Basics Steps For Using A Tig Welder

Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welder works by a process that uses a tungsten electrode to produce a weld and hence the name. A TIG welder creates an arc between the metal to be joined and the tungsten electrode. The arc creates the weld and protected from the elements by gas being fed to the arc. A TIG weld produces enormous heat and electricity, and the welder must compulsively wear a safety shield particularly to protect the eyes.

Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding uses a wire, which dissolves upon the completion of the weld. But TIG welding uses tungsten electrodes that do not burn off or dissolve during the welding process. TIG welding is used with thin layers of stainless steel, aluminum, copper and magnesium alloys.

TIG welding is quite a complex process and demands the use of both the hands during the welding process. The welder must maintain a short arc in order for the weld to be effective.

The ultraviolet light created by the arc could be harmful and the operator must wear protective clothing and gloves, to cover exposed skin. TIG welding, if done unguardedly, can seriously affect your vision and TIG can also burn your hands. You must use thick leather welding gloves, and a welding helmet, and closed-toe shoes. To avoid sunburn, wear a long-sleeved shirt, or still preferably a welding coat.
But the rewards of TIG welding are high as TIG weld produces high quality, clean welds.

While doing TIG welding you must be careful not to touch the metal with the electrode. Any contact might as well produce a crater and weaken the weld point. When the arc is struck, a welder will move the metal in a circular motion as it is fed forward, in order to produce the weld. A true blessing for the operator is TIG welds can be made in all positions - flat, horizontal, vertical or even overhead.

Another redeeming feature is TIG welding does not create smoke or fumes, except in rare cases where the base metal being welded contains contaminants such as, oil, grease, paint, lead or zinc. The base metal should be therefore be thoroughly cleaned before TIG welding. Because only the necessary amount of filler metal is added to the welding puddle, TIG weld does not cause spatter or produce any spark.

The operator needs tremendous practice to gain proficiency in TIG welding. Many beginners generally practice TIG welding on waste scrap or discarded pieces to develop mastery.

TIG welders can be used to weld steel, stainless steel, aluminum, nickel alloys, magnesium, copper, brass, bronze, and even gold. TIG welding has many applications and widely used for welding wagons, bike frames, lawn mowers, door handles, fenders, and a host of other items. For doing TIG welding on aluminum, it is recommended to use pure argon. For steel, you can use an argon/carbon dioxide mixture. The gas that is used is important to keep the weld from becoming corroded, as metal will rust.

No TIG welding process is deemed complete till the welder is properly shut down. The prescribed cleaning methods should be followed to remove any particulates that might have accumulated during the welding process.