Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding requires a bunch of preparation. After the welder is setup with the proper power and has the argon hooked up, the torch needs preparation too. One of the tasks is to sharpen the tungsten. The electricity flows off the end of the tungsten to the metal being welded. The tip needs to be held extremely close to the metal. The closer the better. Between shaking and fatigue, the hand control can deteriorate to the point the tip accidently touches the metal. That is called ‘dipping’. Metal will then attach to the tungsten and welding needs to stop until there is a clean sharp tungsten in the torch. Amateurs, like me, do this often. I have a method that makes sharpening tungsten quick. I put the tungsten in a hand held drill. In the other hand, I hold an angle grinder. Once the grinder is up to speed, I rotate the tungsten in the drill and touch the tip on the flat face of the grinder. It works. For the quality that I need, the little imperfections aren’t noticed. I’m sure the professionals are cringing.