tig welding / tungsten grinders

[gary m]

hi, i would like to know who makes a good quality tungsten grinder that is reasonably priced and where is the best place to buy.also any pro/cons of different brands,etc. i saw one of these this weekend at a shop and it sure beats sharpening the tungsten on a bench grinder by hand.this is a great forum! THANKS gary m

[gilsbachracecraft]

I just use my belt grinder.They are kind of expensive.


Turbo-Sharp is an enclosed Tungsten electrode grinder that eliminates grinding dust exposure to the user and the environment. Turbo-Sharp comes with a metal carrying case and includes: standard head assembly for grinding 1/16", 3/32" & 1/8" Tungstens.

An accessory for stationary mounting, Adaptor for vacuum, Pen style electrode holder, Tools for installing replacement grinding wheel and owners manual included. 120 Volt, 50/60 Hz. 3.5 Amp power

Shipping Weight: 12 lbs.




Availability: Usually ships the next business day.

Turbo Sharp Tungsten Grinder
TS3_DS_12Elsewhere: $ 695.00Welding-Direct Price

Additional discounts may be available for volume orders. To speak with a customer service representative for details, call, toll free, 1-866-568-3170 .

Welding-Direct.com is in no way affiliated with the above named manufacturers. References to named machines, torches, welding guns and numbers is for your convenience only. Most parts advertised for sale are made by or for Welding-Direct.com; other parts, as indicated, are original parts (OEM) and are simply being resold by welding-direct.com. Copyright 2004 Welding-Direct.com. All rights reserved. Details on our Free Delivery policy may be found on our Information page.

[Performance Welding]

I use the hard wheel on my bench grinder, I personally use a pin vise to sharpen, I've seen people use cordless drills also to get a nice point. Remember to hold your breath because tungsten puts off radiation when you sharpen it.

[gary m]

hi, thanks for the replies. gary m

[Chris Uratchko]

Bill,

Is the tungsten bad to grind on as far as breathing in dust???

[gilsbachracecraft]

Tungsten is not a radioactive material it is the added thorium.Thorium just raises the melting point of the electrode to give you a longer lasting point and slower deterioration and does give off radioactive dust when ground.They do make Tungsten with Cerium,Lanthanum and Zirconium that perform just as good.I have used used them all and like the Lantanated.I have been grinding Thoriated tungsten for 15 years and still have seen no side effects to my health. does give off radioactive dust when ground,Lanthanum and Zirconium that gdhftu perform just as good Tungsten is not a fdgjdkdt radioactive material used used them all and like the Lantanated nsiiz melting point of the electrode to give :lol:
On a side note they try to cure cancer with radiation so I am gonna keep on grinding and smoking :smt005

[Dan Neumann]

I personally use Lanthanated Tungsten. It don't have the radioactive material in them and I like the ignition performance and low burn off rate. It also works well with AC and DC currents. I personally use a fine wheel on my bench grinder for grinding my tungsten. I also keep a little water cup right under my grinder for cooling the tungsten as I grind it. I've done this for 20 years now with no issues to health or anything. Make sure you dedicate that wheel for your tungsten grinding only. :D I personally can't justify the cost of those grinders.

[joem]

http://www.htpweld.com/products/tig_accessories/sharpener.htm

HTP sells one for around $225-a friend of mine has it works great

[gary m]

hi, thanks for the info and replies.i have ordered a tungsten grinder today from the local welding supply store,should have it this coming week. thanks gary m

[Bobalos]

I was @ a buddies shope the other day & he uses one of those 1" wide belt sanders to grind his Tungsten. I was having a hard time getting mind looking good with my grinder so I pulled out my 3" belt sander, flipped it upside down on the table with a new belt & went to town. it works BITCHEN. I can just leave it there & push the button & sharpen away. its not like its hard to visualize, but I figured I would take a picture anyway.

Bob


http://www.xtrmbowties.com/Belt_Sander_1.JPG

[kbow-z28]

I use a 4" grinder with a new wheel . I lock it on and put it in my vise then put the tungstens in my 3/8" drill and sharpen away . Beautiful point every time and no burnt fingers .

[10secgoal]

Some of the best money I spent. Got one of the 225 ones. Consistan, FAST grinding. No more burnt fingers from the grinder. With AC I can grind it to a point, then stick it in the top and flatten it so it makes a nice little ball, rather than letting it burn back. Should have bought it 4 years ago.

[Bobalos]

I have tried my 4" grinder, but found that it spun too fast & wanted to cut a groove in it & then it would not sharpen very well. this is slow enough & flat enough that it works very well. and who does not have a belt sander laying around??

Bob

[mikeyfrombc]

I personally use Lanthanated Tungsten. It don't have the radioactive material in them and I like the ignition performance and low burn off rate. It also works well with AC and DC currents. I personally use a fine wheel on my bench grinder for grinding my tungsten. I also keep a little water cup right under my grinder for cooling the tungsten as I grind it. I've done this for 20 years now with no issues to health or anything. Make sure you dedicate that wheel for your tungsten grinding only. :D I personally can't justify the cost of those grinders.

is that the GOLD one ?? in know the ORANGE is good for steel and aluminum , and like any trade they have their negatives , the shit i breath in all day standing in front of my lathe , mill , saw etc.

the dust from grinding is supposed to cause issues from what i,ve read .

[JCRVETTE]

I use a dedicated bench grinder. I have a wire wheel on the other side of the grinder that I polish the point with when done. The polished tip seems to make a real nice concentrated arc for the thin stuff.

[jeremy. A]

Hexavalent chromiuim is one of the very large issues today as far as osha in the powerplants,refineries,papermills, from what im seeing its not just the welding its the cutting grinding if you can see dust or smoke basically its in the air doesnt even have to be stainless it can be something with a high chrome content such as 90 wire. some of the plants i work you have to suit up in designated areas and dispose of the suit gloves when leaving area wipe your hard hat,hood everything down where there is alot of work with stainless or 90 hope this helps. Jeremy