TIG tungsten Question

I've been using E3 Tungsten in 1/16 and 3/32 sizes for aluminum and steel with good results. I also like 2% Lanthanated. I sharpen them on a bench grinder by mounting the tungsten in a cordless drill and slowly spinning them while grinding to a point on a regular 100 grit grinding wheel.
 
I use the pink wheels and turn the tung in my electric drill. I only sharpen tungs on that wheel and I keep it flat and true with frequent use of a diamond shaper to redress and expose sharp grains in the matrix.

Bob
 
I want to ask, and hopefully not insult anyone.....

Why is it that so many people use some means of spinning their electrode to sharpen it? I realize I have been using a grinder for quite a while, and can sharpen a drill by hand just fine (even small ones, even though I now wear bifocals), but I don't seem to have any problem whatsoever getting a good point on my Tungsten.

BTW, I use a 1 x 42 belt sander. When I get ready to do a welding job, I already have several sharpened electrodes ready to go, and when I am finished, hit the belt and put them up for next time. I have a belt set aside for that, and since it is so easy to change belts, keeping one set aside is no bother.
 
I always keep mine sharp, unless welding aluminum then it is going to ball up anyway. I sharpen mine when I dip my wick (get it contaminated) as I welded tool steel for years and there could be NO pits in the weld, so everything had to be very clean.

I never sharpen both ends and I always have 5-6 sharp tungstens right there when welding so I don't have to go sharpen, I can just change one out.
 
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Tony Wells said:
I want to ask, and hopefully not insult anyone.....

Why is it that so many people use some means of spinning their electrode to sharpen it? I realize I have been using a grinder for quite a while, and can sharpen a drill by hand just fine (even small ones, even though I now wear bifocals), but I don't seem to have any problem whatsoever getting a good point on my Tungsten.

BTW, I use a 1 x 42 belt sander. When I get ready to do a welding job, I already have several sharpened electrodes ready to go, and when I am finished, hit the belt and put them up for next time. I have a belt set aside for that, and since it is so easy to change belts, keeping one set aside is no bother.
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I like to use the drill method for a couple of reasons. I don't burn my fingers, particularly on the larger tungstens, they get hot. It makes for a nice consistent cone point on the tungsten. I could do it by hand, but see reason #1. It's quick, I can get 10 tungstens sharpened, in the time it takes me to do 3-4 by hand. That's my reasons.

Marcel
 
Seems to me like complicating a very easy task. I welded cracked cast aluminum that was water jacketed and pretty dirty stuff for years with thoriated tungsten. I now use lanthalated tungsten and have not noticed a significant difference. I sharpen on what ever is close to me either bench grinder with any type wheel or the belt sander and has always worked like a dream.
 
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