TIG Welding Tungsten Sharpener Build

A scenic stroll through the build of a useful tool for any TIG welder.
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) or TIG Welding works best with a carefully prepared tungsten electrode. A dedicated diamond tungsten grinder is the best way to get a perfectly prepped TIG tungsten electrode angle. Most of these grinders are expensive, so this DIY diamond tungsten sharpener is a must have for the shop.
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Parts used in this build:
****Online Order****
Diamond Grinding Wheel: amzn.to/3pi5JlM
****Good ol' Harbor Freight****
Harbor Freight "Drill Master" Angle Grinder
****Leftovers in the Shop****
1.5" Steel Angle, .25" Thick, .5" Long
3/4" Square Tubing for base
2" Steel Angle for Base
****Hardware Store****
1/4-20 Bolt, .5" Long
5/8" Machine bushing, 14 Gauge Thickness
U bolt for hold down
Adhesive Rubber Feet
Cheap Spray Paint
TIG Welding Gear (These are affiliate links that cost you no extra, but provide a small commission to support the making of these videos)
My Welding Helmet: amzn.to/31IoPr4
Less Expensive Welding Helmet: amzn.to/37EFC20
TIG Gloves: amzn.to/3kvR2ZA
TIG Finger: amzn.to/3jvgJYG
Welding Jacket: amzn.to/2J5dP0n
Tungsten Electrodes: amzn.to/2FW7DXe
Diamond Grinding Wheel: amzn.to/31BneDe
Acetone Dispenser: amzn.to/35vidgP
Argon Flow Meter: amzn.to/3okZGwl
Filler Metal Tube: amzn.to/34oTr2w
Steel Filler Metal: amzn.to/2HqH25A
Aluminum Filler Metal: amzn.to/2Tq6hY1
Stubby Gas Lens Kit (CK Worldwide): amzn.to/35wFNtp
Stubby Gas Lens Kit (Less Expensive Option): amzn.to/2J4HYNm
Entry Level DC TIG Welding Machine (Haven’t tried it yet, but plan to get one in the shop to test soon): amzn.to/3kvC5q8
Entry Level AC/DC TIG Welding Machine (Haven’t tested this one either, but I’ve heard really good things and hope to get one in to test soon as well): amzn.to/34ozEQL ***Affiliate Notice***
Some of the links on this page are affiliate links which provide a small commission from sales to help support this channel and make these videos possible. Thanks for your support!

[@TimWelds]

You can learn to weld. I'll show you exactly what to do in my affordable online welding courses at courses.timwelds.com.

[@ruralrenderer]

Bought it today--working my way through fab 101

[@Thewatson77]

Man that is fantastic! As soon as I’m done with my game I’m watching , I’m heading to the garage. Thanks for the spark that lit this flame🙌🏻

[@TimWelds]

Thanks! It really does work quite well.

[@Thewatson77]

Both of y’all need to move the hell on. Your garbage comment has nothing to do with this video.

[@jamesdorsey1686]

Great job, why pay hundreds or I should say why do they expect us to pay hundreds? I think you did a great job proving we are smarter than that. Thank you.

[@TimWelds]

Totally! They are surprisingly expensive.

[@adollarshort1573]

Really clever,Tim! Thanks! Just wondering....I've heard that tungsten dust is bad for you being a heavy metal (not the musical kind!). Is s this true? If so, rigging up some kind of dust collection might be something I'm going try to add to this.

[@brapbrapmafucka]

What is that chop saw you used!!!!

[@LifeEveryday.]

Great great idea, only one thing I'd change is to flip the guard to the opposite side just in case you have a finger slip for some reason.

[@TBJK07Jeep]

I just built one based off your design. I did add a continuous rim 4.5” diamond wheel to cut the tungsten. I also built my frame slightly different. I used the handle hole to bolt to. Thanks for the video

[@deepwinter77]

Any photos you can show please.

[@brianswelding]

Tim, that thing is genius, and I've been TIG welding for 25+ years. Keep up the good work. 👍

[@TimWelds]

Thanks 👍

[@rolf9280]

I’m interested in your bench cut-off saw. Could you tell me where it can be purchased and brand etc, Just found your channel an subscribed right away! Thanks!

[@edbishop4307]

Nice work. Which way is the disk turning where you are sharpening. Towards you or away from you?

[@laiky71]

This is a great and really functional build. Nicely done. I have been using a diamond lapidary wheel outboard of an 8" grinding wheel on a bench grinder for over 15 years now to grind tungsten. That cost about 40 bucks and i hold my tungsten with a drill. I might just have to make myself one of these ! Maybe as a part 2 you can come up with an enclosed version to collect the dust.

[@finnatticus8794]

instaBlaster.

[@Bofuso]

Where can I order that diamond wheel? I think I’m going to build this but on my bench grinder.

[@laiky71]

I used to get them off ebay buty rings a bell for the seller. Can't remember exactly since I've had them so long It called a diamond lapidary wheel

[@jaysilver4670]

Hey Tim, cool little grinder. I think this will be my weekend project. I just started to learn how to tig and sharpening my tungsten on the harbor freight 8" grinder probably isn't the best way to get a consistent point. Thanks for the video.

[@newmantjn]

Hey Tim; This is so clever. I built one for myself. A couple of things for the next guy to consider. 1. The geometry of the height of the disk to the welded screw is actually quite important. You may want to get your disk all set up with whatever spacers etc. you will be using prior to locating your screw. The guard is flimsy enough that you can bend it some to adjust the height of the angle iron if it isn't working out for you. 2. I added a more complete guard. I butt welded a half round bottom to complete the guard and enclosed all of the sides but about an inch where the angle iron drops in. I was very uncomfortable with that spinning disk exposed and me working on the business end. 3. The disk actually ends up piloting on the threaded portion of the shaft which is a very sloppy fit. It takes a little tweaking to center the disk prior to tightening it down. 4. As a result of the sloppy pilot, I am considering using a step drill and punching out the center of the disk to 5/8". Then I could use the correct pilot on the parts that came with the grinder. This would, of course upset the screw to disk height geometry and may even wreck the disk, so I'll hold off on that until the disk is well worn and see what happens. Thanks again for this clever idea. I really like it. I often use it with a cordless drill to hold/spin the tungsten. Do you see any downside to that?

[@deepwinter77]

Is there a reason not to use the backing flange that is typically used under a grinding disc. As opposed to using the machine bushing I'm not quite clear on why that was needed. Thanks

[@sexyfacenation]

The bore diameter is too small in the diamond disc.

[@gatorwing6231]

You are fast with the delete button😜😜🤣🤣

[@patricksalmon3494]

Magnifique,ingénieux et très peu coutant .Bravo à vous et merci

[@nicejoe1000]

hey man you best get a pattern on it before i do. Its a excellent work of ingenuity. I am on my way to the pattern office.

[@Mark-vx5dt]

Nice and simple design! Since the tungsten will be grinding in the same spot on the diamond wheel, how long do you think the wheel will last? If the guide was adjustable up/down you could probably get a lot more mileage out of it. Maybe a V2 update if the wheel starts to get worn down or something. Thanks for sharing!

[@TimWelds]

Thanks! I’ve been using it since the build, probably 50-80 grinds. The wheel still works like new, but it would be nice to have the option to move it around. On other diamond grinders that I have used, the wheels have lasted a really long time. The biggest problem I’ve seen is aluminum from a fouled electrode getting deposited on the wheel and clogging it up. Either way, I’m glad the wheels are $10 instead of the $90 that wheels for my fancy grinder. 😁

[@tedbastwock3810]

Thank you, Tim, this is my first build after buying my first TIG machine. Always love what you publish, thanks a lot 🙏

[@ThomasELeClair]

,,,,,,,great to see the talent and eye develop a functional tool....I do lots of freehand machining when possible......Gotta duplicate that fine fixture you made for tungstens,,,,,,thanks......Quick question : When using the tig process , should a left handed person hold the torch or the welding rod ? Should my direction of welding be from right to the Left......Please be specific as to what you do......Thus I may copy or reverse the procedure,,,,,Thanks.....

[@raindropsrising7662]

Your videos are absolutely helpful! Appreciate your time putting all these together. Thank you!

[@xyloeye]

Thanks for a great video. I just finished building it and ground 20 electrodes in about 5 minutes. I did have to change the guide to the opposite side because the wheel kept sucking the electrode into it. The only other issue was that the hole was drilled oversized in the disk from Amazon (no surprise).

[@RicardoGarcia-104]

Amazing. Better then the crappy 20$ one I jus sent back to amazon. Thank you very much. Nice thinking. Very help when your welding on a budget. 😂

[@skimark8275]

Brilliant, I was using my dremel with a small 1"Harbor Freight diamond cutoff wheel, works great but I like the idea of getting the same angle every time. Im going to build it Thanks for the movie

[@hpk4917]

Hello, good idea. But i wonder what about the grinding dust that is released??? We are not talking about cotton candy here. I prefer a closed housing. After all it's my health . . .

[@hugocortina3429]

What brand was that cold metal cutting saw? BTW. Nice job. I liked that you took the time to explain all of your steps as opposed to some of the other videos I’ve seen that basically run high speed video with no dialogue.

[@TimWelds]

It's a Trajan from sawblade.com. I really like having a 7" chop saw for portability. I got it on sale for a good price and I use it regularly for small stuff. Here's a review video I made when I first got it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6Xcm2CVh9Whias I think the Ironton from Northern is similar, though I've never tried that one.

[@pettere8429]

That exposed disc makes me nervous, a whole way around guard would be a welcome upgrade.

[@williambanas2831]

What a great idea!! I intend to make one soon. I think I might make the leg of the angle with the holes for the tungsten longer so that I can adjust it to take advantage of the entire surface of the diamond wheel. Thanks for this build.

[@Ice90001]

Have you thought of making a sliding one to “work the whole disk” that way one just doesn’t wear out just the edges of the disc

[@DCweldingAndArt]

Nice idea Tim! What would you say you enjoy more..."engineering/designing" parts to be welded, OR hands-on Fabricating them yourself? Seems like both lol I'm def on the fab side. But THIS is an awesome idea, which I may have to take stock in. Thanks!

[@TimWelds]

I enjoy the hands on most, especially when I'm kind of designing on the fly. Thanks!

[@YT-User1013]

THIS is my next project. HF has a coupon for that grinder for $10

[@SkaterStimm]

I would have flipped the guard around and made it so it can't cut your hand. Otherwise great build.

[@sloppydoggy9257]

Hi. When you contaminate your tungsten, is it bad to just grind it back to a point? Can you contaminate a diamond stone?

[@garyzimmerman1544]

you can buy tungsten wheel at habor f for 10 dollars but you have to re drill hole with a step drill works good hope it helps zimm

[@rmaker8982]

Hey Tim, isn't Tungsten dust bad for you? All the commercial versions that I've seen have the wheel totally enclosed and you insert the rod through a hole that also serves for angle alignment. Later you open the lid and gently tap the dust into the bin. That way you aren't breathing in dust comming of the wheel, like in an open design like yours.

[@TimWelds]

Thoriated tungsten is particularly bad, but it’s better to avoid all of it. Many commercial sharpeners are that way and others aren’t. Either way, enclosing the wheel would be pretty simple and a good improvement. Maybe I’ll do a version 2.

[@rct2]

How long did the diamond disc last? As it looks like it was wearing away already.

[@mikegrok]

Great idea. For anyone who wants quick results, you can drill a hole in the existing shroud, and cable tie it to a 2x4.

[@AHill-oi9ct]

Great idea.

[@DIYHomesteadProjectsDIYHP10]

Great build! Thank you for the ideas!

[@TimWelds]

Thanks! It was a fun one!

[@wiredforstereo]

You're supposed to use the lower half of the nut on the grinder.

[@xpluscollectorscrew]

Good job Tim

[@Hankjr3935]

Awesome build thanks for the tutorial. Just ordered my diamond wheel. Hope it's an affiliate link so you get a little something for your effort.

[@TimWelds]

Awesome thank you!

[@GaryT1952]

Brilliant build Tim...so glad that I have found your channel...more useful information here than most welding sites combined!

[@TimWelds]

Thanks!

[@AerialLensVideo]

THANKS so much, Tim! Things really change in 3 years since you made this video (99 cent paint - Ha) but this idea is still a real money saver, while giving a very professional result - So excited to make this - and save some Buck$!

[@dr.feelgood2358]

at work i've been using a harbor freight stationary belt sander with 60 grit (probably) aluminum oxide belt. easy to get a long taper and a needle sharp point, if that's what you're after. chuck the tungsten in a cordless drill and it saves burning your fingers, plus makes turning easy...don't know why you wouldn't if you can! obviously the drill works with any grinder for turning. i also have some diamond coated discs at home. 200 grit leaves a nice finish and it's not too slow at removing material IMHO

[@Donnie64inPa]

Thanks for the video, I was planning this build and got an angle grinder from harbor freight unfortunately the diamond blade I got that was similar to yours is a 5/8 size arbor and the arbor on my grinder is 7/8. Putting the wheel without the arbor on the grinder fits but is too loose and won't stay centered. I was wondering how you got the wheel to fit. (I can't find an angle grinder to fit that size diamond wheel.

[@morenothing4u]

Someone is going to lose a finger.

[@ApKNJ]

Very nice. Can you explain why you used the machine bushing rather than just using the inner flange that came with the grinder, like you would for a cutting wheel? A commenter mentioned the bore size of the wheel, but that doesn't seem to make sense. Thanks!

[@carbinefiber8142]

In HVAC, I had to tig stainless ducts for a job. Bought dewalt's new cutoff tool and used this same method to conveniently sharpen tungsten while on the ladder.

[@JeffinTD]

That is super awesome. I’ve seen the rotary tool ones, but it seemed to me something based on a die grinder or angle grinder would be the ticket.

[@sloppydoggy9257]

I was using a little Dremel attachment thing to grind mine, but I hated it. Actually forked out a pretty penny and got a little machine made by MWL in Japan specifically for grinding tungstens. Maybe a little overpriced, but its very quiet and does a damn good job. I don't like loud tools lol... Great video!

[@kwakernaak78]

absolute fantastic tip! thanks. Much better than many $200 plus priced machines

[@tinmanx2222]

Interesting project, appreciate your video.

[@TimWelds]

Thank you too!

[@vikitheviki]

Awesome build! Just a heads-up, tungsten dust.. it's cancerogen.

[@petewilliam9865]

Wow this is absolute awesome... Have you ever considered manufacturing and selling of this? There must be a great potential out there!! Greetings from Pete the Welding Warrior

[@jbeardOJKB]

Great job. Awesome idea 💡 👏.. The saw u use in the video can you share a link where u purchased? Thanks.

[@petertwiss356]

great tool. Only issue is if you are still learning like me, and you contaminate your electrode , you can't get it out unless you remove your twist bolt and star washer. I have one of those dremel fixtures and it is the same way, and it slows down your work. I guess the only way to get around it, is to not contaminate your tungsten =/

[@strayedarticle2838]

Thats a great idea! You just saved me a $100, so glad a tuned in.👨‍🏭 Thanks man!

[@lsxjunkie]

What kind of chop saw is that? Nice jig for tungsten as well. Im going to have to make one

[@baldwindigital]

That was pretty good. The grinders are nine bucks right now and I’m thinking about grabbing maybe three just to have dedicated wheels on them at the bench - pretty much disposable at that price. Oddly the reviews indicate they actually last pretty well assuming you don’t ask too much of a 4 amp grinder. I have an aluminum core Strauss “UDGW” 6” diamond wheel on one of my bench grinders that I use for tungstens - it will live a lot longer than me. Thanks God I didn’t have to pay for it. (helps to have friends in aerospace) 😎

[@miamatti]

What a great method, I'm going to get a (cheap) tig setup soon as I'm an engineer and determined to have this skill in my repertoire...I was thinking I could get away with putting my tungsten in a drill chuck and just hitting it with a diamond file while its spinning...do you think this would work?

[@Ricinberg]

Or u can use a flap 😂

[@everaldoaugustodesouza9090]

Very good tools!!!!!!!

[@Breazeh]

Does the grain of the tungsten tip run parallel to the tungsten itself or is it so fine that it doesn't really matter?

[@LA3198]

Nice build. I am using a little adapter with a diamond disc on my dremel, but this looks much more substantial.

[@Bosbulls]

Great idea. This same setup can be expanded to sharpen drill bits as well.

[@signdeals4972]

I’m going to build one ASAP!

[@TimWelds]

Sweet! It's a useful little guy so far.

[@StormbringerMM]

I like it. I would probably run a vacuum next to it, especially if any thorium was involved.

[@TimWelds]

I agree. I have a version 2 on my to do list to enclose the wheel and capture the dust. I don’t use red thoriated tungsten any more because lanthanated and LaYZr work great and seem to split less often on AC.

[@StormbringerMM]

@@TimWelds I plan on entirely copying your design. Thanks!

[@robertwalicki3176]

Great job. Thank you for all your videos.

[@svt283]

Just sell me it lol

[@mksaeg]

The 400 grit works nice. Thank you sir!!!

[@TheAussiePirate]

Brilliant idea, I wish I could give it more than one like.

[@onealfarms9967]

Looks like I’ve been going the wrong way with my drill lol

[@danbarosh2942]

2 COOL THX

[@kmatikzofficial]

great video! thanks for uploading

[@kermitthefrog6363]

Thanks again Tim...love this channel!!

[@xinixxagnix201]

Thank you Tim, make it and works great!

[@tfr6]

You deserve 25 million subscribers.

[@valeralusenko]

Сколько стоит алмазный диск и где ссылка ? Диск это +100 $ ?

[@Sydney268]

Nice work, but again I can't help but feeling patronised by your metric conversions - us metric guys know what an inch is as well as what you know a millimetre is!

[@TimWelds]

Thanks! I've had hundreds of comments asking for the conversions over the years, so I include them...at least when I remember to.

[@palmerigio]

Geez, get a life....thanks for converting...

[@Sydney268]

​@@palmerigiosorry, sorry, I know now some of you guys aren't the sharpest knives in the drawer!

[@palmerigio]

@@Sydney268 better being a blunt knife than a tool...

[@kevinaponte7078]

Love the video keep up the great work Tim

[@bwdane]

Just ordered a TIG today and saw that a proper grinder was $70+ so I'll certainly be going this route. Thank you for the video, subscribed.

[@skimark8275]

the ones I have seen were $700

[@michaelgrage6392]

Thanks Tim. I'll make one this weekend !

[@4speed3pedals]

Nice project. I have been hand holding a portable drill with the tungsten in the chuck against a dedicated bench grinderl. I do like the idea of a diamond wheel. Thank you for posting the links. You got me to thinking about making a fixture for the el cheapo bench grinder from the 60s (5" Edison) and adapting a diamond wheel to it.

[@TimWelds]

Very cool! This one is still working great with the original wheel, and believe me, I have to sharpen my electrode pretty often. I'm thinking about making a second version with a fully enclosed wheel to make sure it contains the dust from grinding.

[@jasonbirch1182]

Just got my first tig and binge watching as much info as possible while I'm down sick. What about tip grind angle? Do you just eyeball it or you have it set with something not shown?

[@TimWelds]

I just eyeball it. For me, having the length of the grind at 1-2 diameters works pretty well. The principle is that the more pointy the grind, the wider the cone on the arc. A blunt point will produce a narrow cone. Kind of counterintuitive. There are so many variables to fine tune TIG welding that it gets confusing early on. Some may disagree, but my opinion is this. First, get your arc length, torch angle, travel speed and rod dip down in that order. After that’s going pretty well, then fine tune other factors like electrode grind angle, cup size, AC frequency, etc.

[@lannabulls]

Excellent idea! Thanks so much!

[@zoozolplexOne]

hi mate, nice project, thanks for sharing!!!

[@scummy73dude64]

Maybe a small finger guard in case ya slip?? Works great though 👍

[@TimWelds]

That would be a great addition. Could be fun to make a formed sheet metal piece too.

[@garygogo9048]

Brilliant! Love your vids brotha!

[@mikeedwards2384]

Great idea and great job love it

[@GERA222]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@AL-wm7qs]

What king of chop saw is that

[@TheMaddogronh]

I don't know if it makes a difference or not , do you have to have the point go against the wheel rotation or with it ?

[@TimWelds]

I have it go against the wheel rotation. This is how I sharpen lathe tools to avoid a burr, but I'm not sure that it would make much difference on a tungsten electrode. For what it's worth, my commercial one also goes against the point.

[@paddrivers]

Thanks great idea😎

[@AustinJNoble]

Bro just drill a hole in the guard way easier, faster and free

[@TimWelds]

Great idea! Thanks!

[@davidgarcia4804]

Good job!

[@bernhard5741]

Great design: Simple, functional and elegant. ...Happen to have the sisk and an extra grinder, so going to the shop and build one right now! Thank you

[@matthufham]

You are going to quickly wear a groove in that disc, especially with no lube. I would make a flat fence that you can just run the tungsten up and down along the disc instead of an insert guide. plus the tungsten diameter won't be an issue. Also that guide only has 1 mounting point, which makes it pivot after awhile if it loosens any. I'd make at least 2 points to secure the thing.

[@TimWelds]

Thanks for the comment! The guide would be a cool variation. I'm new to this particular disc, but I've used other diamond sharpeners that have guides putting the tungsten in the same place and they last for thousands of cycles. Most of the commercial sharpeners work this way. I'm optimistic about wear, but only time will tell.

[@paddlepower888]

Oh wow. I didn’t know we had to grind TIG electrodes. I’m still in the SMAW rabbit hole. I have some aluminum piled up but no real projects-maybe I’ll stick around a bit down here. (No pun intended-it just happened 😀) And thanks for posting!

[@nin1ten1do]

y spread all that radioactive dust all around.. yay