Tungsten Holder

That Guy There · Feb 28, 2015

I sharpen my tungsten on a bench grinder, which works well as long as the tungsten is long/semi long although once the tungsten gets short sharpening becomes difficult. The tungsten gets hot quick and is hard to hold. So I began to search around for holders, I know some people chuck the tungsten up in a drill and go to town. If that works for you great, for me I like to spin the tungsten with one hand and hold it steady in the other to get a nice taper.

So one day I was browsing some magazines at work and came across these pin vises which are used to hold small brush shafts and a light bulb went off. Ordered one of each type available to give them a try and here is the results. The vises are adjustable from almost nothing up to an 1/8", so naturally it should work on 1/16", 3/32", and 1/8" size tungsten.

1/8" Tungsten

3/32"

1/16"

All three sizes side by side

Parts of the vise

Only one slight modification need to be made, spread the slats a little bit to better accommodate the tungsten

Part numbers and the two vises side by side

Conclusion; these vise work great, they hold the tungsten tight with no movement at all. I ordered these from a local hydraulic repair shop, both vises cost $21.00 shipped to his shop. They can be purchased online although it seems there back ordered of some sort. If you are interested in purchasing any one of these. Do a google search or go to a local hydraulic repair shop.

Oscar · Feb 28, 2015

Nice find. I use a spare 9-series pencil type tig torch with a collet and collet body to hold the tungsten.

jackon · Feb 28, 2015

I use a cordless drill just chuck it up and use the drill to spin it

ranger 225

Insaneride · Mar 1, 2015

Dont use green wheels to grind Tungsten. :nono:

Green wheels are for sharpening tool bits, drill bits but not Tungsten. The green wheels are friable and the tungsten wears thru them like warm butter.

Just thought I would put that out there for anybody that doesnt know because it has happened.

BD1 · Mar 1, 2015

Insaneride said:
Dont use green wheels to grind Tungsten. :nono:

Green wheels are for sharpening tool bits, drill bits but not Tungsten. The green wheels are friable and the tungsten wears thru them like warm butter.

Just thought I would put that out there for anybody that doesnt know because it has happened.[/QUOTE

I use the HF circular saw 4'' diamond wheel for sharpening tungsten. Just remove nut and washer from existing bench grinding wheel, place 4'' diamond wheel against side of grinding wheel, and bolt up. Does super clean job.

http://www.harborfreight.com/replac...com/replacement-wheels-for-the-120-volt-circular-saw-blade-sharpener-98862.html

BD1 · Mar 2, 2015

I don't do a lot of tig welding but many members state it is great. Clean and no mess. Actually, one member here bought the whole machine and loves it. With 20 % off coupon
$40.00 bucks. http://www.harborfreight.com/120-volt-circular-saw-blade-sharpener-96687.html

That Guy There · Mar 19, 2016

Just wanted to give this thread a bump, been using these holders for over a year now they will work great.

BD1 · Mar 19, 2016

Leave one intact in holder and use it as a scribe.

dieselbeef · Mar 19, 2016

I use a tungsten grinder

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sharpie-Standard-Tungsten-Grinder-TIG-Welding-/370487131165

motolife313 · Mar 19, 2016

I hold the tungsten with my fingers, works great!

Tungsten Holder

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