TIG: The use of thoriated tungsten electrodes

[kweaver]

I ran across this interesting article that welders like me that stick our face in the weld to see what's going on might want to read.

http://www.twi-global.com/technical-knowledge/faqs/health-and-safety-faqs/faq-the-use-of-thoriated-tungsten-electrodes/

 

[mmasheris]

They haven't got you this far I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[kweaver]

Michael - Me worried ? That'll be the day !
I've had something in my tool box for close to 30 years that had that radiation sticker on it. Well actually there were 3 pieces. I know one is still there ... not sure where the other two are. They're probably glowing around here somewhere ...

I just thought it was interesting that something I used everyday for years was radioactive but am just now hearing about it ... Now if it was LEAD there would have been a big CALIFORNIA lead warning sticker on it ! LOL
I don't care how radioactive they are , I'm not giving up TIG ... but my hands do shake to much now and I keep getting the tungsten in the weld.

 

[aaytay]

See Kentucky, yet ANOTHER reason for you to keep using that tube of JB Weld!

 

[kweaver]

TAKE THAT BACK !

 

[kide]

Probably more heavy metals inhaled/ingested from burning 6011 in my garage than sharpening thoriated tungsten..

Just went to the shop (here in FL) to look for something, see that two unopened packs of JB weld have leaked on the work bench... Must have gotten warm in there over the summer..

 

[jwiggins]

Although the Red Tip 2% "Thoriated" is the Most Harmful,,, It is Definitely THE Choice for ALL full time professional tig welders,,, Most durable and last longer especially when welding heavy thicker carbon stainless & chrome in the higher amperage ranges 200/300 amps!!!

If layed on your Radiation Dosimeter Badge for a few hours / over night, it will (and has

) shown an elevated exposure level requiring the individual associated with that particular badge to be moved to a "Non Hot Work Area",,,,,

I'm 100% sure that I've inhaled more thoriated tungsten grinding dust than any one individual should be exposed to in 10 Lifetimes,,,,,

That could very well be the reason I'm so

For tinkering around in the Garage though, as Michael & Ide have stated,,, No Worries!!!