Learn how to weld metals using TIG welding. This produces strong, precise, and aesthetically pleasing joints. This intensive tool and processes orientation will focus on studio safety and personal safety while students practice GTAW with mild steel.

TIG (tungsten-inert-gas) welding is used most often with nonferrous metals and can be considered to be a more precise process than MIG.

Basics

TIG welding, whether it’s for fun, a hobby or a career, can be a very rewarding skill. Avoiding a few pitfalls can lead to frustrations, mistakes and injuries.

A Tig welding course will teach you the basics of TIG welding. You will start by learning to set up and prepare welding equipment. You will then learn about welding processes and safety, including oxy-fuel training.

TIG welding uses a non-consumable electrode made of tungsten and an inert gas for heating the workpiece and protecting the welds. This makes it a precise welding process, ideal for delicate work or work with thin materials. TIG welding can be used in a wide variety of industries, including automotive, aerospace and more.

The first thing you need to know is that TIG welding is not “autogenous,” meaning no filler metal is added to the weld pool. It is possible to manually add filler, but it’s not common. When this happens, it is important to keep the tungsten tip from touching the workpiece and the welding gun nozzle. You will notice that the weld puddle has a different color and sound, which indicates that the tungsten has been contaminated.

Safety

TIG welding requires a lot of attention to detail. In the hands of a skilled welder it can yield some of the finest results. But new welders can run into trouble if they don’t follow some basic safety measures.

It’s essential to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) while working with tig welding. To protect the eyes and faces from sparks, goggles and arc generated heat, a welding helmet or goggles should be worn. Flame-retardant welding gloves should extend past the wrists for added protection. A flame retardant welding apron will protect your torso and legs from sparks, spatter and other harmful particles.

Regardless of the welding process used it’s always recommended that a welder works in a well-ventilated area. Keep the work area clean to prevent fire hazards from flying sparks, flammable material and compressed gas cylinders.

Skin burns from direct contact with a electric arc are another potential danger. This is similar in appearance to sunburn but can be more severe and cause permanent damage when repeated. Wearing leather gloves and a heavy jacket or welding coat will help protect your skin. It’s also important to keep the skin dry by not welding in the rain or when sweaty or dripping. This can reduce the risk of electrocution, which is possible if the welder accidentally touches a live wire.

Equipment

Tungsten inert gas welding (TIG) or Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), can create quality welds on a variety of metals. With the right equipment, practice and technique, you can create a weld that is clean, precise and attractive.

The beauty of this process is that it produces very few byproducts compared to MIG welding. This makes it a choice for precision welding projects where the integrity of the metal must be preserved or if there are any gaps between materials. TIG requires more experience and specialized training to operate.

In addition to having the proper equipment, a clean workspace is required. This includes a clean torch, a workpiece that is pristine and a sturdy stool/chair that can be used for long periods. This is because TIG welding requires that the arms travel in a very different path than other types of welding equipment, such as a MIG.

The tungsten electrode in a TIG welding setup is non-consumable and must be maintained in a good shape to direct the electric arc where it needs to go. You will often dip the tungsten electrode into your weldpool to prevent it from sticking to the piece of work. You must be able to recognize when the tungsten is contaminated with spatter and can use a grinding wheel dedicated to tungsten or a sanding disc to reshape the tip.

Welding Procedures

TIG (tungsten inert gas) welding is a versatile method that allows you to join more types of metals than any other arc welding process. It requires more precise control than other arc welding processes, but also provides more flexibility for the user. This course will teach you to operate a TIG machine safely and effectively. You will learn how to read, interpret, and use welding symbols, measurements, and lines on blueprints, working drawings, and blueprints.