Tig Welding Instructions:

TIG welding instructions: TIG welding can be a very useful skill to acquire for anyone who works metal because it's very versatile welding process. Once you 'get it', you'll never want to weld any other way.

Part 1: TIG welding, (which stands for Tungsten Inert Gas, by the way) is an extremely useful type of welding for the control and precision it gives you over your welds. You can get some of the cleanest welds possible when you are TIG welding. Another advantage it offers is that more metals can be welded through TIG welding than any other welding process. Let's take a look at TIG welding techniques.

Essentially, what happens while TIG welding is that a tungsten electrode heats the metal and an inert gas, (argon) protects the weld puddle from getting containment's into it. This is why TIG welding can give such precise and clean welds. The control also comes from the fact that the heat being applied is controlled by a foot pedal giving you extremely precise control over everything that's happening.

Part 2: The basic instructions for TIG welding begin with establishing an arc. From there you need to create your puddle, into which you can add your filler and guide the puddle along the joint you are welding. Once you have completed that you can end the arc, but you must keep your torch on top of the weld to keep it from becoming contaminated.

A very important instruction to remember while TIG welding is to always ensure that the metal has been cleaned thoroughly before beginning any welding. Failure to do so will result in contaminated welds. Another thing you don't want in order to keep your welds clean is to allow any kind of a draft through your shop. This can disrupt the shielding and result in a spotty weld.

Part 3: As far as sizes of materials go, you should use the smallest piece of tungsten available as it will give you an arc that is easier to start and control. By opposition, you should use the largest filler material possible, because again, it is easier to control the flow as you add it to your puddle. You also don't want to come in at the same angle with your filler as with your arc, come from a lower angle and it will help you keep things even.

These are only the bare essentials of TIG welding techniques, but they should be enough to get someone with the proper experience with working metals and welding going with a new technique. As with any welding, it is very important to wear proper safety equipment while TIG welding. This includes gloves, mask, apron, and also a respirator should be worn while TIG welding.

For more tig welding instructions and techniques try our free mini course. We also recommend this Tig Welding Basics DVD by Ron Covell for tig welding. His basic and advanced dvd's on are for all welding levels. They are a must have for your welding library.