sharping tungen

[diamondback]

The whole point to sharpening your tungsten is to reduce the cross section of the electrode. once the electrode becomes "saturated" with current the current will leave the electrode and be come the arc (Think of pinching or reducing the diameter of a hose). The arc transfers from the cross section of the electrode or the diameter. For how much to grind back I will refer you to the AWS welding handbook volume 2 8th edition page 82 where they graphically show the difference in the arc from a change in grind angle. When you do grind the finish should be as smooth as possible and ground back evenly all the way around. This will give you the best control and keep the arc coming from the point of the electrode and not the side.

[tnjind]

This is what this sight is about. This is relevent info. All of the answers are good. Heck I learned something (as I always should, If I listen).
Thanks to all.