How do I get started TIG welding?
1. Safety
Make sure you have all the necessary safety equipment and appropriate clothing. For example,
- Dry, hole-free insulating gloves and body protection
- Approved welding helmet fitted with a proper shade of filter lenses to protect your face and eyes when welding or watching
- Approved safety glasses with side shields under your helmet
- Protective clothing made from durable, flame-resistant material (leather, heavy cotton, or wool) and foot protection.
2. Torch Placement
Hold the TIG torch in your hand at a 70° or 80° angle. Raise the torch so that the tungsten is off of the work piece no more than 1/8 to 1/4 in. Don't let the tungsten touch the work piece or it will contaminate your material and you will need to regrind your tungsten.
3. Foot Pedal Control
Practice controlling the heat with the foot pedal to see the weld puddle increase and decrease. Ideally, you want your weld puddle to be about 1/4 inch wide. Keep your puddle size consistent so it doesn't grow, shrink, spread or narrow while you are welding.
4. Filler Metal
Pick up your filler metal in your other hand so it rests horizontally at a 15° angle from the work piece - not pointed down. Heat up the base metal and gently dab the filler into the puddle. Dab rather quickly so you don't leave large deposits.