Ever heard of a concept called "grain growth"?
Have you ever been using the same piece of tungsten for days and your arc starts got worse along the way?
You might start looking at machine settings.
You might even think the arc gap needs adjustment inside the machine.
But the simplest thing to try is simply switching to a brand new piece of tungsten.
You See... tungsten operates in a red hot state while you are welding.
And like most metals, long periods of time at high heat causes the microscopic grains to grow...get bigger.
It happens over time and you can’t see the difference with the naked eye but it happens.
Eventually, the grains can get so large that it affects the way electrons flow off the tip of the tungsten...and that can cause poor arc starts.
The only fix is to swap out the electrode for a fresh one.
If that fixes the arc start issue, then you know it was the electrode and not machine settings.
So then what do you do with the old electrode?
- I would suggest labeling it for poor arc starts and saving it in case you are ever completely out of tungsten.
- Or you could give it to your worst enemy and let them go thru the same troubleshooting process.
- Little known Pro tip.... 1/8” works pretty good for sharpening a knife
Weldmonger Stubby Gas Lens kit
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https://weldmongerstore.com/blogs/how-to-tig-weld/how-to-tig-weld
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https://weldmongerstore.com/blogs/how-to-tig-weld/how-to-tig-weld-carbon-steel
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https://weldmongerstore.com/blogs/weldingtipsandtricks/one-page-tig-plan-rules-of-thumb
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https://weldmongerstore.com/blogs/how-to-tig-weld/how-to-tig-weld-aluminum
How to tig weld stainless
https://weldmongerstore.com/blogs/how-to-tig-weld/how-to-tig-weld-stainless-steel
