Tungsten grinder?

You are right of course. It has to be a steady grinder regardless of which method you choose. I have an old Delta that is very smooth, but I don't like the hollow grind of the point if I use it, so I go the the belt.
 
This is a great example of shooting yourself in the foot. A couple years ago I bought a HF for like $40 total fail. Then I bought a newer Delta (China) for like $99 and it wobbled and vibrated to the point of being useless. So I'm out already $140 trying to go cheap. Today I ordered the Kalamazoo 1SM 1x42 Baldor belt sander this morning, made in USA, $290 to my door.

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This isn't rocket science. There's many videos available with do and don't. This link is about as straight forward as it gets and less than 2 minutes.

This is a good video with good practical advise. Pay attention to his comment on contamination in the beginning of the video. A lot of emphasis is place on a dedicated grinding wheel, disc, belt, etc. The bottom line on this is your grinding wheel shouldn't be contaminated with anything other than some residual steel which isn't going to create an issue with your weld or welding abilities. Snagging some aluminum off the belt is a different story/lesson. In regard to the sharp point on the tungsten, touch it to the wheel and take it off, you can't see it through the arc and it only creates issues for the beginner. Remember molten metal moves to the hottest point and that would be the end of the tungsten. When you try to keep a short arc length and can't see the fine point you dip the tungsten, plus the moment you add filler metal the puddle raises up towards the tungsten, and again you dip your tungsten.


Here's another video regarding the different tungstens. All available have been developed through the years and some were not availabe 20-30 years ago.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpanERwagaU

Edit: In the first video he states he has a diamond wheel. I'm not advocating the diamond wheel, although it's probably the best for critical work.
 
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This isn't rocket science.
This isn't intended as condescending or a slight. There's a lot of emphasis place on the correct grinding wheel or the possibility of contaminating the tungsten, which in turn will contaminate the weld etc, and we are so far out of the range of our welding abilities and skills that it's irrelevant. This is comparable to arguing the importance of .0003" vs .0006" tolerances of a machinist square. We should place more emphasis on not breathing the grinding dust of a 2% thoriated tungsten.
 
I've had a portable one for years the Techsouth standard version has been the same price for at least 4 years now. Works great and you can get the diamond discs on Ebay for 5 for $10.99:
TechSouth Portable Tungsten Grinder TSPPE
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TechSouth Portable Tungsten Grinder
Regular Price: $245.50
On Sale For: $220.95
Quantity:


TechSouth Tungsten Grinder

The Standard grinder is a excellent tool for hand orbital welding when using tungsten electrodes. The grind is always consistent for precise arc striking and concentration. The standard unit has a fixed angle 20 degrees included.

Standard Features

•Double Sided Diamond Wheel
•120 volt AC motor with Variable Speed
•Collets for ( 1/16", 3/32", and 1/8" ) Tungsten
•Double Insulated Motor
•Stainless Steel Collets
•Tool Storage Box

TSPPS = Grinder 120V
TSPPEADJ220 = Grinder with Adjustable Head , 220V

https://store.weldersource.com/p-3685-techsouth-portable-tungsten-grinder-tsppe.aspx
 
Had a $99 dremel bought for a specific job, then never used again. Came across a 'head' for a TechSouth on EBay, 30 bucks.
I had planned on machining a head to fit the dremel, would be a good project, till I chanced upon the Ebay find.


Stan
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My problem with these Black and Decker dremel based grinders is I own one, its made cheap, the cord is lame no way I'm dropping close to $400 on a tungsten grinder based on that dremel. The 1x42 Kalamazoo belt sander will have more uses beyond just grinding tungsten electrodes so win! I ordered a whole batch of belts in different grits.
 
My problem with these Black and Decker dremel based grinders is I own one, its made cheap, the cord is lame no way I'm dropping close to $400 on a tungsten grinder based on that dremel. The 1x42 Kalamazoo belt sander will have more uses beyond just grinding tungsten electrodes so win! I ordered a whole batch of belts in different grits.

In the future you might want to go easy on ordering belts, the adhesive they use has a lifetime. Even quality belts will die waiting to be used, at least that is my experience. I don't do much welding anymore due to vision issues and trying to take care of what is left of my eyesight.

Back when I did Tig regularly this is what I liked, a real machine, its obvious once its in your hands......
Neutrix FBF-850E Tungsten Electrode Grinder
 
I haven't ground a tungsten electrode in years. Once shown how to properly use this stuff, I never looked back:


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Ghost I saw that stuff come up in a search, do you have a pic of a tungsten sharpened with that?
 
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