Thread: TIG tungsten question

Originally Posted by Karl Robbers

Totally agree that the risk is minimal. Mind you, under my employers rules, I have to wear a mask, mono goggles, chemical gloves and have a chemical neutraliser called Diphoterine on my person to pick up an unopened bag of cement. We have a whole safety department intent on pondering the minor things, but missing the elephant in the room.
I've used Thoriated for 20+ years and so far there has not been an issue. We were warned or made aware of the problem at TAFE, but even there it was not really considered a major issue. That was a few years ago so policies will no doubt have changed since then.
I'm inclined to feel that the dust from normal grinding will get you before the Thorium does.

Couldn't agree more with the last sentence.
If the safety police genuinely cared about addressing the big risks then it would be a better world. Sometimes they do come up with good simple things, but most of the time the safety measure is out of proportion to the risk. I have to say though, it's good having the whole safety thing pushed on you at construction sites - mainly because when you get home you do actually see some things that are risky and there are things you can do to stop some stupid injuries to yourself and loved ones.

Originally Posted by Vernonv

Ceriated is all I use ...

Funny.... 1.5% Lanthanated is all I use .

Originally Posted by WelderMick

Funny.... 1.5% Lanthanated is all I use .

Yes there are many ways to skin this particular cat.

Normally use 1.5% or 2% lanthanated but keen to try the rare earth ones from BOC, any feelings on them ?

Originally Posted by DocBug

Normally use 1.5% or 2% lanthanated but keen to try the rare earth ones from BOC, any feelings on them ?

There pretty good mate. I use them for my ali work and there my first preference over them all, nice soft arc.

Cheers
Craig