Sharpening Tig electrodes - Chem or grind?

[Corm]

Recently I was in one of our local welding shops picking up a role of Mig wire. I spotted on one of the shelves a small plastic tub of Tig Electrode Sharpening chemicals. I'd never heard of sharpening my Tig electrodes by any method other than grinding them. The counter guy at the shop said they don't sell too much of it. I was wondering if any of you folks have used it? Does it work well, or not? Does it work with any electrode? Seems like it would be handy (especially for me as I am a beginner Tig student, and find I 'dip' my electrode more often than I care to admit) if it works. Thanks in advance for any responses.

[parthos]

I have tried both, the chem sharp works well, I perfer to grind mine though, the chem kinda makes a mess of the torch cups if it gets up their.

[wlbrown]

sharpening tig electrodes

SIR,
i hand grind mine. i would suggest you buy a good
supply, and grind all of them. this way when you dip
into the puddle, just stop, and remove, and replace with
a good one. then when you get 5 or 6 that have been
"dipped" regrind them, and have them ready for the
next time. good luck with your projects.
wlbrown

[DrIQ]

I have used the chem sharp but prefer grinding

[Corm]

Thanks for your input folks. I think I'll keep on grinding my electrodes...