Category
Tungsten Electrodes
Choosing a tungsten electrode comes down to which current you’re running: thoriated tungsten for DC TIG on steel and stainless, or zirconated tungsten for AC TIG on aluminium. Every tungsten electrode below is sized in 1.6mm, 2.4mm and 3.2mm diameters to match your torch collet and amperage.
✓ Since 2002
✓ In-house torch workshop
✓ Air Products gas agent
✓ Direct-to-consumer pricing
Two tungsten electrode types are in stock in Kempton Park and priced direct at R35 each: thoriated for DC work, and zirconated for AC work. Diameter should match your amperage range and collet size, not just what happens to be in stock.
We have built and repaired TIG torches in our own workshop since 2002, so if you’re not sure which tungsten type or diameter your job calls for, bring in your torch or tell us the material and amperage and we’ll match the right tungsten electrode to your setup.
Thoriated or zirconated — matched to your current type
Thoriated tungsten is the traditional choice for DC TIG welding on mild steel, stainless steel and chrome moly — it holds a sharpened point well and gives a stable, focused arc on DC. Zirconated tungsten is built for AC TIG welding, mainly aluminium and magnesium, where it resists forming a ball at the tip and holds up better under AC's alternating current than thoriated does. Match the tungsten to the current type your job needs, not the other way around.
Diameter — matched to amperage and collet
Tungsten diameter needs to suit both your amperage range and the collet fitted in your torch — a 1.6mm electrode suits lower-amperage, thinner-material work, while 2.4mm and 3.2mm handle higher amperage and thicker material. An undersized tungsten overheats and contaminates faster at high amperage; an oversized one struggles to start a clean arc at low amperage.
Grinding and prep
A thoriated (DC) tungsten is typically ground to a sharp point along its length, which concentrates the arc for precise, focused welds. A zirconated (AC) tungsten is generally left balled or lightly rounded rather than sharply pointed, since AC naturally balls the tip during use. Grind lengthwise, not around the circumference, for the most stable arc.
Why buy your tungsten electrode here
We have built and repaired TIG torches in our own Kempton Park workshop since 2002. Every tungsten electrode here is sold and priced direct, in stock locally, with no reseller markup added on top.
Common questions
What's the difference between thoriated and zirconated tungsten?
Thoriated tungsten is built for DC TIG welding on steel and stainless, holding a sharp point well for a focused arc. Zirconated tungsten is built for AC TIG welding on aluminium and magnesium, resisting ball formation and standing up better to AC's alternating current than thoriated does.
What tungsten do I need for aluminium?
Zirconated tungsten is the standard choice for AC TIG welding on aluminium. Thoriated tungsten is built for DC work and isn't the right match for the AC current aluminium TIG welding requires.
What diameter tungsten electrode should I use?
Diameter depends on your amperage range and the collet fitted in your torch: 1.6mm suits lower-amperage, thinner-material work, while 2.4mm and 3.2mm handle higher amperage and thicker material. Check your torch's collet size before ordering, since the electrode has to match it.
How should I sharpen a tungsten electrode?
Grind a DC (thoriated) tungsten to a point along its length, not around the circumference, to keep the arc stable and focused. An AC (zirconated) tungsten is usually left balled or lightly rounded instead, since AC naturally balls the tip during welding.
Can't find what you need?
WhatsApp us the spec. If we don't have it on the site, we probably have it in the workshop.
