If you’re curious about learning how to TIG weld, you’re in the right place! Not only will you get an overview of the process below, but you’ll also learn the pros and cons of TIG welding compared to other welding techniques.
TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding is known for being precise, versatile, and sophisticated; it also has a reputation for being difficult to master. If you see an item with a particularly professional-looking weld, it’s probably the result of this technique. It isn’t for beginners, though; TIG welding is both an art and a science, and if you want to get those perfectly beaded welds, you’ll need quite a bit of experience. Don’t let that discourage you, though! With enough time and effort, anything is possible.
Why learn how to TIG weld?
The TIG welding process isn’t the easiest, but it does produce the most aesthetically pleasing weld. There’s no spatter, and an experienced TIG welder can achieve the envied “stack of dimes” look that’s associated with high-quality welding. This technique is used on vehicles, heavy machinery, metal-based art, home repairs, and much more – pretty much any project in which a strong, clean weld is required.
Another advantage of TIG welding is the variety of metals it can be used on. You can TIG weld stainless steel, aluminum, magnesium, brass, gold, Chromalloy, nickel alloys, copper, and bronze. No wonder it’s so popular for industrial applications!
Then there’s the fact that you don’t have to switch the type of gas you’re using for each new project. Since the TIG welding process uses either argon gas, or a mixture of argon and helium, you’ll be able to weld metal of any thickness with the same bottle of gas. Between one thing and another, it’s no wonder so many people are learning how to TIG weld.
What will you need when figuring out how to TIG weld?
TIG welding takes some specialized equipment, so you may have to make a few purchases even if you already have a welding setup.
- A TIG welder (obviously) – If you’re going to use it to weld aluminum, it should ideally support AC TIG output. If you’re mainly going to TIG weld stainless steel, brass, copper, or other metals besides aluminum, DC TIG output will do the trick. AC TIG output can also be used for aluminum, by the way; you just have to use a specialized technique.
- A tungsten electrode – There are several different types of tungsten electrode to choose from; the “best” one will depend on the type of current you’re using, the project you’re working on, etc. You can pick from pure tungsten, thorium, cerium, and lanthanum rods. Thoriated tungsten gives excellent results, but it’s also radioactive, so take that into account when picking up your tungsten electrodes!
- Filler rods – Just like with other types of welding, you’ll need filler rods for many of your projects.
- Shielding gas tank – A bottle of 80CF argon gas will work for almost any TIG welding job.
- Welding helmet – If you’ll be welding thin materials that use a low amp start, you should check for a hood that’s rated for low TIG amperage.
- Flexible gloves – Unlike with stick welding or MIG welding, TIG welding requires lightweight gloves, ideally goatskin or something similar.
- Foot pedal – This lets the user moderate amperage output as they go, which is an essential part of TIG welding; you’ll have to make sure your welding machine supports a foot pedal connection.
In addition to the equipment, you’ll also need patience! Learning how to TIG weld – especially if you’re teaching yourself – can be an arduous process. There’ll probably be plenty of mistakes; you should expect to generally make a mess until you get the hang of things.
How to use a TIG welder
Once you’ve assembled the necessary equipment, it’s time for the fun part – actually learning how to TIG weld. It’s a good idea to TIG weld steel if you’re new to the technique, since that’s one of the easiest metals to weld.
You’ll start by setting up your TIG welder. Put together the torch assembly, then connect it to the welder and the remote control; the work clamp should be connected to the welder too. Then select the right polarity setting, and connect the gas.
The tungsten electrode will have to be ground down, either to a point or a ball. Pointed tips work best if you’re using a DC current, and balled tips are preferred for AC welding. The more pointed the tip, the easier the arc is to direct.
Install the electrode, plug the welder in, and turn on the gas – now you’re ready to go! Once you’ve repeated the process a few times, knowing how to use a TIG welder will seem like second nature. You’ll be able to TIG weld steel, aluminum, or whatever else takes your fancy.
Pros and cons of learning how to TIG weld
Some people can’t wait to figure out how to TIG weld, because it produces the most aesthetic results. Others don’t really want to bother with it, because it’s such a challenging process. Here’s what to know before learning how to TIG weld:
Pros
- Makes the most visually appealing welds
- Easier to see the weld pool and arc
- More control over heat and arc input
- Weld in almost any position
- Doesn’t involve slag or flux
- No smoke or spatter
- Choose to use filler metal, or not
- Smaller chance of weld contamination
- Great for thin metals
- Welds nearly any material
- Gives you excellent joint quality
Cons
- Requires expensive equipment
- Outdoor welding environments can scatter shielding gas
- Even slight errors in preparation or settings can interfere with weld quality
- Slow welding process
- Challenging to learn
What’s the verdict?
If you want those picture-perfect welds you see on social media, you’ll have to familiarize yourself with TIG welding – and you’ll have to work for it! Just like many other skills, though, TIG welding is worth the effort. Once you’ve gotten past the initial learning curve, you’ll barely remember the time when you didn’t know how to TIG weld.
