For success in your home metal shop projects you need the best tungsten for aluminum. It's not just down to expertise and skill, but also the quality of the tools and materials you work with! When welding shop metals such as aluminum, steel, copper and alloys, a reliable join is important for welding with strength and integrity.
Are you looking for the best tungsten for aluminum? Let’s help you out!
Tungsten electrodes are a key non-consumable for DIY, student and ‘pro’ welding projects of all kinds. Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding needs a tungsten electrode for joining the various metals. This electrode needs to be up to the task of conducting the current needed to create a welding arc with enough heat to melt and join the metals being worked on. For aluminum workers like boat builders, furniture makers, and trailer repairers, Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) requires only the tungsten for aluminum which delivers the precision that you need for a great job.
Your buying guide for the tungsten for aluminum welding.
The key advantage of working with tungsten is that it will not be used up by the heat generated by your welding. However, other metals in the tungsten alloy will be consumed which leads to the gradual degradation of the electrode. Poor quality tungsten electrodes have a short lifespan (making things more pricey overall) and can often cause burn-off with the scorching of the welded metal.
When buying tungsten for aluminum work, you need to take a look at these key aspects of the electrode:
●The type of alloy you are using for your aluminum projects, choose from:
●zirconated tungsten
●2 percent thoriated tungsten electrode
●pure tungsten
●Newer rare-earth electrodes such as ceriated and lanthanated electrodes
2.The current you like to use.
Depending on your experience or preference you will need an electrode specifically for AC or DC current.
3.Finish and polishing.
A good quality electrode will either be chemically cleaned for a smooth finish or mechanically ground and polished for uniformity of size and good performance all the way through. This enhances the heat-conducting power of your electrode. You may also have to grind the electrode tip to a point, yourself.
4.Diameter.
Diameters vary depending on the type of welding undertaken with the smallest diameters used for fine, precision work. Most tungsten electrodes are available in diameters between 0.5 and 6.6mm with lengths up to 60 centimeters.
5.The type of welding torch your electrode will sit within a collect or chuck in the center of your welding torch. It must be firmly held in place, so you should ensure that the electrode and torch are compatible.
Our best tungsten for aluminum picks will hit all the points.
Read on for a helpful breakdown of the best tungsten electrodes on the market. If you are AC welding, larger diameter pure tungsten and zirconated tungsten electrodes are a great choice. You need to be sure that your electrode is of a large enough diameters for the welding current you are using. Aluminum work need not be difficult, get one of these TIG tungsten electrode packs, to get your project underway.
1.10-Pack TIG Welding Tungsten Electrodes
This is the top picks on Amazon for tungsten for aluminum and it is popular with welders who need an electrode that will do a reliable job with consistent arc striking. Welders find these rods easy to handle with solid performance.
Product Features Of TIG Welding Tungsten:
●These electrodes are made from 1.5 % lanthanated tungsten (Gold)
●Suitable for TIG Welding
●US Manufacturer
●Conforms to American Welding Society Standard A5.12M/A5.12:2009
●Safety data sheet included with the pack
●Total weight is 5.6 ounces
●Electrode size is 3/32” (2.4mm by 17.5mm)
In conclusion:
These tungsten electrodes have exceptional longevity and are up to the task of heavy-duty welding work with a burn-off rate that stays low. Their manufacturers have decades of experience, which gives you the confidence that you are buying a quality product.
2. 2% Thoriated TIG Welding Tungsten 3/32" x 7" Electrode
This is a great choice for welders who work with aluminum as it provides the stable and consistent arc needed for a reliable job. They carry high online ratings from welders who use them for precision jobs and consider these a high-quality product.
Product Features Thoriated TIG Welding Tungsten:
●2% thoriated tungsten (Red) electrodes
●Compatible with TIG Welding work
●Meets American Welding Society Standard
●Box of 10 electrodes
●Weight of 5.6 ounces
●2.4mm by 17.5mm electrode size
In conclusion:
Thoriated tungsten is a common choice of electrode for a variety of welding work. They are selected for their longevity and ease of use. These electrodes are used in AC welding which is ideal for thin sheet aluminum. If you intend to sharpen this electrode, please remember that thorium is radioactive and take care!
3. TIG Welding Tungsten Electrodes 2% Lanthanated Blue
These 2% lanthanated tungsten electrodes can be used in both AC and DC applications. They strike an arc efficiently and are easy on your amperage. They are manufactured by a reputable company with over six decades of tungsten electrode production. Pros and amateurs find that it performs well.
Product Features Tig Welding Blue :
●2% lanthanated tungsten (Blue)
●TIG welding compatible
●Made in the USA
●American Welding Society Standards compliant
●Box of 10 electrodes
●Box weight of 6.1 ounces
●3/32” electrode size
In conclusion:
If you do not want to tangle with radioactivity of a thoriated electrode this 2% lanthanated electrode is an ideal choice for a versatile electrode that makes good clean welds.
4. 10-pk Tungsten Electrode Non-Radioactive Tri-Element (Purple)
These are rare earth electrodes which are sought after for their safety profile, great arcing and consistent safety performance. These are very well rated from a reputable retailer of welding supplies. These long-lasting TIG electrodes are also great for working on both aluminum and steel, which make them very versatile. Amateurs and professionals alike rate these as ‘good’ for a variety of projects.
Product Features Tungsten Electrode Non-Radioactive :
●Non-radioactive rare earth (purple) tungsten electrodes
●US Supplier
●A5.12M/A5.12:2009 compliant
●Box of 10 electrodes
●Weight of 5.9 ounces
●3/32” diameter electrode
In conclusion:
This is a simple, safe and precise well ground electrode that will deliver reliable performance for years to come. Their 3/32” diameter is just right for thin sheet aluminum.
5. 10-pk Pure (Green) Tungsten Electrode 3/32" x 7" by Welding City
These are high-quality pure tungsten electrodes, that are signified by the green banding on the base of the rod. They are ground and annealed to provide maximum conductivity and consistent arcing. This product is popular with professional welders as it is a competitive price for pure tungsten.
Product Features of Green Tungsten Electrode:
●Tungsten for aluminum welding - pure tungsten electrodes
●US supplier of welding equipment and accessories
●American Welding Society compliant
●10 electrode set
●Weight of 10.1 ounces
●3/32” diameter
In conclusion:
If you need some pure tungsten rods in your welding setup, Welding City’s competitively priced option delivers sound performance. Questions and advice are also offered by Welding City’s experienced team, which adds value to your purchase.
Top 3 Tungsten for Aluminum Comparison Table
| Name | Welding City Pure Tungsten Electrodes | Welding City Rare Earth Alloy Tungsten Electrodes | YES WELDER 2% Thoriated Welding Tungsten |
Price | $32.59 | $20.99 | $17.99 |
Colour | Green | Purple | Red |
Diameter | 3/32" | 3/32" | 3/2" |
Length | 7” | 7” | 7” |
Specifications | ANSI/AWS Standard A5.12M/A5.12:2009 | ANSI/AWS Standard A5.12M/A5.12:2009 | AWS A5.12M/A5.12:2009 |
No. of units | 10 | 10 | 10 |
Uses | Aluminum and Steel | Thin Aluminum | Aluminum |
Related Questions
Will I need to grind my tungsten electrode tips myself?
You can let your tungsten electrode form a smooth round ball at its tip through use while you weld.
What does the color code on my tungsten electrode mean?
Tungsten welding electrodes are color-coded so you will know which type you are using. Here are the codes you need to know.
- Green = pure tungsten
- Gold = 1.5% lanthanated
- Blue = 2% lanthanated
- Red = thoriated
- Purple = rare earth
- Orange = ceriated
- Grey = rare earth
- Brown = zirconiated
Why does my aluminum weld seem to be less strong than the parent material?
If you are new to working with aluminum, remember that aluminum is a relatively soft metal and typically less dense and more malleable than other metals and alloys. These welds will always be weaker than the parent material and you will need to take this into consideration if you want a structurally strong join.
How should I store and maintain the welding electrodes?
Take good care of the tungsten for aluminum by storing it properly in a moisture-free, airtight container when not in use. This prevents corrosion and deterioration of the electrode point. Clean your electrode when it has cooled after every use. You can also sharpen the electrode at regular intervals to keep it in good shape.
What are the benefits of the metallic oxides in my welding electrode?
If you are welding with a tungsten alloy, the metal oxides present will improve the longevity and performance of the electrode.
Can my tungsten electrode break if I drop it?
Careful handling is essential when working with tungsten as if dropped it can develop minute splinters that are unnoticeable on superficial inspection. These can be dangerous if handled or if slivers of the electrode get into the eyes. Shattering and splintering will cause instability of the arc and defects in your welding.
Rounding up
If you love the versatility of aluminum welding projects, choose from the best tungsten for aluminum for electrodes to complete a precise and reliable job. Safety, as always, is paramount and with these tungsten electrodes, you have the assurance that they are all compliant with the American Welding Society’s rigorous standards. This is a great selection as you can choose from all the major alloys and know that you will have long-lasting, quality tungsten rods that will meet the demands of your welding every time!
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