Which tungsten electrode to use

They handle higher amp levels for magnesium alloys and aluminum alloys. Facebook Email Print Twitter. The gold 1. Rare Earth Mix Purple.

Compared with pure tungsten, the ceriated tungsten electrodes provide for greater arc stability. They have excellent arc starting properties at low current. If used on higher current applications the cerium oxide may be concentrated to the excessively hot tip of the electrode. This condition and oxide change will remove the benefits of the cerium. The non radioactive cerium oxide has slightly different electrical properties as compared to the thoriated tungsten electrodes.

The cerium electrodes work well with the Advanced Squarewave power sources and should be ground to a modified point. These TIG electrodes are alloyed with non radioactive lanthanum oxide, often referred to as lanthana, another of the rare earth elements. These electrodes have excellent arc starting, low erosion rate, arc stability and excellent re-ignition characteristics. The higher the percentage of lanthana, the more expensive the electrode.

Since lanthana electrodes can operate at slightly different arc voltages than thoriated or ceriated tungsten electrodes these slight changes may require welding parameters and procedures to be adjusted. The 1. Midwest Tungsten Service is a brand that specializes in tungsten electrodes and they keep their prices low. I would highly recommend these. These tungsten electrodes have shown good arc starts and arc steadiness. The price is a bit lower than the other leading brands, yet the quality remains.

But when you do need to sharpen it, it can be done with ease. Although the brand claims to be American, the electrodes come from China. And for this reason, the shipping may take very long. But despite the false advertising, the electrodes work just fine. This is the highest-rated tungsten product on Amazon. CK Worldwide is a serious name brand in the welding industry and this product is a testament to their reliability.

The electrode sparks up real quick, holds an extremely stable arc, and it takes a while before balling up. It is, however, the most expensive out of all the products I reviewed. Like the thoriated electrodes, these are shipped in a vacuum-sealed bag to prevent oxidation. These electrodes also have all the required certificates. They break off and grind easily. This is a great quality electrode for a very low price.

This electrode will spark up every single time you try, even when it has a balled-up tip. Balls well, handles higher amperage than pure tungsten with less spitting, better arc starts and arc stability than pure tungsten. Best for non corroding steels, titanium alloys, nickel alloys, copper alloys.

Good for low-alloyed steels, non corroding steels, aluminum alloys, magnesium alloys, titanium alloys, nickel alloys, copper alloys. Good ignition and re-ignition properties, long service life, excellent arc stability. Principal Oxide: None. Contains Balls easy, tends to spit at higher amperages. Used for non-critical welds only.