Tungsten Color Theory is a VERY Sensitive Topic

Which color tungsten is best? This deep dive into the history and evolution of tungsten colors might just answer that. In this episode, Justin from @TheFabricatorSeries explains what each color is used for and why it almost doesn't matter which color you use on modern machines. Enjoy!

[microwave]

I've found that a good way to avoid the minor dulling that 2% lanthanated may exhibit is to frequently dip and regrind too often to ever notice.

[Toyotajunkie]

Straightforward, entertaining, and a little humor... that's a recipe for a great video. Thanks brother

[BradfordsGarage]

I’ve been using 2% lanth for the last few years. I’ve only recently started noticing how the point gets dull on DC welding. I’ve always hated how poorly it holds up to higher amperage AC, but I just live with it. Just ordered up some chartreuse and I’m excited to see how this goes! Thanks for making this.

[juscozcustoms]

I remember the red scare. I was in my local auto parts store and they had packets of reds marked down from $60 to $2... yep I'm never going to run out of reds

[JCWren]

Here's why Justin uses the chartreuse rods: "The Tungsten LaYZr electrodes from CK WorldWide are best for automated or robotic applications in A/C or D/C due to the low voltage tolerance (changes in tip to work-piece distance) using inverter or transformer-based constant current power sources." -- He's a robotic welding machine!

[xl]

Very informative, if I can ever get beyond dipping and sticking the tungsten into the parent material this color thing might come in handy.

[squarefour]

I have certainly learned quite a bit on here and the other videos. This is a no BS channel. Thanks for the great tips.

[FMunixxx]

This is the best overview and recommendation I've found. Thanks for the original content!

[jon]

Dude you have the best advice! I FB marketplace'd a $200 used DC rig from Jeg's, and man, as a car guy, I wish I would have done this forever ago. But throwing myself into body repair, with no pedal or pulse with no experience, uh. Has really been quite a challenge lol. I'm welding my shock towers on an 05 focus right now, watching your videos during cool down. Thanks again!

PS - Would love to see a vid on exactly what I'm doing. Specifically doing bodywork metal with the most basic of TIGs, no pedal. With dirty ass seams lol. Someone telling me to lay the torch down and go back up to 3/32" from 1/16" tungsten, and switching from 1/16" and 3/32" filler depending on how big my blowout was, using spot weld pliers to get copper on the back of rocker panel pinch welds, getting a $30 electric belt file sander etc etc. were all immensely helpful as I went along.

[tjbugeye]

I really love this video. You taught me to TIG weld couple years ago. Just watched your videos and started laying beads. REALLY BAD BEADS!! But I was trying. Then I started to by my own consumables instead of using what ever I could find in the shop at work. You had mentioned the Lyzr tungsten so I purchased some and I do feel that it works better than what I was using. I also purchased some tig cups from Weld Metals Online along with some puzzles to practice on. I am very thankful that I cam across you videos cause it taught me a new skill that I really enjoy.

[GroundedConceptsLLC]

Bro! Your videos got me into welding and Everlast. I just purchased a Typhoon 230 I am freaking stoked to use. Gonna be visiting your channel more frequently

[stevenmitchell]

Thank you, Justin! I'm no longer a "working" welder but you have explained this issue better than anyone I've heard. I, too, use only the CK LaYZr tungsten for everything. It's the only one I recommend anymore for inverter rigs.

[samuelpeirce]

I love this series, i have rewatched them a dozen times, thank you, and when i can afford weld coach online. I am there.

[dan]

Did just what you said, tried a bunch of things. When LaYZr landed in the collet, I fell in love. Really glad to hear you landed on the same choice!

[mrvector]

Can't wait for more of these informational videos to come out.

[LaelaHolden]

Thanks Justin. Great information. I just sold a distributor a ton of tungsten and I had to research the process they were using to find the needed tungsten.

[YokaiTheWolf]

I like 2% Ceriated personally for carbon, stainless and high nickel alloys, 2% lanthinated is my preferred for aluminum. I've dabbled with most colors back about 10 years ago when I was just learning to weld in college, but gray and blue are the ones that stuck best.

[mysterious_nobody_]

2% lanthanated, holds its tip just fine. It has been tested to perform better than 2% thoriated. Read the diamond ground products book on tungsten to understand what the oxide does.

[SteveLowe]

Heading to Vegas for my class on Friday, can't wait! Your last two Weld Coach videos are awesome to help cut through the seemingly overwhelming amount of options - especially for someone like me who's just about to get into TIG welding.

[avmech]

2% thoriated…………………it is what gives us salty old weldors on the internet who refuse to get with the times our glowing personalities!!
Seriously, another well done video Justin 👍. These days I use CK 2% lanthanated or LaYZr on my inverter welder