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

[Rivets]

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

Almost identical to mine.

I "reversed" the wheel rotation so as to grind away from the point, rather than into the point.

rivets

[Bigwilly01]

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

That is the best idea I have seen yet. Here I am trying to come up with a boat load of money for a tungsten grinder and all I need is 40 bucks and few days. LOL. Not to mention I could find some uses for the Flex attachment. Instead of trying to find my darn dremel with flex tool.

[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???

[zoama]

That is the best idea I have seen yet. Here I am trying to come up with a boat load of money for a tungsten grinder and all I need is 40 bucks and few days. LOL. Not to mention I could find some uses for the Flex attachment. Instead of trying to find my darn dremel with flex tool.

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-inch-...her-94071.html $28.99 -20% off coupon = $23.19

[zoama]

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???

2% lanthanated is good for everything. 1/16 and 3/32 filler rod are good to have on hand. You can check the tig calculators for the material you'll be welding... http://www.millerwelds.com/resources...calculator.php

[performance]

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???

Thoriated is good enough for all processes in our inverters. Lanthanated is as well. The size filler rod or Tungsten depends upon the amps you are going to be using. 3/32 is the most versatile size for most welders. This would be for filler rod AND tungsten.

[Brian Ski]

2% lanthanated is good for everything.

Can you use the same rod for both Aluminum and steel??? Or for all metals?? To be clear the same piece of tungsten for different materials or would their be a cross contamination??? For example I was told to use a liner on a MIG welder when I used aluminum wire and to remove it when I went back to steel.

[Rodsmachineshop]

never run aluminum with a stock liner . i did and messed it up with aluminum shaving lol

[Rodsmachineshop]

Mark have you seen any difference between the 2 i really never have seem to weld the same to me

[Brian Ski]

I see tungsten is sold in 6" and 7" will the 7" still fit in the standard torch???

[zoama]

Can you use the same rod for both Aluminum and steel??? Or for all metals?? To be clear the same piece of tungsten for different materials or would their be a cross contamination??? For example I was told to use a liner on a MIG welder when I used aluminum wire and to remove it when I went back to steel.

Yes, the same piece of tungsten can be used for whatever you're welding.

I see tungsten is sold in 6" and 7" will the 7" still fit in the standard torch???

Yes but I like to cut them in half and sharpen both ends so you have four ready to use ends out of one piece.