Just wondering...Assuming your proficient at welding, how long does a tungsten rod typically last?

 

I go through a 1/16 tungsten every 2-3 months (well technically two, one zirconiated and one thoriated), the 3/32 a little longer.

 

Oh ok, longer than I expected. I'm just starting to get into it, and I see a pack of 10 rods on cyber weld for say $35(3/32 2% thoriated)...I was hoping they weren't something you go through constantly.

 

i use 3/32" and and a single piece will last me about 5 months.... but i don't weld everyday like Dave.

 

Yeah, they aren't an expensive consumable. I've been through maybe one pack of 3/32 in the last 2 years, welding around an hour a day.

 

Isn't it true that over time you blow all the non-tungsten particles out of the tip, thus decreasing it's re-starting capabilities? It was a topic I read a while ago in reference to robotic welding.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by DESTROYER &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Isn't it true that over time you blow all the non-tungsten particles out of the tip, thus decreasing it's re-starting capabilities? It was a topic I read a while ago in reference to robotic welding.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Typically you're resharpening the point every so often when manually welding because **** happens. Robotic welding would be a different story though.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by DESTROYER &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Isn't it true that over time you blow all the non-tungsten particles out of the tip, thus decreasing it's re-starting capabilities? It was a topic I read a while ago in reference to robotic welding.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Yeah that is true, what I do to help eliminate that is sharpen the tungsten to a fine point, than knock the tip off. It doesn't eliminate the problem, but it does in fact help.

 

they last a long time. No worries

 

My tungstens typically last a few months anyways. I still have all the t's I bought 3-4 years ago