Tungsten Electrodes — Selection Guide

Tungsten electrodes carry the TIG arc without melting into the weld. They’re classified by the oxide additive mixed into the tungsten, and each type has different arc-start characteristics, current capacity, and longevity. The color band on the end identifies the alloy.

2% thoriated (red) has been the industry standard for decades. It starts easily on DC, holds a sharp point, and carries high current without eroding fast. The downside: thorium is mildly radioactive, and grinding it creates dust you don’t want to inhale. A dedicated tungsten grinder with extraction or a well-ventilated area is required.

2% lanthanated (blue or gold, depending on manufacturer) matches thoriated performance on DC and also works on AC, making it the best universal tungsten available. It’s non-radioactive, starts cleanly at low amperage, and maintains a pointed tip geometry. If you only stock one type, this is it.

Ceriated tungsten (orange) shines at low amperage DC work, typically under 80 amps. It has excellent arc-start characteristics at low current, making it ideal for thin stainless, precision work, and orbital welding. It doesn’t handle high amperage as well as thoriated or lanthanated.

Pure tungsten (green) is the old-school choice for AC aluminum welding. It forms a clean balled tip under AC current, but erodes faster and doesn’t start as crisply as the oxide-doped types. Most shops have moved to lanthanated for AC work.

Diameter selection follows amperage. Stock 1/16, 3/32, and 1/8 to cover the full range from sheet metal to 1/4 inch plate. Grind lengthwise on a dedicated diamond wheel, keeping the point angle between 20-30 degrees for general DC work. The guides below cover grinding technique, amperage charts, and tungsten selection by specific application.