Sharpening with Tungsten TIG Electrodes

M

me2

Joined
Oct 11, 2003
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Has anyone done this or heard of it before? I just heard of it last week and tried it today and it seems to work pretty well on an edge that is already decently sharp, like my Buck in 425M.
 
Cool as hell, but I figure something like a regular stone would be a little less overkill and a tad bit more appropriate. I can't see the edge made, though. It is possible that it could be like a laser.
 
I have used one several times. With the red tip. You will be suprised at how sharp it will make a knife. The issue I had tho was cutting meat, tomatoes, or shaving was a problem, but it puisne hardly cut through rope. You could try to cut rope and have issues, but turn around and shave arm hair with no issues.
 
why?
won't that contaminate the thoriated tungsten afterwards?

and yes I am taking welding classes :D
 
The tungsten electrode is functioning mainly as a "steel", not a hone. "Steeling" can improve a mostly good edge, but a lot depends on the knife steel, hardness, geometry, technique, etc. Personally I prefer a more polished steel than the surface of a TIG electrode, but... if it's what you've got

Depending on the surface finish of the electrode, it is possible some tiny amount of steel from the knife could be left behind. And it would be on the part of the electrode you grind away when you point it. If I was welding steel with the electrode I would not worry much about it, but I don't weld for nuclear power plants or NASA
 
Green tip I’ve found to work best. I’m an electrician and we use the filament in a high pressure sodium light bulb and they work wonders. I believe they’re made of quartz
 
Mr.Wizard said:
Where can non-electricians get one of these?
Click to expand...

Buy one at home depot and break it open? I've seen them used (also an electrician) but haven't gotten my hands on one myself. Yet.

But really, if you do buy one and break it, please do it safely. They have terrible gases inside.
 
Mr.Wizard said:
Where can non-electricians get one of these?
Click to expand...
Gotta get a decent sized bulb though. You get a bulb too small and you can’t really use it. But Home Depot sells them for around 20-30 bucks. I always cover it with like a towel over a bucket and hit it decently hard with a hammer it’ll let out a good pop but wear safety glasses just in case
 
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