TIG Welding Tutorial

TIG (tungsten inert gas) welding is just one of the many methods out there used for welding. It is an arc welding method that utilizes tungsten electrodes to create the weld. The area of the weld is shielded from atmospheric contamination by inert gases such as argon. Other options include stick, oxyacetylene and MIG. TIG welding is generally used to weld metals like titanium and copper. TIG welding is useful for welding that is on the complicated side, for exampling, welds for round objects and creating S-curve welds.

Things You'll Need

• TIG torch
• Electrode
• Aluminum or steel metal
• Collet (holding device)
• Gas
• Protective clothing (helmet, closed shoes, etc.)

Instructions

1. Pick out the electrode. Most likely, your TIG will already contain the appropriate electrode. You can pick from tungsten alloys for this. Then you should grind the electrode down to a point. The heat will cause the tip of the electrode to become circular in shape.

2. Put the electrode inside of its collet. Unscrew the back of the container of the electrode. Put the rod in, and then put the back on again. Then pick out your settings. The choices usually are DCEP, AC and DCEN. Select AC for "aluminum." Set DCEP (cleaning/penetrating) to about 7. DCEN is an option for steel welding. DCEN and DCEP differ by the directions in which the electricity flows.

3. Turn on the gas. Steel requires a carbon dioxide/argon blend, and aluminum needs pure argon. The gas prevents the weld from becoming corroded. Then, set out a large metallic area to enable the electricity to flow through your metal. A welding table is a good place to do this. The surface has to be entirely flat.

4. Wear protective gear, such as welding gloves (leather is preferable), a helmet, and closed-toe shoes. TIG is hazardous and can cause you to go blind or give you sunburn and other skin irritations.

5. Start welding. Keep the electrode approximately one inch away from the metal, and never touch the metal using the electrode. Press down on the foot pedal to insert current and heat into your metal. Then start welding on an edge. Touch the rod into the metal. Make sure not to heat the metal for too long, as this could cause distortion. Weld on alternate sides to keep your metal even.

6. Remove the clamps after tacking. Press down on the pedal rapidly to create a weld pool. Regulate the current by easing up on the pedal. Move the electrode nearer to the rod, which is leading the electrode if you are welding aluminum. For steel TIG welding, move the electrode down the weld line and have the rod go after it, as if it is chasing the heat.

Resources

• TIG Welding Tips
• TIG Welding Overview