The world of welding is as fascinating as it is important to major industries throughout the world. TIG welding, in particular, is a captivating practice that can be accomplished within the confines of your own garage, provided you have the safety equipment and knowledge necessary in order to employ the craft. Today, we are going to be taking a superficial look at TIG welding while also highlighting a few tips and tricks that you can try in the comfort of your own workshop. Let’s dive into our discussion so that you can get started!
Tig Welding Tips & Tricks
TIG is an acronym that stands for tungsten inert gas and that is the fuel source that powers your welding. Your TIG welding device is equipped with a tungsten electrode that is non-consumable. This electrode works to supply the welding arc that you use in the welding process. What sets TIG welding apart from other types of welding is the fact that you can ‘soft start’ or ‘soft stop’ your heat which allows you more control over the entire process. Armed with that knowledge, let’s shift our discussion toward a few key tips that you can employ on your next project.
1) Keep Your Surface CLEAN – We really want to emphasise the importance of cleaning your surface materials before you get to work. TIG welding relies on a clean surface in order to get a healthy arc and a clean weld. Make sure to scrub down the surface that you are working with before firing up your welding device.
2) Pay Attention to The Tip – Most new TIG welders will find this concept the hardest to wrap their mind around. You need to keep the tip of your tungsten completely clean. If you accidentally touch it against the puddle, the tip is ruined and you must regrind the tungsten yourself. A tell-tale sign that you’ve mucked with the tip of your tungsten is when your welding arc becomes wild and hard to control.
3) Grind Tungsten the Right Way – One of the biggest beginner mistakes has to do with grinding your tungsten. Grind your tungsten in an even fashion by pointing in the length-wise direction rather than the wide direction. You’ll need to follow this tip if you want to have an even arc that is easy to direct and work with.
TIG welding can be fun and rewarding but it still requires preparation. Use our tips as well as your own resources in order to prepare yourself for your next welding project. For any of your welding needs, contact K&K Steel.