TIG Welding - Beginners Guide - Intro
TIG welding is probably he most complicated type of welding there is, and for a beginner the shear number of variable can be a bit confusing. Below is a break down on all the different areas with some "numbers" to help you get started.
TIG Welding - Beginners Guide - Gas
Now you may think talking about gas before the welder is odd, but bear in mind that if you are on a budget then the gas is going to represent a significant outlay. A budget TIG welder can be had for between £100 and £180, expect to pay a similar amount for your gas, and regulator.
Unlike MIG welding TIG welding can only use pure argon (or other specialist gases), so using food grade CO2 for example is not possible.
The cheapest place to get gas from for a beginner is Albee, find your nearest albee stockist and go for a rent free cylinder option. There is an added bonus with the albee cylinder in that you will not have to buy a regulator which will save you £30 - 50 pounds.
TIG Welding - Beginners Guide - Welders
For a TIG welder that can weld aluminium (AC capable) expect to pay upwards of £180. Make sure that the welder actually comes with a proper TIG torch, as some Arc Welders can be used for TIG welding but do not come supplied with a TIG torch as pictured below.
That's is it on welders from me as I am no expert and there are better TIG welder guides out there for that subject.
TIG Welding - Beginners Guide - The Tungsten
The tungsten is the electrode that sticks out of the front of the torch. Confusingly there are various different types, that are better suited to different applications. Your welder may come supplied (as mine did) with an unsuitable tungsten electrode. Most people suggest a 2% thoriated tungsten, but this is radioactive, so perhaps go for a 1-2% lanthanated electrode which I believe performs similarly.
You should sharpen your tungsten before first use.
OK so hopefully that covers the gear now a little on technique.
TIG Welding - Beginners Guide - Holding the Tig Torch
To avoid damaging the electrode, you will need to hold it around 2 - 3mm from the working surface. With a welding mask on this is no mean feat, and will take a great deal of practice to get the hang of. The torch should be held in a way that is very comfortable;
Gloves should be used or you will get sun burn from the UV radiation emitted from the arc. If you are working on a large item, it may heat up meaning you will need something heat proof to rest your hand on.
The torch should be held with the electrode as upright as possible, whilst still allowing you to see what you are doing.
TIG Welding - Beginners Guide - Setting the Amperage
On the most basic of TIG welders there will be an amperage control, too little amperage and you will not melt the metal, too much and you make a hole.
Mr TIG recommends around 65 amps for 16 gauge steel (1.63mm). So a bit more for thicker stuff, and a bit less for thinner stuff, remember that the maximum amperage you can use will be limited by the diameter of the tungsten you are using. 1.6mm tungsten will go up to around 90 amps, if you intend to use more amps then get a thicker electrode.
The better the conductivity of the metal the higher your amperage will have to be, aluminium requires a higher amperage that steel for the same thickness.
TIG Welding - Beginners Guide -Gas Flow Rate
During welding set gas flow around 7 - 8 litres per minute.
TIG Welding - Beginners Guide - Minimum Cost for a Setup
For gas, welder, rod, tungsten, and helmet expect to pay £400 upwards. If this sounds like a lot, then ask yourself what is it you are trying to make / repair a gassless mig welder might be a good option, you could probably get up and running for £200 with a gasless mig.
Visual Impact Assessment for Wind Turbine
Desktop Study to Discharge Planning Condition
TIG welding is probably he most complicated type of welding there is, and for a beginner the shear number of variable can be a bit confusing. Below is a break down on all the different areas with some "numbers" to help you get started.
TIG Welding - Beginners Guide - Gas
Now you may think talking about gas before the welder is odd, but bear in mind that if you are on a budget then the gas is going to represent a significant outlay. A budget TIG welder can be had for between £100 and £180, expect to pay a similar amount for your gas, and regulator.
Unlike MIG welding TIG welding can only use pure argon (or other specialist gases), so using food grade CO2 for example is not possible.
The cheapest place to get gas from for a beginner is Albee, find your nearest albee stockist and go for a rent free cylinder option. There is an added bonus with the albee cylinder in that you will not have to buy a regulator which will save you £30 - 50 pounds.
TIG Welding - Beginners Guide - Welders
For a TIG welder that can weld aluminium (AC capable) expect to pay upwards of £180. Make sure that the welder actually comes with a proper TIG torch, as some Arc Welders can be used for TIG welding but do not come supplied with a TIG torch as pictured below.
 |
| A TIG Torch |
TIG Welding - Beginners Guide - The Tungsten
The tungsten is the electrode that sticks out of the front of the torch. Confusingly there are various different types, that are better suited to different applications. Your welder may come supplied (as mine did) with an unsuitable tungsten electrode. Most people suggest a 2% thoriated tungsten, but this is radioactive, so perhaps go for a 1-2% lanthanated electrode which I believe performs similarly.
You should sharpen your tungsten before first use.
OK so hopefully that covers the gear now a little on technique.
TIG Welding - Beginners Guide - Holding the Tig Torch
To avoid damaging the electrode, you will need to hold it around 2 - 3mm from the working surface. With a welding mask on this is no mean feat, and will take a great deal of practice to get the hang of. The torch should be held in a way that is very comfortable;
 |
| Index Finger on Top |
 |
| Or like a pencil - Thanks to custom trucks |
The torch should be held with the electrode as upright as possible, whilst still allowing you to see what you are doing.
TIG Welding - Beginners Guide - Setting the Amperage
On the most basic of TIG welders there will be an amperage control, too little amperage and you will not melt the metal, too much and you make a hole.
Mr TIG recommends around 65 amps for 16 gauge steel (1.63mm). So a bit more for thicker stuff, and a bit less for thinner stuff, remember that the maximum amperage you can use will be limited by the diameter of the tungsten you are using. 1.6mm tungsten will go up to around 90 amps, if you intend to use more amps then get a thicker electrode.
The better the conductivity of the metal the higher your amperage will have to be, aluminium requires a higher amperage that steel for the same thickness.
TIG Welding - Beginners Guide -Gas Flow Rate
During welding set gas flow around 7 - 8 litres per minute.
TIG Welding - Beginners Guide - Minimum Cost for a Setup
For gas, welder, rod, tungsten, and helmet expect to pay £400 upwards. If this sounds like a lot, then ask yourself what is it you are trying to make / repair a gassless mig welder might be a good option, you could probably get up and running for £200 with a gasless mig.
Visual Impact Assessment for Wind Turbine
Desktop Study to Discharge Planning Condition
You can hire TIG welders from industries, which provide promised services to clients. Industries offer affordable TIG welders for on-site work.
ReplyDeleteHire TIG Welders from Industries
Hiring a TIG welder might be a good option I must admit I wish I had hired before I bought mine. TIG welding is not point and shoot like mig welding it is pretty tricky.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the idea, and input.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great details about welding, i really appreciate your research & knowledge in this domain.
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