for less.

[parkour]

About all the LWS is good for is swapping out gas, and only because that cannot reasonably be done over the Internet. The LWS is still catering to shops from the 1980s and 90s when TIG was rare, called heliarc, and was expensive. I went in and was sorely disappointed with the miserable selection.. of anything. All four big name shops in town... useless. Maybe I'm just spoiled with the selection of things on the Internet.

With that all said, I would advise against getting/using thoriated. Grinding it will produce radioactive dust. OK, so it is said to be no big deal. Fine, is your life so trouble free that you are willing to risk adding one more problem that is so easily avoided?

You've probably seen this, but in case you've not...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpanERwagaU

[redbeard]

Is it cheaper for filler rod as well? I would think the shipping on that would make it a break even at best, especially on smaller quantities.

[parkour]

I have never purchased fill online. This place seems to have good prices/shipping, even if no mild steel tig fill. http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-ER70S-6-ER...item2c5e00fe05

From what I can tell, stuff is marked up so much at the LWS, that with a more reasonable markup and shipping, you still come out ahead ordering online.

[CGCINC]

I have never purchased fill online. This place seems to have good prices/shipping, even if no mild steel tig fill. http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-ER70S-6-ER...item2c5e00fe05

From what I can tell, stuff is marked up so much at the LWS, that with a more reasonable markup and shipping, you still come out ahead ordering online.

And I pretty much agree with that, at a lot of local stores...BUT, my LWS gives a pretty big discount when your in the local welding school so that helps out a bunch! I just bought a 10lb. box of 70s-2 3/32 filler rod for $18 and change..... I told him to give me another one! I think they also give me a break because I'm a local business owner!?!?

[Hayapower]

I've bought my plasma consumables from 3shop-river and their pretty quick at getting their items here. Way cheaper then I can get them here, and usually a make/best offer will offset the shipping costs which are reasonable anyway. Their comunications are good as well. Was a little concerened buying direct from China, but had no problems.

Anyone tried the 'hybrid' tungnstens? One rod for all....

[Tinker]

If you're comparing the various Tungsten you might want to check out one of the videos that Jody posted on his WeldingTipsandTricks YouTube channel. He did some AC testing using all the types I'm familiar with and showed how the tip held up, etc. As I recall he judged the 2% Lanthanated to perform the best on his aluminum testing.

[CGCINC]

I've seen the video on "tips and tricks", I just want to try myself and get a feel for what works for me.