Beefier TIG Tungsten Electrode Grinder

thingiverse

Here's a video for your viewing pleasure which shows this in action cutting off a balled up 1/8 rod (which I had difficulty due to user error), a grind of a 3/32, 1/16 and then grinding down the 1/8. This is the first time this tool was put into use as well but it did not let me down just as the previous model didn't :D I need to eat before I film this stuff ;) https://youtu.be/RPC9Tmbl3Xs 2017-06-25 - UPDATE!!! I started from scratch and completely rebuilt this thing. The new files are the ones with V4, but really you probably just need the .STL. I still kept most of JAG's design in mind but I made some upgrades and still kept the beefier aspects I added before. One new upgrade is I've added a slot to slide an electrode down on and cut it off since sometimes you have too much blob and can't get your electrode in the holes. The angles are still similar as before but I've widened the holes a bit more so you shouldn't have to ream them out to accommodate the electrodes but it still accommodates 1/16, 3/32, and 1/8 at roughly 10°, 20°, 30°, and 40°. The threading is done at 3/4 12TPI which is Dremel's standard. I've oversized the threading just slightly by .3 mm to allow ease of threading. I re-did the overall size as well so it should work with a Dremel without having to add spacers and still work with the mandrel/disc set I suggested. The rods should angle in and sit nicely in the center of the disc once they are completely ground to a point as well. Hopefully this one has less issues with others' printer software too but I will say Cura has never had issues and I've printed several of these already. The new file is called Entity Unknown V4 TIG Tungsten Electrode Grinder.stl I've also uploaded the V4 blender files if you want to modify this in any way. I still kept the originals V1s up here as well. Enjoy! Original Posting: I built this from JAG's original design over at:http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:18347 His works great but it's a PITA to attach since you must lock the mandrel for you grinding disc down in the collect, then put this tool on your Dremel, then you have to screw the diamond wheel disc on. I added two wrench slots on either side so you can just screw this tool on your Dremel, then use a wrench to lock down the mandrel with your diamond disc already mounted to your mandrel. Basically I got my Dremel back to use for other projects rather than feeling the need (laziness) to keep it as a dedicated electrode grinder. I also beefed up the point around the hex nut at the base because I've had two of JAGs original design snap at this point on me and gluing is not an option since things will be off center. I used a tap to re-thread the threads since they were too tight for my Dremel (3000 Model). I found you should only tap about 1/4 to 1/3 inch so it taper and snugs up against the Dremel. I also like using my pistol grip tool for my Dremel to give a small gap for this tool and the Dremel which sets the guide holes just above the disc otherwise without said gap, the holes point directly to the center of the disc, i.e. not functional. I'm using the TEMO 10 Piece Diamond Coated Cut Off Wheels from Amazon and these work perfectly for this tool with said gap that I created. A slightly shorter mandrel would mean no gap is necessary so I could probably just chop this off a but but again, lazy factor. JAG did an awesome job and it probably works great for his Dremel but in this case as said I found a couple points of improvement and I also found a couple adjustments required to use with my Dremel. Great job man and thanks for the wonderful tool! Saved me $200-$1000 for a legit grinder and this thing is still seriously legit :) Here's Jag's original description too which will help you further understand your tungsten sizes you can work with: This is an attachment for a dremel or similar tool that makes it easy to grind tungsten electrodes for TIG welding. It has holes for 1/16", 3/32" and 1/8" electrodes at 4 different angles. It uses a diamond disc that I got at harbor freight (I think) Thanks to Lenbok ( http://www.thingiverse.com/Lenbok ) for the original design. I'd been meaning to design this for a while but his design did most of the work for me. Print Settings Printer Brand: LulzBot Printer: TAZ 5 Rafts: No Supports: Yes Resolution: .5 Infill: 40% Notes: I highly recommend printing this thing so the hex nut sits on your build plate. This ensures the least chance of distortion to the electrode guides. At worst you'll have some distortion on your threads (unless you've really learned how to use your 3d printer ;) and if you do they can be easily re-tapped. The holes are not as easy but worst case, use a drill bit and hand twist them in so you can open the holes up a bit more. You'll also spend less on your support since you're supporting the lower external taper, not the deep internal taper.