Original poster: "Harold Weiss" <hweiss@xxxxxxxxxx> Hi,The thoriated rods produce ionization in the air around the rod. This will cause the spark to jump easier. I have them on my Terry filter and rotory. On the Terry filter, I have to open the gap to around 3/8" compared to half that or less with pure tungsten. With thr rotory, it will definitely fire at presentation unless the phase is off.
The amount of thorium in the rods isn't that much, but then again, it's best if these gaps are run outdoors. The heliarc welders that use them aren't dropping like flies, so I wouldn't worry much about it. Plain and simple, don't purposely try to breath any dust created from cutting or grinding.
When I do cut or grind it, I do it outdoors and I wear a dust mask and disposable gloves. After the cutting and fitting, I take a shower to wash off any particals. Then I wash the clothes seperate from the regular wash. Gloves and mask can go in the trash. That's pretty much the basics of radioactive materials handling that can be done at home. While the EPA might not like the thought of radioactive debris going down the drain or landfill, the amount will be generally below normal background. I have seen smoke detectors in the local landfill, so I don't worry about a little dust on the gloves and mask going there.
David E Weiss
Original poster: "H.S. J." <hsheltonj@xxxxxxxxx> Hi all,Well...I would like to know all of what happens when you use the thoraited tungsten rods as well as all of the radioactive and health hazard stuff please.Also, how does the Th affect how tungsten rods operate? Or, would pure tungsten rods be better? Or...what?Thanks, -Shelton