TIG welding stands for Tungsten Inert Gas Welding is a specialized type of welding employed by top craftsmen for metal joining tasks that require precision. This type of welding requires the use of tungsten electrodes because of the special properties they possess which make them perfect for the task
To use the tungsten electrode effectively, the tip needs to be ground to the right shape for the type of arc required for the welding. This special grinding task is performed with the aid of a tungsten grinder. You can learn about the entire process of TIG welding.
In this article, we will be focusing on tungsten grinders for welders. We will look at different types of grinders and factors to consider when choosing one. At the end of this article, you should be in a better position to choose the tungsten grinder that is best for your needs.
What is a Tungsten Grinder?
Tungsten Grinder is a tool designed to help TIG welders grind their tungsten electrode tips to the perfect shape. Given the importance of this tip and the precision required to achieve it, special care needs to be given to the process of choosing the grinder.
Most professionals have multiple grinders for different purposes. While this may not be necessary for hobbyists, it will be good to know the different types available so you decide which you need.
Types of Tungsten Grinders
There are a number of grinders that can be used for sharpening tungsten electrodes. Some are dedicated to this task while others may not be so dedicated.
Let’s quickly review a few of them:
Pedestal Grinder
Also known as a bench grinder or a grinding wheel, this is not necessarily dedicated to this task. It is, however, a general grinder that can be used quite effectively for this task. It’s an economic choice for folks who do not want to invest in the more costly, dedicated machines.
The caveat to note is that should you decide to use this, it must be dedicated to sharpening your tungsten electrodes. Using it for other materials will contaminate the grinding material, negatively impacting the performance of the electrodes.
Handheld
As the name implies, these are handheld variations that are usually designed specifically for this task. There can be different designs and functionalities depending on the manufacturer’s preferences. You will just need to look at which handheld model appeals to you the most.
Cordless
This is another type of handheld grinding machine that offers even better portability. With its battery-powered feature, it can be easily used on sites where it may be difficult to use the regular wired handheld models. They will get the job done for most routine arc welding tasks.
Industrial
These are usually grinding machines that offer a higher level of capacity and can therefore be used for heavy-duty tasks. Models like these will offer more grinding time. It is estimated that you can perform up to 3000 or more grinds with these industrial models.
Needless to say, this is not a model that DIYers will be looking to invest in because they are a lot more expensive. If however, you intend to do a lot of TIG welding, then you can also get this. After all, they say “The more, the merrier.”
Chemical
We added this just for informational purposes because it’s not a grinder in itself though it performs a similar function. This method is usually employed when you find yourself without a grinder in the field. With this chemical, you can get the point you need on your electrode. All you need to do is heat the electrode and then swirl it around in the chemical until you get the pointed tip you want.
The above are some of the different types of Tungsten grinders for welders that you will find around. They will be from different manufacturers and offer different variations of features. It’s left to you to know exactly what features are important to you and then look out for those.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Tungsten Grinder
Choosing the tungsten grinder that is right for your needs requires that you ask and answer certain questions. Your answer to these questions will determine which product you should go for.
To help make this process easier for you, we will list the most important of these questions in this section. Let’s get started:
- Does it make use of a diamond grinding wheel? Tungsten is pretty hard, so it requires something harder, like a diamond, to effectively grind and cut the electrodes.
- How many grinds can the diamond wheel deliver before requiring replacement? This address the issue of durability and costs arising from having to replace the wheel.
- Does it make lengthwise groves on the electrode? It’s important that the groove marks on the tip of the electrode are lengthwise. If it’s circular, it will affect the flow of electrons, affecting the performance of the welder.
- How smooth does it leave the surface of the electrode after grinding? Just know that the smoother, the better.
- Does it include measurement features for precise operation? You do not want to have to mark the electrodes as a way of getting the right measurement.
- How easy is it to use? You most definitely need something that you can make use of easily. Of course, this will differ from person to person depending on their level of expertise in this field.
- What other accessories does it come with? Some products come with carrying cases, dust collection containers, etc. Simply decide which features you need and which you don’t.
- Is it within your budget? Regardless of all the points above, you can only choose something that is within your budget.
While the above may not be a very exhaustive list, it at least captures the important questions that will help you make the right choice.
On a quick note, it’s important to point out here that it’s not ideal to grind your tungsten electrode on a grinder used for other materials. This will reduce the quality of its performance. You can learn more about this in the below video.
Conclusion
We’ve taken some time to discuss this TIG grinding tool, the types available, and how you can choose one that will suit your needs the best. This is just a guide to get you started. You can do more research on the subject before making your decision. The important thing is that you get the best for your needs.
