Beginner Tips and Tricks
Experienced welders share simple techniques for improving weld appearance, reducing distortion, increasing arc stability, and building better welding habits.
Lens Enhances TIG Weld Quality
Consider using a gas lens instead of a standard collet body when TIG welding stainless steel. The gas lens provides better weld gas coverage that is more consistent and smooth. This will help with aesthetics and the overall weld bead quality and consistency.
Minimize Weld Stress
When welding brackets, square tubing or a plate that will be under stress – such as on farm or construction equipment – begin the weld between the corners, rather than at the corners. Never tie in a weld at the corner. This refers to fillet welds or corner welds. Make sure the weld is continuous around the corner. If the weld is subject to stress and is started or ended at the corner, it may tear from that point.
Thick Has Your Back
When welding thin-gauge stainless steel, tack it in several places and use a thicker metal (one that is a better thermal conductor, such as copper or aluminum) as backing to absorb the heat. This cuts down on distortion.
A Tip About Tips
I grind the tip of my tungsten 2 to 2½ times the width (diameter) of the rod. For example, a 1/8-inch rod should be sharpened ¼-inch from the tip. This will help the focal point of the arc. Also, be sure that the grind marks are parallel to the electrode, which allows for better arc stability.
Give Yourself a Head Start
There’s a lot to learn about TIG welding. But you can give your feed hand a head start by putting on a TIG glove and feeding a TIG wire up and down your hand while watching TV or doing other non-welding activities. This will help your fingers get used to feeding the TIG rod.
Sufficient Stick-Out
When running flux-cored arc welding larger wire (no gas), the wire stick-out should be about ½ to ¾-inch away from the puddle. Any less and there will be constant burn back and the need to replace the tips.