How to TIG Weld - Instructions for TIG Welding

Arc Welding is not a very unfamiliar term for mechanical engineers and architects. It is basically the process of creating an electric arc between the base material and an electrode. This contact melts the metals at the welding point. Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding is one such form of arc welding. Now it is that process of arc welding where non consumable tungsten electrode is employed to bring about the weld. The uniqueness of this form of arc welding lies in the usage of a shielding gas, mostly an inert gas such as argon and a filler metal for protection of the weld area from contamination. Now that what exactly is TIG welding has been elucidated, here are some simple and useful instructions for TIG welding.

Instructions for TIG Welding

TIG Welding Basics: Basics of TIG welding is not very simple, especially when its manual gas, tungsten, arc welding. The workings of a TIG welding are pretty complex. For striking the welding arc, a path for the welding current through the shielding gas is generated by a high frequency provider. This allows the arc to get struck when electrode and the work piece are around 3 mm away. Another thing which serves to strike arc is the touch start or scratch start. Further is a step by step description on how to TIG weld.

Choose the Electrode: Determine the electrode you want to work with. But if you cannot, most probably your TIG kit will have the electrode, so you do not have to rack your brains for that. For aluminum welding, tungsten rod is supposed to be the best bet. Likewise, you an choose from a number of tungsten alloys that are particularly suited to welding alloys of a specific metal.

Electrode Grinding: After selecting an electrode, grind the electrode, or in this case a tungsten rod to a point. Due to the heat generated because of the weld, the tip will become rounded.

Insertion of Electrode into its Collet: Follow the grinding of the electrode by first opening the back of the electrode holder, insertion of the rod and placing it back. After this, set the electricity option to aluminum from the 3 main electricity options in a TIG rig. Then adjust the cleaning or penetrating setting more on the penetrating side. On a scale of 10, that will be 7. Similarly, there is an air setting. Set it on around 5 seconds. This air refers to the time the the gas is retained, after the stoppage of the arc, which will prevent the oxidization or rusting of your weld. Then if there is an option, set the max amperes on high, around 250.

Turn the Gas On: Use argon as a shielding gas for aluminum. If its steel, use a mixture of argon or carbon dioxide. The gas works as a shield against corrosion or rusting of the weld.

Proper Area and Set Up: A large metallic area is imperative for the electricity flow through metal. A welding table or a large, flat piece of sheet metal is perfect. Check out if you need to clamp your metals for keep them fixed while welding. Spray down your welding table with anti spatter, if you have one, so that the metal doesn't stick where it lands during welding.

Last Step: Last but not the least, check, the electrode thoroughly. In your dominant hand, hold the electrode and confirm if it can move uninhabited, as an unhampered cord.

This was a brief and an extremely simplistic description of how to TIG weld. One more thing, which is very important here is the dress. Any normal dress would be advisable while you are indulging in TIG welding. So ensure that you are wearing closed toe shoes, leather welding gloves and a welding helmet. Use a welding coat as well to avoid burns.

If you think this is complicated (which it is to some extent), get the help of a professional. It is always a good option to go for a professional when in doubt.