TIG welding (tungsten inert gas) is the supreme in welding. It takes a good amount of practice, and you need specialized welding equipment to do a good job.

TIG welding has become well-liked among construction professionals because it can be used with any type of metal. You can join copper, stainless steel, and aluminum in a vast range of thicknesses with the TIG welding procedure. Of the different arc welding methods, TIG delivers the greatest quality of weldment.

The welds are neat and accurate. The work is clean and does not produce residue or smoke. The lack of slag decreases the risks of welding imperfections such as slag inclusions which could result in bad weld metal. Unlike standard arc welding, the completed weld needs practically no cleaning.

What Is TIG Welding?

TIG welding is a welding process that uses a non-consumable (tungsten) electrode to heat the workpiece. It then shields the welds with inert gas. TIG welding entails the use of specialized tools. It’s critical to know the fundamental tools that will help guarantee quality welds.

How Does TIG Welding Work

The TIG welding process is also referred to as GTAW (gas tungsten arc welding). Through the TIG welding procedure, an electric arc is produced between the workpiece and a tungsten electrode. The electric arc is powerful but can be conducted superbly.

The basis of any TIG welding operation is the TIG welding machine. This essential tool delivers a controlled electric current needed for fusing and melting metals together. It has an array of adjustable features like pulse capabilities, high-frequency start options, and amperage control.

The TIG process entails creating an electric arc between the part to be welded and a non-fusible tungsten electrode. During this procedure, welders have the option to weld with filler metal or without. The filler metal is usually the same material as the one used in the welding task.

TIG welding necessitates the resource of a shielding gas like argon. During TIG welding, the needed current is transported by the tungsten electrode, the core of the welding process. Tungsten electrodes are the basis of the electric arc which liquefies and heats the material to be welded.

Tools Needed for TIG Welding

Tungsten Electrodes

A crucial element in TIG welding, tungsten electrodes function as the heat source. These non-consumable electrodes, composed of tungsten or its alloys, are recognized for their brilliant thermal resistance and resilience. Beginners typically use pure tungsten electrodes for non-specialized applications, while more seasoned welders might opt for alloyed tungsten electrodes for detailed welding tasks. Tungsten electrodes deliver a stable arc, guaranteeing high-quality welds and exact control.

When a tungsten electrode is used in TIG welding, it controls the current and its shape affects the weld seam. Additionally, it doesn’t melt and has an extended shelf life. The performance of the weld pool can also be swayed by the chemical composition.

The electrodes used consist primarily of tungsten over 99%. Metal oxides are included to boost the electronic emissivity of the electrode and the efficiency. Moreover, there are several types of tungsten electrodes according to the oxides shown with tungsten.

The tungsten electrode is enclosed by a spout through which the gas streams. Therefore, it protects the arc and welding metal from oxidation from the close atmosphere.

Gas Flowmeter/Regulator

Keeping the correct shielding gas flow is critical in TIG welding to shield the weld pool from contamination and guarantee perfect welding environments. A gas flowmeter/regulator accurately regulates the flow of shielding gas, typically argon, to produce a stable and consistent setting. Consistent gas flow regulation stops oxidation, porosity, and other flaws in the weld. Welders should select a flowmeter/regulator with simple and understandable gauges that permit precise gas flow adjustments.

Welding Torch

The TIG welding torch, also referred to as the TIG torch, is the handheld device that keeps the tungsten electrode and releases the shielding gas. As the manual part of the welding machine, it has a vital role in directing the heat and sustaining the right arc length. This guarantees you can carry out accurate welding work precisely on the workpiece.

The TIG welding torch typically holds a tungsten electrode steadied by a clamping sleeve which helps to generate the arc. A torch cap guards the welder from contact with the end of the non-consumable tungsten electrode. A well-crafted TIG welding torch offers an effective cooling system, ergonomics, and easy adjustability to guarantee comfort during lengthy welding sessions. Moreover, a flexible torch with a swivel head allows welders to get to tight spaces and difficult angles easily.

The welding current lead also goes through the torch handle to the tungsten electrode to create the necessary welding circuit. With the assistance of the switch on the handle of the torch, you can turn the torch off and on, therefore stopping and starting the flow of shielding gas, cooling water, and electricity.

Filler Rods

TIG welding usually entails adding filler metal to strengthen joints or get the desired weld characteristics. Filler rods come in many materials such as carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.

Welders must consider the particular application areas they plan to work on to choose the correct filler rods. For example, stainless steel filler rods are typically used in food processing equipment, while aluminum filler rods are standard for aerospace applications.

The filler metal includes a rod of variable diameter, and the makeup is like the metal being welded. This metal melds with the arc and forms more material during the creation of the weld bead.

Shielding Gas (Argon, Hydrogen, Helium, or Combination)

In most tasks, the gas used is argon. This neutral gas makes it possible to prevent immediate oxidation throughout the melting of the welded metal. It also impacts the making of the arc on the ignition, the form of the bead, and the welding speed. Argon is best for thin metals because of its lower heat requirements.

Helium is also used. Although it makes ignition more challenging, helium increases the arc voltage and therefore, permits vaster penetration and welding speed.

Argon can be combined with hydrogen to get two distinctive results, depending on the wanted goal. When you need to decrease the heat-affected zone (HAZ), adding hydrogen makes it conceivable to lessen the amount of energy needed. This is because hydrogen possesses the property to collect the electron beam radiating from the tungsten, decreasing the width of the weld bead.

For austenitic stainless steels, using a combination of hydrogen and argon enhances productivity by improving penetration and welding speeds.

Safety Clothing and Gear

The use of gas, welding splatters, and welding rays may be hazardous for the welder. This is why the use of safety clothing and gear is vital. Safety must always be the highest priority in any welding job. When buying TIG welding tools, welders should invest in the required protective gear to ensure their safety and well-being.

Safety Goggles

Safety goggles are used for shielding the eyes from hazardous sparks and rays. Welding without wearing safety goggles could subject a welder to flash burns. Another complication of not wearing safety goggles is what is known as “welder’s eye.” This is the feeling of having sand in the eyes and other symptoms like sensitivity to light, reddening, and tearing.

Long Sleeve Shirts, Jackets, and Pants

Fire-resistant and flame-retardant welding long-sleeve shirts, pants, and jackets are crucial for welders to protect and shield their bodies from heat, metal splatter, and sparks.

Leather Boots

Leather boots are a vital part of the safety gear needed for welding. They safeguard welders from welding hazards, sparks, and electrocution.

Welding Helmets

Welding helmets with auto-darkening filters are critical, providing immediate protection from dangerous infrared and UV radiation.

Gloves

Good-quality TIG welding gloves are flame-retardant. Fire retardancy guarantees the gloves can resist high heat. The welding gloves must protect welders from cuts, sparks, heat, and flames. Leather welding gloves are durable and offer the best hand protection.

Sunscreen

The sunscreen welders choose must include zinc oxide to really impede all types of radiation discharged from welding activities. Welders should buy sunscreen that protects against UVB, UVC, or UVA.

The Bottom Line

Investing in the necessary TIG welding tools is critical for welders wanting to embark on a career in the TIG welding sector. The right selection of tools like tungsten electrodes, welding torch, safety gear, filler rods, and gas flowmeter/regulator, guarantees a solid foundation for completing high-quality welds.

By considering the benefits of these essential welding tools, welders can make informed decisions to improve their processes and experience. Practice with the right tools and equipment is critical for developing expertise in the art of TIG welding.

Contact us if you need help with selecting and buying TIG welding tools and equipment. With over 50 years in designing and manufacturing TIG welding tools and equipment, we have the essential tools you need to become an expert TIG welder.