How to Setup TIG Welding

TIG welding is an important industrial process

Commonly used to weld stainless steel and metals other than pure iron, gas tungsten arc welding (GATW) is also known as tungsten inert gas welding (TIG). A non-consumable tungsten electrode creates an electric arc between the tip and the surface of the welding material. This generates the weld because of the high temperature at the contact point. Either alternating or direct current can power the TIG welder as it forms the weld. Alternating current results in deep, narrow welds, while direct current results in wide, shallow welds.

Things You'll Need

• TIG welding setup
• Welding material
• Welding helmet
• Protective gloves
• Protective clothing
• Protective eye gear
• Fire extinguisher

Instructions

1. Clear the workspace of all extraneous materials. Unrelated materials get in the way and may jostle you or cause contamination during the welding process. Either of these things is not conducive to a proper weld and could be dangerous. Ensure the workspace is safe. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergency.

2. Review and ensure familiarity with the operating instructions of the TIG setup, as well as how the equipment works and the setting to which it should be turned. Because the equipment's setting determines the type of weld that results, review the proper settings and amperage for the material to weld ahead of time.

3. Clean the tip of the tungsten electrode, and if it is not in the proper form of a dull point, grind it to one. Connect the gas line, remote foot pedal and torch to the machine in the sequence designated by the operator's manual and ensure amperage and polarity are set to specifications.

4. Put on all of the safety gear before starting up the machine. Electrically ground the TIG setup by connecting a ground cable to the material being welded or to the table, if it is metal. Start the gas to provide an inert environment. Start the machine, position the material and grab the torch and filler material to begin.

References

• 'Performance Welding Handbook (Motorbooks Workshop)'; Richard Finch; 2005