Now on to just plain old BS....
I use a tungsten sharpener.... I don't think this makes any difference at all in your welding -- but when it really counts -- I know I can shape a tungsten and it's not contaminated etc....
And it does it fast and the same every time!
But the one tool (I made from a cam gear / and old wrench / and the ends I cut off of a couple Mark Williams axles) that I think really helps is a PROPER torch rest!!!
