TIG welding nozzles

[MTV]

Why do TIG welding ceramic nozzles break? Is there a list of reasons anyone can suggest? Is there a book, website or person who can have more information on this issue? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks,

 

[MarkRPflow]

Lincoln Electric (phone 216-383-2240) is a good source.<br>
AWS (<A HREF="

http://www.aws.org"

TARGET="_new">

http://www.aws.org</A>)

another place for publications

 

Too much hand pressure is being appplied on the rig when walking the cup

 

[MikeMilburn]

Too short electrode stick out, too small nozzle, not enough gas flow, loss of coolant (if a water cooled unit), too large an electrode or too much amperage, cheap nozzles, incorrect thread causing stress on the ceramic material....Mike

 

[RD1]

Use an Alumina ceramic cup instead of the light colored ones, they hold up much better. But don't drop it, it can shatter. If you are walking the cup and causing breakage that way. Learn how to weld either freehand or build a hand rest to keep your hand off the parts, you will be much better off than walking the cup.