How to Tig Weld Steel
The TIG in TIG welding stands for "tungsten inert gas." This involves combining an electrical arc with electrodes made of tungsten. It is mostly used to connect stainless steel with another metal such as copper or titanium. Although TIG welding involves a lot of heat and extremely bright lighting, with the proper gear and technique, TIG welding steel can be a safe operation. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Safety glasses
- Grinder
- Tungsten electrode
- Electrode holder
- Power supply with remote pedal
- Welding torch
- Welding surface
- Protective welding helmet
- Fireproof gloves and coveralls
- Shielding gas, argon or argon/carbon dioxide
Instructions
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Set Up
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1
Grind the electrodes to a sharp point if they aren't already prepared for welding. The more pointed the tip is, the more control you will have over the electrical arc. If you must grind, be sure to put on your safety glasses. Insert the electrode into the electrode holder.
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2
Ensure the power supply is off. Adjust the settings on the power supply to match your welding needs. For aluminum welds, select AC. Select DCEP for stick welding and DCEN for welding on steel. There are also additional settings for amperage levels, arc depth and air settings. Read the instructions for your power supply to determine the specific settings.
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3
Ensure all the pertinent parts are connected through the power supply and to the welding torch. Connect the welding torch and the remote pedal power lines to the power supply. Clip the grounding clamp on the power supply to your work area. Ensure the cooling gas line is connected to the welding torch. Turn on the gas.
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4
Check to make sure your work area is clear of any foreign debris and unnecessary objects. Failure to do so could result in unintentional combustion of those objects. Put on all protective gear, including the welding helmet, gloves and coveralls.
Welding
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5
Put the two metal pieces in position for welding. Turn on your welding torch and aim it at one corner where the two pieces touch. Leave the torch on there until it begins to melt a little and pool up.
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6
Place the electrode as close to that area without touching it or else you risk melting the metal onto the electrode. You will have to re-grind it and start over. Once the electrode forms a small "bead" connecting the metals, stop and do the opposite corner in the same matter.
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7
Aim the arc at the crease, starting where the first bead you created is at. Angle the electrode above the crease about one centimeter away. Apply the arc to the electrode and move towards the next bead as the electrode melts and fills the crease.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Ensure your electrical outlets can handle the amount of power your welding set up will need. Failure to do so can result in power outages.
Never weld without a welding helmet or "dark" helmet. Failure to do so can result in blindness or severe burns.
