Expansion_crush

I have been bending tungsten to weld in very tight confined spaces for over 20 years. The process (for 3/32, 2% thoriated) to make a good bend is the only extend the tungsten beyond the cup by about a half inch, turn the timer on the shielding gas to maximum time available, use a lens and cup of the desired size, turn the welder to max amperage, turn the shielding gas to 30 SCFM or higher depending on the size of the tungsten, lightly clamp the tungsten in a soft has vise all the way to the cup (the code acts as a hear sink as well), push the pedal on the welder until the tungsten is white got then bend fairly fast until the tungsten is bent 45 degrees and beforewelding place the tungsten in as far as you can to accomplish the weld and turn the shielding gas and amperage back to normal settings. Going beyond 45 degrees almost assures a splintered tungsten.let it cool with the shielding gas until room temperature then remove from the vise. You won't be able to resharpen it but if you have a steady hand you should be ok for as long as you can tolerate the weld. I might post a video on my YouTube channel to show.