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64022400 - 2% Thoriated Tungsten Electrodes 3/32" x 7" (Red) - 10 Pack

Packaging: 10 pcs in a pack
$39.69/pak $28.35/10 pcs in a pack only $28.35/pakSave 29%

In stock

OVERVIEW

The Classic Red Tungsten: 2% Thoriated 3/32"

If you have been TIG welding for any length of time, you know the "Red Tungsten." It is the legendary workhorse of the TIG welding world and for good reason. Our 2% Thoriated Tungsten electrodes (3/32" diameter) are designed to give you that crisp, stable arc you rely on for welding mild steel and stainless steel. Whether you are building a roll cage, welding exhaust piping, or doing precision fabrication work, this tungsten delivers the performance professional welders expect.

Why do welders love Red Tungsten? It's all about the point. Thoriated electrodes are famous for holding a sharp grind longer than almost any other type. This means you spend more time under the hood laying dimes and less time at the grinder. The 2% thorium oxide additive helps the electrode start an arc effortlessly—even at lower amperages—and prevents the tip from balling up or spitting when you crank up the heat on DC. This 3/32" size is the perfect "do-it-all" thickness, handling everything from delicate 1/16" sheet to heavier brackets and mounts.

Performance Tips:

  • Grinding: Always grind your tungsten lengthwise (parallel to the rod) to ensure a focused arc. A tapered point is best for this electrode.
  • Polarity: Strictly for DCEN (Direct Current Electrode Negative). Do not use this on AC for aluminum; it will not ball correctly and can split.
  • Safety: Because thorium is slightly radioactive, always wear a respirator when grinding and wash your hands afterwards. If you prefer a non-radioactive alternative with similar performance, check out our Lanthanated (Blue/Gold) or E3 (Purple) options.

Equip your torch with the industry standard. These 7-inch electrodes fit all standard TIG torches (WP-17, WP-26, WP-9, WP-20) and come in a protective case to keep them straight and dry.

Additional Information
Tungsten Type:Thoriated
Used To Weld:Steel and Stainless
Diameter:2.5mm (3/32")
AWS Classification:EWTh-2
Color Code:Red
Length:7 in
Material Composition:98% Tungsten, 2% Thorium Oxide
Welding Current:DCEN (Direct Current Electrode Negative)
Packaging Description:10 pcs in a pack
Used To Weld?:Steel and Stainless

INCLUDED

  • 10 x 2% Thoriated Tungsten Electrodes (Red, 3/32" x 7")
  • Plastic Storage Case

APPLICATIONS

  • DC TIG welding of Carbon Steel
  • DC TIG welding of Stainless Steel (304, 316, etc.)
  • Fabrication of Nickel Alloys and Titanium
  • Pipe and tube welding
  • Automotive exhaust and chassis fabrication
  • Aerospace and precision structural welding

FAQ

Red tungsten (2% Thoriated) is primarily used for DC welding of mild steel, stainless steel, nickel alloys, and titanium. It is not recommended for AC welding of aluminum.

Yes, it contains a small amount of thorium, which is a radioactive element. While the radiation level is low, it is important to use dust extraction or wear a respirator when grinding the electrodes to avoid inhaling the dust.

No, thoriated tungsten is designed for DC welding. For aluminum (AC welding), you should use Pure (Green), Zirconiated (White), or a multi-mix rare earth tungsten like E3 (Purple) or Lanthanated (Blue/Gold).

A 3/32" (2.4mm) thoriated tungsten electrode typically operates best between 150 and 250 amps on DCEN, depending on the gas cup size and cooling.

Grind the tungsten lengthwise to a sharp point. The taper length should be approximately 2 to 2.5 times the diameter of the electrode for optimal arc stability.

EWTh-2 is the AWS (American Welding Society) classification. 'E' stands for Electrode, 'W' for Tungsten (Wolfram), 'Th' for Thorium, and '2' indicates the approximate percentage of thorium oxide (2%).

The thorium oxide has a high melting point and helps the electrode emit electrons at lower temperatures. This prevents the tip from overheating and melting (balling) as quickly as pure tungsten.