consumable question...

[Brian Ski]

I am reading an older probably 20+ year old welding book... It said consumables are things that get consumed like welding rod, filler materiel, etc and non-consumables are items like tungsten that does not get used up.

Going through the website it seems to have changed... Consumables are parts like tungsten, ceramic cups, holders etc. Am I missing something???

[zoama]

I am reading an older probably 20+ year old welding book... It said consumables are things that get consumed like welding rod, filler materiel, etc and non-consumables are items like tungsten that does not get used up.

Going through the website it seems to have changed... Consumables are parts like tungsten, ceramic cups, holders etc. Am I missing something???

The later is correct... Consumables are refered to now as parts like tungsten, ceramic cups, contact tips, nozzles etc.

[performance]

The later is correct... Consumables are refered to now as parts like tungsten, ceramic cups, contact tips, nozzles etc.

If you'll check several current texts you'll find that Tungsten is still considered non consumable. It isn't something that is a super fast wear item, if you are good. A single piece of tungsten can last indefinitely if conditions are right. However, If you are new, you'd better have a box full.

[Brian Ski]

If you'll check several current texts you'll find that Tungsten is still considered non consumable. It isn't something that is a super fast wear item, if you are good. A single piece of tungsten can last indefinitely if conditions are right. However, If you are new, you'd better have a box full.

Uh yea... My conditions are never right... I think I am going for a couple boxes.... At least in different sizes and materials.

[zoama]

Uh yea... My conditions are never right... I think I am going for a couple boxes.... At least in different sizes and materials.

I suggest 1 box of 1/16 and 1 box of 3/32 2% lanthanated to start. I still dip my tungsten every now and then having to regrind but I haven't used half a box in the year that I've been learning.

[Rodsmachineshop]

i bought one of these so i have a dedicated grinder for my tungstun works good and was cheap like 39 bucks on ebay its a minni bench grinder

[Brian Ski]

I suggest 1 box of 1/16 and 1 box of 3/32 2% lanthanated to start. I still dip my tungsten every now and then having to regrind but I haven't used half a box in the year that I've been learning.

That is what I was thinking. What about Thoriated for steel/DC??? Or is lanthanated good enough???

There are several different tungstens and everyone has a preference.

BTW as long as we are close to this subject what about filler rods??? Is 1/16 good enough to start with??? Or should I pick up some larger diameter too???