How To Tig Weld. A Beginners Guide...

Learn how to TIG Weld because tig welding is a very useful welding technique. Here's why...

TIG Welding is a name associated with a type of welding known as Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), or as the alternative Tungsten inert gas welding (TIG for short).

TIG welding is a special type of welding used specifically for welding metals such as aluminum and magnesium along with thin sheets of stainless steel.

Unlike MIG welding the use of TIG welding is seen as a more specialized type of welding operation, this is in part because of the heat of the welder and the reaction of the metal during welding. To many in the welding field TIG welding is actually seen as the hardest of all types of welding available, those who are skilled at TIG welding are generally seen of as a higher calibre welder.

Learning how to TIG Weld

Unlike MIG welding those that TIG weld will find that it is not an automatic welding type and the greater majority of TIG welders require the use of two hands, one to control the torch while the other feeds welding wire through with the other hand.

The reason TIG welding is seen as more difficult that MIG welding is because the welder needs to ensure they keep an arc length that is shorter than that of other welding types and that the welding electrode does not touch your work.

Here's actually how to tig weld (the very basics): Before starting to TIG weld you need to start the welder, this requires striking the welding arc by using a generator that provides the spark needed for an arc to be generated. For those that are a little more skilled you can start the arc by literally scratching your electrode on the welding torch across your metal.

Once your arc has been generated you will notice the welding torch moving in a circular fashion, this is normal and is part of the TIG welding process.

Now you need to keep a constant and measured distance between your work and the electrode of your welding torch as you tile the torch to a fifteen degree angle on the vertical. Now you can start moving the torch and manually feeding the welding wire to create a smooth weld without causing any damage to your work or the weld itself.

Practice Is The Key To Discovering How To Tig Weld Well!

One of the best methods of practicing TIG welding is to get a large piece of scrap metal and literally practice welding lines on the sheet; this will help you find the right speed and distance from the work to ensure a clean TIG weld occurs. If you practice correctly you will find over time that you will no longer be damaging the metal and that you will be comfortable and confident in your welding style and wire feeding technique.

Why Safety Is Important When It Comes To Learning How To Tig Weld (and any other welding or metalworking field)....

As with all welding there is a safety element to TIG welding, but as your using two hands you will require the use of a welding mask that can sit on your head and be lowered when required. Safety clothing is also very important because of the immense heat TIG welding generates.