Tungsten Toxicity
 

I use a tungsten bucking bar. And I just learned that tungsten can be harmful if ingested. So while I don't plan to eat my bucking bar it definitely seems like a good idea to wash up after working with it.

A search for tungsten toxicity brings up a number of articles. It appears as if there's generally low risk, but wash your hands after you're done working with it.

Dave

Hmmm...
My wedding ring is a Tungsten Carbide ring. I wonder if the "carbide" makes it safe to wear?

Same here! I think it makes your hair fall out and eyes not work so good up close...

Not as dangerous as wedding cake - the effects of that can last for 50 years......;)

hahahahahahahaha

Don't panic, You have to eat it or drop it on your toe for it to hurt you, tungsten is totally safe, handling it as a bucking bar.

You mean, I shouldn't try to hold my tungsten bucking bar in my teeth while I buck the rivets? How else am I supposed to do this with only two hands?

Yes, if you eat it you have bigger issues. Seriously, when dressing the tips of tungsten welding rod (TIG) one should be aware of this, but unless it is done all day, probably not an issue. I still dress mine on the bench grinder, about one a month.

Thoriated Tungsten
 

In this case you are probably more concerned about the small "very small"
radioactive material being released when grinding a thoriated tungsten.

I agree, dropping a tungsten bucking bar on your toes is probably your highest risk of injury.

Apart from the discussion, the tungsten bucking bar is one of the very best tools to have in your RV building arsenal.

Ohhh so True!!! :eek: