4 Tips for Beginning TIG Welders
The welding trade goes back thousands of years, beginning in some form as soon as societies learned how to build with metals such as iron and bronze. From around the 19th century on, welding became more and more diverse as short-pulse electric arcs and other innovations came into play. One such development is TIG welding (for tungsten inert gas), which also goes by the name Gas Tungsten Arc Welding. This method employs a short, durable tungsten electrode and may or may not involve adding a filler metal as well, making it quite flexible.
If you’re starting to learn how to use this welding method, consider these tips for beginning TIG welders.
Clean Your Weld Metals Thoroughly
While your focus may be on the intricacies of the weld itself, one of the secrets to welding well is preparing the metal surface. For this, you’ll need a wire or steel wool brush, acetone, and a rag. Use the brush to scrape up caked-on rust and other impurities that would disrupt your weld line. To avoid cross-contaminations between metals, use one brush for each metal type. When you finish, apply acetone and wipe the surface to remove what you brushed up. This leaves you a dry, clean surface.
Remove Electrode Contaminants
Even if your metal is clean as you start, you’ll contaminate your electrode if you accidentally touch it to your filler rod or base metal. If left as is, this modifies the arc, making it far more unpredictable than before. Maintaining a steady hand reduces these contaminations, but they’re likely as you just start out. When contaminations do happen, it’s best to immediately clean and perhaps regrind your electrode to preserve your weld integrity.
Consider Your Electrode and Filler Metals
Picking the right electrode and filler rods may seem a bit too complicated for a newcomer, but getting this step down helps you become more independent. There are several technical considerations when picking TIG welding rods, but a usually-applicable piece of advice is to pick a filler metal that matches your base.
Prioritize Your Own Comfort
Another tip for beginner TIG welders is to perform welds in comfortable positions. Even if you’re young, bending or contorting strangely to get the weld done is not practical long-term. Consider what your body can handle throughout the duration of your weld and prepare to optimize your comfort. Not only does this preserve your health, but it also promotes your weld performance as well.
