TIG Welding Tips and Tricks For Beginners

TIG welding is one of the most versatile and precise techniques that uses non-consumable tungsten electrodes to join metals. The best welding process can produce cleaner welds without smoke or spatter on thin gauge metals such as gold.

However, the most difficult to master. But don’t worry; with a little patience and a lot of practice, even a beginner can become a TIG welding pro in no time.

In this article, we’ll dive into some simple TIG welding tips for beginners to assist you on your journey to becoming a skilled welder.

The 12 TIG Welding Tips and Tricks For Starters

Here we mention a few essential tips and tricks for beginners if they are starting their TIG welding projects.

1. Cleaning of Metals

Ensure cleaning of metal before welding can help you achieve strong welding arcs. The cleaner the metal, the stronger the weld. So, we recommend you clean each metal using a delicate brush. It will consume some time, buts it’s worth the effort.

2. Use the Right Tungsten

Keep in mind what type of material you are dealing with and what are the characteristics of that material. After answering this question, you should have the knowledge of accurate tungsten to use with that specific material. This essential factor plays a vital role in the final result.

For your convenience, we are mentioning some of the products and the type of tungsten to use. For steel material, go with red tungsten, while green tungsten is appropriate for aluminum metal. This way, you would know which material is suitable for which type of tungsten.

3. Minimum Power

Appropriate pressure and penetration during TIG welding are essential for good results. Professionals always recommend using the lowest power settings while operating the TIG welders.

Furthermore, TIG welding functions on the power you provide, and if the power is not appropriate, it may not only damage the material but can directly burn it.

4. Use Bigger Rods

More oversized rods are preferable and suitable for beginners. Standard rods are smaller as compared to bigger rods. Whereas bigger rods are easy to handle and enhance the learning process for beginners. I suggest you go with a 1/8-inch diameter rod for proper functioning.

5. Safety Measures

Ensure proper safety measures while operating and dealing with the TIG welder. Tungsten electrodes release some radiation which is low level but still dangerous for you. Try to protect your nose and mouth specifically from these radiations.

There are respirators available in the market to make your hair passages safe. I recommend you work in an open and ventilated environment to avoid danger.

Read Also: How to TIG Weld Stainless Steel?

6. Reduce Your Arc Slowly at the End

After you reach the ending point of your welding, reduce the arc slowly and not abruptly. Slowly shut down the welder and never turn it off quickly. If you shut down the welder forcefully and quickly, you may damage the base metal by cracking it.

7. Know the Basics Of Shielding Gases

Argon and helium are the primary shielding gases used during tig welding. You should know about the ratio and description of these gases before use. 100% argon is expected, but the ratio of 1:4 of argon and helium is also used and appropriate.

Please do not increase the ratio of helium or never use 100% helium alone, as it is responsible for decreasing the temperature, which ultimately affects the welding.

8. Stay Concentrated during Welding

Tig welding is not something you start and finish without any focus. It requires consistent attention and care throughout the process. You must maintain your attention and focus from the start until the end.

I will begin to eliminate and minimize any destruction you think you can face during welding. In this way, you will be able to get a tranquil environment to work in.

Image Credit: SasinTipchai, Shutterstock

9. Place Torch at Right Angles

Placing the rod and torch at the same angle bounces back the heat during welding. This may result in the rod melting before you want it to melt.

Your torch should be somewhere between 18 to 20 degrees away from the material you are welding on. This distance will help in making the visibility of the path of welding clear.

10. Tungsten Thickness

Tungsten thickness is an essential factor that should be kept in mind. Always remember that if the material you are dealing with is large, it will need more heat to work appropriately, specifically during arc striking.

Contrary to this, if you are dealing with small tungsten, then there are chances that the base may get damaged because of overheating.

11. Protect Yourself From Shocking

There are chances of getting a shock from the welding machine. You need to keep yourself protected while using it. There are standard options available for you to consider, like thin gloves and wood products on the table where you are operating the welding machine.

Always focus on the sweat your body produces, as it is a conductor and can conduct electricity. Keep yourself protected by keeping yourself dry.

Worth Reading: Learn to TIG Weld without Gas

12. Focus On Accurate Time Of Regrinding

You should know about the tip of the tungsten and when to regrind it. Tungsten sometimes develops a ball, resulting in a low-quality arc. Look for an accurate time when you need to regrind the tip.

FAQs

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