What is E3 Tungsten?

[niftyweld]

Welding tungsten is so much fun lately.

So something about 2% thoriated has radiation, but many places there's only a little effect only. What is this new E3 found it at: (https://www.weldingcity.com/tig-tung...-tungsten.html), I've been playing with tungsten to have fun, it's like being creative artwork on spot. Anyways, does it do the same job as the 2%Thoriated or is it the same as the pure tungsten outcome?

[H80N]

Welding tungsten is so much fun lately.

So something about 2% thoriated has radiation, but many places there's only a little effect only. What is this new E3 found it at: (https://www.weldingcity.com/tig-tung...-tungsten.html), I've been playing with tungsten to have fun, it's like being creative artwork on spot. Anyways, does it do the same job as the 2%Thoriated or is it the same as the pure tungsten outcome?

These should help

http://www.diamondground.com/tungsten-guidebook-thoriated-info-msds/

[shovelon]

Here is an earlier discussion.

http://www.millerwelds.com/resources/communities/mboard/forum/welding-discussions/31553-e3-tungsten

[H80N]

Here is an earlier discussion.

http://www.millerwelds.com/resources...53-e3-tungsten

That is a good thread on it

I like Blue 2% Lanth.... but am still using up a drawer full of Red 2% Thoriated.... for DC....

(will run out by 2045....I will probably run out sooner..)

[ryanjones2150]

By then we'll all be using laser beams from a tiny, hand held doofloppy and be welding aluminum to cast iron if we feel like it.

[USMCPOP]

It cuts, it welds ...

[ryanjones2150]

...it's got a freakin laser beam attached to its head...

[Olivero]

E3 is an electrode that is an alloy of multiple metals used in the other types of electrodes. I use E3's and they are great, you can use them for AC and DC and any metal. Just buy a pack and take 2 out for aluminum, sharpen the rest and use them for steel, stainless, copper, brass, etc. Its a lot easier to just keep one pack on the shelf. They also last longer than thoriated according to their website.

[H80N]

E3 is an electrode that is an alloy of multiple metals used in the other types of electrodes. I use E3's and they are great, you can use them for AC and DC and any metal. Just buy a pack and take 2 out for aluminum, sharpen the rest and use them for steel, stainless, copper, brass, etc. Its a lot easier to just keep one pack on the shelf. They also last longer than thoriated according to their website.

I sharpen my tungstens for Aluminum too.... Don't you..??... if not.. why not..??

[Olivero]

It balls up so fast I don't bother, I like it when its nice and round with a colour tint, thats when I find it welding the best. I will sometimes pick up a sharp one and use it and it works fine, but eventually develops a ball on the tip, never been a problem so I just keep it that way.

I also find the most recommendations are to keep it balled, Never really noticed a major difference in performance as you would when welding stainless for example, a balled tip in stainless is horrible. for aluminum, balled works, sharp works, straight out of the pack with a flat end works. But if you try to sharpen a balled electrode it can split, especially if its been through 140 + amps for a while, most likely just splits or breaks so I just go the safe route and leave it balled.

[H80N]

It balls up so fast I don't bother, I like it when its nice and round with a colour tint, thats when I find it welding the best. I will sometimes pick up a sharp one and use it and it works fine, but eventually develops a ball on the tip, never been a problem so I just keep it that way.

I also find the most recommendations are to keep it balled, Never really noticed a major difference in performance as you would when welding stainless for example, a balled tip in stainless is horrible. for aluminum, balled works, sharp works, straight out of the pack with a flat end works. But if you try to sharpen a balled electrode it can split, especially if its been through 140 + amps for a while, most likely just splits or breaks so I just go the safe route and leave it balled.

I like mine taper ground with the tip lightly blunted.... it works very well for 2% Lanth on a Dynasty advanced inverter..

what type of machine are you running..??

[Olivero]

I run the Dynasty 200 DX.

I guess its just a preference thing.

[ryanjones2150]

Have you ran any 2% lanthanated to compare? I've never ran the E3, so I'm ignorant on how it runs.