Because TIG welding requires...
Because TIG welding requires the use of a shielding gas you also have to consider the cost of getting the argon tank in place. Because the tank is very heavy, usually a cart or hand truck is required to make the welder portable.
MIG welding using flux-core wire works as well as stick welding on dirty or rusty material. In addition, self-shielding gasless wire can be used for welding outdoors. The use of self-shielding wire increases portability as there is no gas cylinder to haul around. MIG welding using flux-core wire offers deeper penetration when welding thick sections and a high rate of metal deposition allows the job to be completed faster.
Here, the center electrode...
Here, the center electrode for a TIG application is being carefully shaped on the grinder. The fine point gives great accuracy when welding.
The third type of welding that we are concerned with is TIG or gas tungsten arc welding. TIG welding process uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode and a shielding gas that protects the welding area from contamination. The arc comes off the point of the tungsten to melt the base metal while the operator manually adds filler wire in a technique similar to brazing. TIG welding is the type of welding that offers the most flexibility. Unlike MIG or stick, TIG welding lets an individual operator control heat input while working using a remote foot pedal or fingertip control. Hence, welding on thin materials is more easily accomplished and with less distortion.
This close-up of a TIG welding...
This close-up of a TIG welding gun shows the tungsten electrode at the point of the gun. Although it looks much like the wire core on a MIG gun the tip is not consumed and the material added to the weld is not machine fed.
The TIG process welds all metals with just a single gas, usually argon. TIG welding provides the highest quality detail work, and very aesthetic weld beads can be created. TIG welding also produces the least amount of sparks or spatter. Both flux-core and stick welding use an electrode with positive polarity and the work is grounded. Both use a constant current design. In gas-protected MIG welding and in TIG welding the electrode has negative polarity. As we have already noted TIG welding uses variable current.
Here's a TIG weld in process....
Here's a TIG weld in process. Because the filler material is handheld, it can be added at very precisely controlled amounts. Because the amount of heat can also be precisely controlled, welding on very thin materials can be accomplished without damage or blow through.
Different electrodes, base metals, and welding processes require different shielding gases. For all TIG applications, use 100 percent argon. For all MIG aluminum applications use 100 percent argon also. For MIG welding on stainless steel, a "tri-mix" blend should be used. Tri-mix consists of 90 percent helium, 7.5 percent argon, and 2.5 percent of carbon dioxide. As you become more involved with different alloys or procedures, the shielding gas requirements change, so you'll need to research which gas combination will work best for your specific jobs before you proceed.
One final thing to think about is welding safety. Arc welding safely always requires proper safety gear to protect you from the harmful sparks, heat, and ultraviolet rays that can burn skin and eyes.
The finished TIG welding bead...
The finished TIG welding bead is shown on top of this very thin material. It has the classic "stack of dimes" look that is very pleasing to the eye on finished work.
Once the welder has the TIG...
Once the welder has the TIG gun in one hand, the filler material in the other hand and the work in front of him, he can begin the welding job. A precise arc coupled with the ability to control heat input allows TIG welding of very thin metal, with a thickness of as little as 0.010-inch.
At a minimum, you'll need...
At a minimum, you'll need the following safety gear. As the sparks are flying to prevent burns this fellow is properly equipped including a welding helmet, safety glasses, hat, and welding gloves. Some sort of arm protection is required as well as leather shoes. Safe welding requires detailed awareness of your environment. Always weld in well-ventilated area. Remove all flammable materials such as wood, oil, or newspapers from your welding area. Never weld in wet conditions. Never use worn, damaged, or poorly spliced electrical cables. Properly install and ground electrical equipment according to their owner's manual. Read your owner's manual and follow its safety guidelines.