TIG welding, or Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), is a versatile and precise welding process widely used in steel fabrication and other industries. At Astra Engineering, we understand the importance of mastering this technique for achieving high-quality welds.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of TIG welding, from setting up your equipment to executing the perfect weld, whether you are a beginner wanting to learn tig welding or just want to explore other welding processes.

 

Step-by-Step Guide to TIG Welding:

Before you start to tig weld you must be doing it safely and correctly. Always make sure before you start you are wearing the relevant PPE.

 

Step 1: Prepare Your Workpiece

Before you begin welding, your welding table must be clean and free from contaminants like rust, paint, or oil. Use a wire brush or solvent to remove any surface impurities and ensure good clean weld quality.

 

Step 2: Set Up Your TIG Welding Machine

When setting up your TIG welding machine, be sure to consider the polarity of the electrode. In TIG welding, electrode negative polarity is commonly used to achieve deeper penetration into the workpiece.

  • Select the appropriate welding parameters on your TIG welding machine, including amperage, voltage, and gas flow rate.
  • Choose the correct tungsten electrode for the material you are welding. Thoriated tungsten electrodes are commonly used for steel fabrication.
  • Insert the tungsten electrode into the welding torch and tighten it securely.

 

Step 3: Prepare Your Tungsten Electrode

Grind the tungsten electrode to a fine point using a dedicated tungsten grinder or a bench grinder. Ensure that the electrode has a pointed tip to produce a stable arc and consistent clean welds.

 

Step 4: Set Up Your Shielding Gas

Connect the gas tank to the TIG welding machine and adjust the flow rate according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Use pure argon or a helium-argon mixture as the shielding gas to protect the weld area from atmospheric contamination.

 

Step 5: Position Your Workpiece

Securely clamp the workpiece in position using welding clamps or fixtures. Ensure that the joint to be welded is properly aligned and accessible for welding.

If this is done incorrectly you could be at risk of accidents, such as arc strikes, electrical shocks, or injuries from flying debris.

If the clamp isn’t secure it can cause movement or shifting of the workpiece during welding, leading to inconsistent weld bead formation and poor weld quality. This can compromise the strength and durability of the finished weld.

 

Step 6: Establish Your Welding Position

Position yourself comfortably in front of the workpiece, ensuring a stable stance and a clear line of sight to the welding area. Hold the welding torch with a steady hand, maintaining a consistent angle and distance from the workpiece.

 

Step 7: Initiate the Arc

Depress the foot pedal or press the torch trigger to initiate the welding arc. Maintain a short arc length and steady travel speed to produce a stable arc and uniform weld bead.

 

Step 8: Adding Filler wire (if necessary)

If welding with filler metal, introduce the filler wire into the leading edge of the weld pool at a slight angle. Gradually feed the filler rod into the weld pool to achieve the desired size and shape.

 

Step 9: Control the Weld Pool

Control the size and shape of the weld pool by adjusting the welding parameters and torch angle as needed. Maintain a consistent travel speed and filler metal deposition to produce a smooth and uniform weld bead.

 

Step 10: Complete the Weld

Continue welding along the joint until you reach the end, ensuring full penetration and fusion between the base metals. Gradually reduce the welding current and allow the weld to cool naturally to prevent cracking or distortion.

 

Now You Are a Tig Welding Pro

By following this step-by-step guide, you can confidently tackle your TIG welding projects safely with precision and efficiency.

It’s important to note that metal welding requires skill and various types of equipment to ensure a perfect and precise weld. Here at Astra Engineering, we can help you with all your welding needs so why not leave it to the experts?

We pride ourselves on our expertise in TIG welding and all other forms of steel fabrication along with our commitment to producing high-quality welds for our clients.

If you have any further enquiries about our services or for any extra information on more tig welding tips, please feel free to contact us so we can discuss this further.