TIG Welding: Handling the Tungsten - Kevin Caron

From http;//www.kevincaron.com - Artist Kevin Caron shares tips on how to sharpen the tungsten in a TIG welder to make it easier to weld and save time.

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Howto & Style

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• how to video
• free video
• youtube video
• tungsten electrodes
• tools
• tool

[jemcnair76]

It's not 2/3rds... it's 2 to 3 times the diameter.

[kevincaron]

@jemcnair76 Just checked my book, You are correct,  my bad.

Great catch........

[danssv8]

Hi Kevin

Have done some oxy and lots arc welding,but stil new to tig and have always made a sharp point and wil try this one, might work better for me, thanks again great tips mate.also have my argon set at about 7.5 L /min is that to much ? thanks

[kevincaron]

@danssv8 No, 7.5 l/min is about right. I run mine at 9 but I have some wind to contend

with.

[kevincaron]

@marek0086 Flame, Arc, bright hot thing on the end of the handle,  whatever you call it, Don't stick your finger in it!!!!

And wear eye protection ....

[marek0086]

@kevincaron~ dont call it a "flame"!.... you'll confuse the beginners!

[kevincaron]

@CncObsession Thanks for posting.

As far as I know this works with all types of TIG welders. My information came from the operators manual for my Miller 200. I was not sure about sharpening this way but that is what the book shows. I have tried sharpening down and can't see any difference in performance. I would say which ever way works the best for you is the way to do it.

[CncObsession]

I am glad you showed this. I do have a question and a comment. I was sharpening my tungstens to sharp according to your explanation. I cant wait to see if this helps my results. Is this tip grinding technique acceptable for an inverter welder (Longevity WeldAll 160pi)? I was getting a much smaller flame front with a pointed tungsten and possibly erratic action. When you sharpen your tungsten on the top of the wheel if it grabs it sends it towards and possibly into you. Sharpen down.

[kevincaron]

@Jerbob1 Hi Jer;

Lots of different opinions on this subject. Like I said in the video this is what Miller says to do for that welder. I have tried welding with a sharp point and find this way works better for me. On the dust front you are absolutely correct. I have been looking in to respirators and or filters and will be adding some to the shop soon.

Thanks for posting, it is always great to hear from my viewer. Whether it is praise or a slap to the back of the head.

[Jerbob1]

Hi Kevin,

Quick update. Just checked the videos on TIG tungsten grinders and all of them show the tips coming out of the grinder with sharp points. Also, one of them makes a big deal out of collecting the dust to keep it out of the environment. There's no end to this learning stuff.