Re: Tungsten

["David Trimmell" <davidt-at-xxxxxxxx> (by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-xxxxxxxxxx>)]

John, all,

The amount of Thorium dust (only 2% of all being created) shouldn't be
much of a hazard, as long as one takes basic precautions, like waring a
dust mask, using proper ventiltion (especially if grinding). Granted,
Thorium is a Alpha emitter and deposition in the Lungs is not good, the
quantity involved is low. No metal dust is healthy. Use common sense.

Regards,

David Trimmell
www.ChaoticUniverse-dot-com

On Thu, 2 Nov 2000, Tesla list wrote:

> Original poster: FutureT-at-aol-dot-com 
> 
> In a message dated 11/2/00 2:31:22 PM Eastern Standard Time,
tesla-at-pupman-dot-com 
> writes:
> 
> > It doesn`t take more than a couple of minutes, to cut a 5/16" rod of
> >  2%thorium/tungsten with an ordinary hacksaw, equipped with an (around)
> >  30 teeth per inch High Speed Steel (HSS) blade.
> >  
> >  There are fancier methods around, but this is the one I resort to every
> >  time still.
> >  
> >  Once cut, mount the bits in an electric drill, and rotate them with it,
> >  while you press the end of the electrode-to -be against a grinding
> >  wheel, or a belt sander. Be garefull if you use a grinding wheel, it
> >  tends to knock the electrode/drilllingmachine back untill a nice true
> >  surface is obtained.
> 
> Finn, all,
> 
> I wonder how healthy it is to breathe the thorium dust?  I guess
> you use a respirator and do the work outside, and throw out the
> respirator afterwards?  Or am I over-concerned about the 
> radioactive dust?
> 
> John Freau
> 
> 
> 
>