OM-350 Page 31
7-2. Preparing Tungsten Electrode For Welding
Y Grinding the tungsten electrode produces dust and flying sparks which can cause injury and start fires. Use
local exhaust (forced ventilation) at the grinder or wear an approved respirator. Read MSDS for safety infor-
mation. Consider using tungsten containing ceria, lanthana, or yttria instead of thoria. Grinding dust from
thoriated electrodes contains low-level radioactive material. Properly dispose of grinder dust in an environ-
mentally safe way. Wear proper face, hand, and body protection. Keep flammables away.
A. Preparing Tungsten For DC Electrode Negative (DCEN) Welding Or AC Welding With Inverter Machines
1 Tungsten Electrode
2 Tapered End
Grind end of tungsten on fine grit,
hard abrasive wheel before weld-
ing. Do not use wheel for other jobs
or tungsten can become contami-
nated causing lower weld quality.
3
Ideal Tungsten Preparation – Stable Arc
2-1/2 Times
Electrode Diameter
1
2
1 Stable Arc
2 Flat
Diameter of this flat determines
amperage capacity.
3 Grinding Wheel
Grinding wheel should be dedi-
cated to grinding tungsten only.
4 Straight Ground
3
1
2
1 Arc Wander
2 Point
3 Grinding Wheel
Grinding wheel should be dedi-
cated to grinding tungsten only.
4 Radial Ground
2
1
4
Wrong Tungsten Preparation – Wandering Arc
4
1 Tungsten Electrode
2 Balled End
Y Understand and follow
safety symbols at start of
Section 8-1 before preparing
tungsten.
Ball end of tungsten by applying AC
amperage recommended for a giv-
en electrode diameter (see Section
7-1). Let ball on end of the tungsten
take its own shape.
B. Preparing Tungsten For Conventional AC Welding
1
1 – 1-1/2 Times
2
Electrode Diameter
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