[boileranimal]

I'm getting into tig welding aluminum, whats the best color tungsten to use to tig aluminum.

[Squirmypug]

Most people say green tungsten (pure tungsten) and ball the end for aluminum.Others say to use 2% thoriated(red) or lanthanated tungsten ground to a point and add a flat spot to the end.I haven't welded aluminum much yet so I can't tell you which is better.

[jpence38]

It depends ,to a large degree, on what type of machine you are using. (inverter,transformer etc..) Then it would be by preference.

[ogorir]

not green(pure).

red(thoriated), gold(lanthanated) or orange(ceriated) are your best bets. I like the lanth the best, it seems to last longer. I never had starting issues with any of them as long as the tungsten was clean and well-sharpened. if you're on a modern tig machine (either square wave transformer or inverter), point the tip like you would for steel, but take a small land off the end. that point has a habit of burning off into your weld. make sure that land is perpendicular to the tungsten, too, or the arc will always start off the longer side of the land.

[TheExpert]

Mostly green tungsten is preferred.

[pro mod steve]

I have a dynasty and have tried red and dark blue. The dark blue 2% lanthanated works or holds up the best for me . I sharpen it like I would for steel and put a flat land on the tip. the red 2% thoriated will work in a bind but splits and spits too much for a critical weld.

[racingparts]

for me 2% lantanated works best and i buy them in china WL20 , about 14-15$ for 10 pieces

[Jandb150]

I personally have used the green tip, junk IMO. I have used the 2% thoriated with the best results so far.

[NT Unique]

Try getting your hands on Zirconiated, they have a white end. They were designed just for alloy welding, big in Aus over here but almost unheard of over there in the states. I have a decent machine with water cooler and can run as high as 145amps on a 2.4mm Zirc electrode without problems.
Give'em a go.

Cheers

[capozzoli]

Pure tungsten is pure crap. Balling sucks too.

Go with lanthanated. Rounded tip.

I would love to try the zirconioated.

Hmm, just checked, zirconiated is available in the US and it is color coated 'brown'

[NT Unique]

Caps
The white tip is 2% and the brown is 1.5% Zirconiated. From memory...
If you have trouble getting them over there try e-bay.

Cheers

[capozzoli]

Thanks for the correction.

They are on Ebay. Im gonna check with my supplier too.

[TD2593]

Ive played around with different tugstens and have found that the 2% lanthinatied works best for me.