Welding Tips and Tricks

I came across 8 of what seemed to be 5\32" 2%thoriated tungsten in my dads toolbox. He says he thought they were drill dies from his old machining days, but they match the description. 7" long and have he colored band. Is there a way I can tell without welding with them. The tig welder at school only takes 3/32" tungsten.

Put it on the edge of a table , and smack it with a piece of wood, or something ,and if it snaps it isn't a drill die.

HERE is an online weight calculator that may help, the tungsten is going to be heavier then a drill die. Judging by your description I'd have to say it is 2%.

Post a pic - they'll look just like what they are

Here is a picture.

Thoriated tungsten tig electrode.

That would have been an interesting project, if someone had tried to make a drill bit out of one, assuming that was what he had them in the box for!