Putting two metal pieces together is a technique that requires electricity and a lot of heat. Welding is the manufacturing process in hand and it is used in various different industries as a standard for joining two metal parts. While there are different types of welding processes too, the one that makes for the highest quality welds is TIG. Also known as tungsten inert gas welding is mainly used to build and repair stuff, but it can also be used for automotive work and to create art out of metal.
TIG allows you to have great control over your weld and it doesn’t require you to clean once done. TIG welding is a versatile process that can make for welds that you didn’t imagine were possible. Of course, this all requires experience and some quality equipment and gear. While you won’t be the fastest welder when using a TIG welder you will definitely be a high-quality one if you have all the essential equipment needed for TIG welding.
Essential TIG Equipment
Electrodes
The welding electrode of TIG welders is one of the more important supplies TIG tools as it conducts the current needed to heat up the filler material and make the weld. It needs to be reliable so having to choose from quality TIG consumables is crucial.
There are pure tungsten electrodes which are inexpensive but have a low current carrying capacity and they can be contaminated quite easily When pure tungsten is combined with a core from 1 to 2% thoria then you get an electrode with a good current-carrying capacity and good resistance to contamination too.
A tungsten electrode with 1 or 2% thoria is great for general use like when welding but also when welding aeroplanes, missiles, nuclear reactors and heat exchangers. A tungsten electrode with 0.15 to 0.40% thoria is a great option if you want a middle ground solution between pure tungsten and those combined with thoria.
Helmet
When welding, be it with TIG or any other welding process you need to have a helmet on. Welding helmets protect your eyes from the flash created when the arc fuses the two metal pieces with filler material. There are also auto-darkening helmets which you don’t need to constantly take on and off to see how well you’re making progress. They dim themselves making them more convenient than traditional welding helmets.
Torch
The electrodes we were talking about going into the torch. With the help of the torch, you control the weld and you place the tungsten in after it has been sharpened. The torch also helps the weld pool and heat the filler material in order to make the weld in the first place.
Machines
For all the above components and process to take place you need a welding machine. TIG welders come in two variations DCSP and DCRP. DCSP machines work by having the direct current flow from the electrode to the workplace which makes for a straight polarity. DCSP means direct current straight polarity. The majority of TIG welds are done with this type of machine. DCRP however have the current flowing from the workplace to the electrode which means they work on reverse polarity hence the name DCRP.
Gasses
To help make for a cleaner weld and protect the weld from contamination TIG welding uses either one or both types of shielding gasses. The more affordable shielding gas is argon. Argon gas provides good arc stability and a lower arc voltage while being better for welding thinner metals. Helium shielding gas is when welding thicker materials because it has a higher flow rate, higher arc voltage, faster travel speeds and increased penetration. There is a mixture of both gasses that takes the advantages of both gasses meaning you can weld both thin and thick metals.
Gloves
To keep your hands protected from flying sparks you need to wear gloves. This way you also protect your hands from any static and stress caused by constantly holding apace of metal in your hand.
Jacket
Welding jackets like gloves are made to protect your upper body from flying sparks and sometimes static. The heat and sparks combined together can make for a perfect combo to start a fire. But by wearing a jacket that’s meant for welding you can minimise the chances since they’re made from fire-resistant materials.
Filler
Filler materials are TIG consumables no TIG welder can go without. The filler material is what is melted and holds together the two metal pieces. It acts as glue and it comes in the form of rods. They are usually held in the opposite hand and fed to the torch so that it melts it onto the two parts.
Grinder/ Sander
While nor a grinder or a sander is a TIG tool that is as important as some of the aforementioned they are still needed. Why? Because they help make your work more professional. By sanding and/ or grinding the weld you get a smoother and more aesthetically pleasing weld. If your line of work doesn’t require you to finesse your welds then you really don’t need to get a grinder/ sander.
The Australian Expert 