primeweld tungsten size

[Dagny]

How do you know what size tungsten to buy. Im thinking of ordering a primeweld tig welder and would like to get some extras.

 

[Chris_Hamilton]

Tungsten size depends on the thickness of the material you are going to weld. Several other factors affect tungsten choice as well. AC or DC, material type, etc.

Here is a good video that goes over the basics

 

[GeoBruin]

Lots of considerations for tungsten, not just limited to size. You didn't mention what material you're welding, what thickness, at what current, AC or DC etc.

Here's a couple charts to get you started.

 

[finn]

Just order a couple different sizes. The torch should include a couple of different collets.

 

[dr_clyde]

You can do 99% of welding with 3/32" 2% lanthanated tungsten.

If you do a lot of heavy stuff, you could bump up to 1/8". If you find yourself doing a lot of really delicate, thin stuff get some 1/16".

 

[Rinspeed]

3/32" is a good general purpose size for me up to 1/4" or so material. You will need different collets sized to the tungsten.

 

[mark-NJ]

I sure do miss Wyatt. He was an awesome guy....

 

[mark-NJ]

also: do NOT use green (pure) on an inverter machine. It never works well.

For me, all I use is "blue".....for absolutely everything.

 

[CallumRD1]

I also use blue lanthanated tungstens as my go-to for all general purpose work, both AC and DC. There are tungstens that can give better results in some application-specific circumstances, but lanthanated tungstens are good enough in most situations.

 

[dr_clyde]

5/32" is a good general purpose size for me up to 1/4" or so material. You will need different collets sized to the tungsten.

Did you mean 3/32"?

5/32" is a huge tungsten, most torches don't even accept electrodes that big unless you get a huge torch.

 

[tominboise]

You can do 99% of welding with 3/32" 2% lanthanated tungsten.

If you do a lot of heavy stuff, you could bump up to 1/8". If you find yourself doing a lot of really delicate, thin stuff get some 1/16".

Matches my experience with my PW tig machine. 3/32 for aluminum and steel so far.

 

[mark-NJ]

I use 3/32" up to 185A (water cooled). I use a 1/16" for small work, especially SS. I've never use an .040"...

 

[txvwnut]

I use 3/32 LaZYr tungsten for everything.

 

[welder4956]

3/32" diameter 2% lanthanated is good for general use at home and will tolerate low amperage AC for aluminum. If you think you want to weld aluminum over 1/4" thick, 1/8" would be better. I would not use 5/32" tungsten unless you are welding aluminum over 1/2" thick frequently.

 

[Rinspeed]

Did you mean 3/32"?

5/32" is a huge tungsten, most torches don't even accept electrodes that big unless you get a huge torch.

I did mean 3/32", good catch.

 

[rlitman]

I use 3/32" up to 185A (water cooled). I use a 1/16" for small work, especially SS. I've never use an .040"...

I use 0.040" (1mm) up to about 80A on steel DCEN (really small stuff), and it works well, but balls up quickly by 80A. Most of my welding is done with 1/16" (1.6mm), but I'll switch to a 3/32" (2.4mm) above about 125A DCEN, and strictly use the 3/32" on AC at any current. I mostly use my water cooled torch FWIW, and my machine's limit is 200A, though it's very rare for me to go above 150A.

 

[Dagny]

Thanks much.