It’s easier than you think to learn how to TiG weld. It is more precise and can weld thin metals than MIG.
TIG welding involves creating a arc of electricity between a nonconsumable tungsten electrolyte and the material being welded. The molten metal is then filled with filler metal. To make good welds, it is necessary to control the heat produced by an arc.
Basics
It takes some time to perfect your TIG welding technique when you first start. It is a delicate process and one that requires steady hands.
When starting out it is best to work on a piece of scrap metal. This will give feedback on the speed and movement of the torch. The key to a successful weld is getting the basics right, such as getting an adequate arc and controlling the puddle.
It is important to remember that when TIG welding you are using consumable electrodes and they need to be cleaned after use. It is important to keep your torch, and the area where you work, clean. The tungsten electrode must never touch the workpiece, or it will be contaminated. If you do notice that the tungsten is touching the workpiece remove it from the torch and grind it on your grinding wheel to reshape the tip.
Liquid cooled torches can handle more amperage than non-cooled torches. They produce less heat, and if they are used on aluminum, they can help prevent the formation of a weld puddle skin.
Equipment
You will need an electric torch that has a shield gas tube attached. This is used to protect the weld from airborne contaminants. Pure argon, the most popular inert gas, is used with all metals.
TIG welding requires a steady and clear hand. A good pair can be helpful. You will also need a dedicated grinding machine to keep the tungsten point clean and reshape as necessary.
You will want to begin with simple tack welding to learn how to control your weld pool and how to move the torch. Once you are comfortable with this, try some long-bead welds.
TIG welding can be used for high-end precision work. It is often used in industries such as automotive, aerospace and transportation to weld thin metals because it produces superior quality welds. It is also used for gunsmithing and toolboxes, ornamental metalwork, and other projects where quality matters.
Arc Length
TIG welding requires more specialized and technical skill than MIG welding, but it can be used for home projects like bike frames and trays, as well as in high-tech and professional industries. TIG welding produces cleaner welds and requires less cleanup after the weld.
It is important to have a clean area to work on and to use an electrode brush that is specific to the type of metal being used. This will help to prevent contamination of your workpiece due to dirt, grease, and dust. It’s a good idea to check that the gas cylinder contains 100% argon and not hydrogen.
Beginners should start with a 15-20 degree travel angle, which facilitates the visibility of the weld puddle and makes it easier to feed filler rod. As you gain more experience, you can adjust the angle. To avoid burn through or a lack of fusion it is important to keep the electrode above the weld pool. It is also important to add “dips”, or filler metals, into the pool to cool the weld.
Controlling Heat
While TIG welding is not messy, it is still important to take the time to keep the torch and filler rod clean. This will protect your welds by preventing contamination of the workpieces.
It’s important to avoid touching either the arc tip, or the base metal, during the welding process. This can contaminate a material and lead to problems such as porosity, weld-craters, or other problems. Always clean the tungsten electrode thoroughly before starting to weld again.
You can practice TIG welds by working on smaller projects. This will help you get used to the heat levels and how the weld puddle grows and shrinks. Eventually, you’ll be able to do bigger jobs without any problems. It takes time to become an expert at anything. You can learn to weld with dedication and time.
Adding Filler Metal
TIG welding takes more practice than other types to master, but is still suitable for home DIY projects. It can also be used for a variety of professional purposes, such as creating sculpture art or restoring an old bike frame.
Adding filler metal is a key element to TIG welding. You can weld without filler rods, but the welds are porous. It is crucial to have a large enough weld puddle and a constant travel speed in order to control penetration. The tungsten electrode must not touch the weld puddle. It will contaminate your weld by contaminating it with its oxide layer. Make sure the tungsten is the correct size for the material and has a properly shaped tip.