Jack,

The need for a diamond wheel is really dependent on the projects to be accomplished. Automated/orbital TIG and many Plasma or micro plasma systems require very specific and consistent included angles and surface finishes, some automated TIG technologies employ arc voltage feedback to determine and adjust arc length, while Micro-plasma systems can also have strict tolerances for tungsten prep. The consistency of diamond wheel tip prepping of included angles can have noticeable effects on penetration as well as bead profile, and the improved quality of electrode surface finish can enhance welding performance in production of very thin fillets and limited access situations or thin lands such as knife edge seals where arc strike accuracy is critical.

Having said that, many journeymen will not give up the old 2-inch belt sander. They demonstrate daily that fine work can be accomplished with more simple tools. These guys are correct in so far as the fact that the Diamond Wheel will not ever completely replace the Belt Sander. We make both available since the Diamond wheels cannot be used for many non-ferrous materials. Other welders love the consistency offered by the Diamond wheels as well as the ability to custom cut tungsten length, which is necessary for restricted access jobs. Also for those folks who deal with temperamental Lanthanum electrodes of 1/16 dia. or less, it is necessary to employ a diamond wheel when cutting these to size, the conventional methods of snapping them usually end up producing longitudinal fractures and expensive waste.

So as far as advice, perhaps you should consider the scope of work you're doing, a lot of hand TIG under .030? Micro-Plasma? Thin production fillets? If the answer is yes, than try to get a couple of demos to see if you think it's worth the expense. Of the several brands we have used I feel we get more bang for the buck with the Diamond ground DGP-P400, it does all we ask of it and is durable as long as we use it for tungsten only. Also keep in mind that it will be another tool requireing ventelation. The DGP-P400 can be purchased with optional suction or fit to existing shop stuff.

Good Luck with your venture
Lawrence

"Except the Lord build the house, They labor in vain who build it." "I firmly believe this."
Benjamin Franklin, 1787,
Constitutional Convention