TIG contamination removal techniques

[jakeru]

OK so on the learning curve of TIG here, I've done a bit of tungsten-weld puddle dipping recently (in both mild steel and aluminum), and I am wondering what is the most effective and economical way to remove the contamination?

On a miller TIG welding troubleshooting guide, it says if the tungsten gets contaminated, to break off 1/2" of the tungsten, and re-sharpen the tip. Is removing that much tungsten really necessary?

Is there anything wrong with grinding off any hard metal deposits and re-sharpening the point, and just scrubbing with a scotchbrite pad any carbon/discoloration deposits on the rest of the tungsten until it is clean? Or would using that technique be detrimental to weld quality. Should I really be snapping off a large amount of tungsten every time I get some contamination?

Oh yeah also, is carbon or other material build-up inside or on the front edge of the ceramic cup a problem? Can those cup deposts be safely ignored without impacting weld quality, or is it important to keep the cup surfaces clean as well. (If so, how do you clean the cup, in particular the inside of it.)

I am trying to reduce the arc wander I am getting recently, and I think contamination may be contributing, and maybe how I sharpened my tip. I remember when doing some welding before, that holding the tungsten very close to the work would cause all the heat to concentrate right next to the tungsten. But with contamination, it seems that doesn't even work, the arc wanders all over. I'm wondering what techniques you who are very proficient at TIG welding are doing it. (Aside from not dipping the tungsten in the puddle in the first place.) Thanks!