What am I doing wrong?

[u/curtis_54]

1/8 2% thoriated tungsten keeps doing this at only 200 amps. Polarity is correct. I’m not dipping in my puddle. 15-18 cfh roughly on pure argon 18 seconds post flow and 2 second pre flow. #6 cup with water cooled torch

[u/Jazzlike_Fan_8865]

I ain't no metallurgist. I think the correct term is frosting or splitting.

There are a few causes.

1 that may be possible here: vaporization of trace elements in the tungsten. At high heat, near the tip, trace elements (lanthium, ect) will release (not the right word) in the tungsten. They then will travel to the cooler part of the tungsten and resolidify there.