Copper/tungsten electrodes: cutting & grinding

[ome]

Hi guys,
I am new to using this spotwelder.
I want to put in new electrodes
Is there any special way to cut and grind a tip
can i use a good blade on my 4 by 6 HF horizontal bandsaw and use my regular blue wheels on my grinder, or use my belt sander?
thanks,
jon

 

[xalky]

The tips aren't super fussy. The size of the section that makes contact with the part is the most critical. Around 3/16" +or- diameter at the tip is about right. I'd use the belt sander to shape them. The copper will clog a grinding wheel..

 

[ome]

The tips aren't super fussy. The size of the section that makes contact with the part is the most critical. Around 3/16" +or- diameter at the tip is about right. I'd use the belt sander to shape them. The copper will clog a grinding wheel..

Thanks marcal,
whats the best way to cut a 8" piece into 2" pieces?

thanks,
Jon

 

[xalky]

The band saw should work well. If you don't have one of those, a sawzall or hack saw with the piece mounted up in a vice would also work.

 

[ome]

Hi XLky,
was wondering with the chromium or tungstan added, for general use on mild steel and aluminum, which alloy would be better and safer.
Are any of these 1/4" diam electrodes radioactive or toxic

I read in a post about three types of tungstan tig electrode wire and to only get the lanthanated.
Does the same info apply to these electrodes?
thanks,
jon

 

[xalky]

Hi XLky,
was wondering with the chromium or tungstan added, for general use on mild steel and aluminum, which alloy would be better and safer.
Are any of these 1/4" diam electrodes radioactive or toxic

I read in a post about three types of tungstan tig electrode wire and to only get the lanthanated.
Does the same info apply to these electrodes?
thanks,
jon

Spot welder electrodes are a different animal altogether from tig. These run far cooler than tig electrodes. They don't get anywhere near the temps of a tig electrode. I don't think safety is an issue with spot electrodes. I highly doubt the spot welder electrodes have any radioactivity. Either one will be fine for your purposes. Mine are pure copper on the spot welder. I didn't even know they made spot weld electrodes with chromium or tungsten added. They probably have better wear properties with the additives. I couldn't tell you which is better.

 

[ome]

Thanks Xalky,
Always better to check and have peace of mind.

Thanks again,
Jon