02-15-2016, 09:06 AM
(02-14-2016, 07:54 PM)pepi Wrote: Here are some things I learned and maybe helpful or at least food for thought. Diamond wheels are the best bang for the buck. I bought a HF chain saw chain sharpener, the diamond wheel is 10 bucks to replace. The sharpener is about 45 bucks, tungsten sharpeners cost ridiculous prices @ 250 and north. Look like a Dremel tool with a diamond wheel the size of the dremel cut off disk. Bought one used it for a short while sold it, found zero advantage for that purpose built tool.
That is a nice looking tool you have assembled there pepi.
While I know cost is usually the #1 factor in most folks minds regarding a tool that is a "uni-tasker" (~ Alton Brown) and I can completely relate to that - I will say that I do find an advantage in using one of those ridiculously priced Dremel tools. They are small and don't take up any space. That and the fact that I can cut & resharpen a tungsten right there at my welding table, without ever having to get up from my stool to go retrieve a drill motor and walk over to the work bench to use a grinder or belt sander. I can hang it on the side of my welder or the table. I like that. (My TIG welder has a built in electrical outlet in the front panel.) Saves me time and more wear and tear on my already worn out knees.
I know it's not the most popular choice, it's just my choice. Everyone is free to make their own.
What amazes me is the number of people that will grind on a tungsten electrode with an alox grinding wheel or belt sander, yet would never, ever dream of touching a carbide lathe tool to anything but a diamond wheel.
With regard to TIG being exactly the same as Oxy/Acetelyne welding..... I can honestly say that I have never had to regrind a welding torch tip - ever - after dipping into the puddle a bit.
Willie