How should grinding be done when sharpening tungsten?

• A. Parallel to the tungsten.
• B. Perpendicular to the tungsten.
• C. At a 45-degree angle to the tungsten.
• D. Around the tungsten's tip.

Answer: (A)

Grinding parallel to the tungsten keeps material removal aligned with the electrode’s axis, producing a clean, consistent taper toward a sharp point. This geometry gives a stable arc, easier starting, and reduces the chance of creating flat facets or uneven shapes that can cause arc instability. Grinding perpendicular tends to put a flat face on the tip, which destabilizes the arc, while grinding at other angles (like 45 degrees or around the tip) creates irregular shapes and weak spots that can lead to erratic performance or tip breakage.