How to Grind Your TIG Tungsten to Weld Steel

If you're just starting out with TIG welding then grinding knowing if you are grinding your tungsten right shouldn’t be something you sit and worry about. In this video I explain a solid technique for grinding your tungsten.

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[sun]

I love that you held it the correct way when you were grinding it. Recently a guy at work had a tungsten go through a bone in his hand, because he did it the other way.

[rendel]

I am also new at TIG welding, I bought 1.6mm and 2.4mm electrodes (x 10 each), and sharpened them all. I hold my electrodes the other way up, it works and is easy to do. 20 electrodes, both ends wore a nice groove into my grinder wheel, I didn't think it would wear that quickly. Cheers.

[julianbrody]

I'm just learning how to tig weld with my everlast welder. I am sure I will be grinding a LOT of tungsten when practicing.

[Subway]

Red is 2% Thoriated. The thorium improved the electron emission qualities and improves arc initiation. Very good for DC carbon steel, stainless steel etc, and in AC for thin aluminum.
The best way I've found to sharpen my tungsten is by placing it in a cordless drill and sharpening on a bench grinder in an upward direction, obviously the finer the wheel the better. Helps with the longitudinal grind

[benc]

Red has thorium in it. Works well but is mildly radioactive and that might be a problem if you breathe in a bit of the dust. I use a clean 120 grit flap disk and turn the tungsten slowly in a cordless drill. I don't claim this is better I just don't have a bench grinder and it seems to work fine!

[evilinme]

I used to used to have go chuck my tungsten's up in drill to get an even grind. Seemed to help cut down on wandering arcs n misfires.

[brynyard]

I use a dremel knock off & diamond wheel, they both cost virtually nothing. I used to just hold it by hand, but I've 3D printed a holder and glued on a window so that I get a more consistent angle and the tungsten dust is contained. Here's a link to they holder I use:

[waggtech]

I use a pin vise, but then everyone has their own tricks...