The weld area is protected from atmospheric contamination by a shielding gas (usually an inert gas such as argon), and a filler metal such as aluminum or stainless steel is normally used, though some welds, known as autogenous welds, do not require it. In this instance the metals are simply fused together.  A constant-current welding power supply produces energy which is conducted across the arc through a column of highly ionized gas and metal vapors known as plasma.

Gas tungsten arc welding is most commonly used to weld stainless steel and light nonferrous materials, such as aluminum and magnesium, but it can be applied to nearly all metals, with notable exceptions being lead and zinc. Its applications involving carbon steels are limited not because of process restrictions, but because of the existence of more economical steel welding techniques, such as mig welding and arc welding.  Tig welding can be performed in a variety of other-than-flat positions, depending on the skill of the welder and the materials being welded, although when learning How To Tig Weld the preferred practice position would be flat or down hand.

tig welding process gives the operator greater control over the weld than competing procedures such as shielded metal arc and gas metal arc welding, allowing for stronger, higher quality welds. However, tig is comparatively more complex and difficult to master, and is significantly slower than most other welding techniques such as mig or arc welding. A related process, plasma arc welding, uses a slightly different welding torch to create a more focused welding arc and as a result is often automated.

Manual gas tungsten arc welding is often considered the most difficult of all the welding processes commonly used in industry. Because the welder must maintain a short arc length, great care and skill are required to prevent contact between the electrode and the work piece. Unlike other welding processes, learning hot to tig weld normally requires two hands, since most applications require that the welder manually feed a filler metal into the weld area with one hand while manipulating the welding torch in the other. However, some welds combining thin materials (fusion welds) can be accomplished without filler metal; most notably edge, corner and butt joints.

Although tig welding at first appears complicated the skill is easy to acquire through practice and tuition and when accomplished is the one of most satisfying and rewarding of welding operations. Reasons for this are very little cleaning of the weld is required; the finished weld is neat & tidy allowing an artistic feel to the work. Examples of quality tig welds are seen on bicycle frames, marine fittings, interior kitchen fittings and steel artwork.

I can recommend the manual ‘Welding Secrets’ as a practical guide to learn to tig weld. Everything you want to know and learn about welding is here, from processes, tig welding machines, arc, gas and mig welding plus tools and uses of.

How to tig weld involves using a specialized welding torch that utilizes a tungsten electrode to create the arc. This electrode remains intact during the process and is held above the part to be welded just far enough to create an electric arc, about 5 to 10 mm. This arc heats and fuses the parts to be joined and also melts the filler material into the weld.

Tig welding requires more skill from the operator than it does for using mig welders or an arc welder. To use a tig welder the operator must manipulate the welding torch in one hand to control the length and size of the welding pool, to which the filler welding rod is added to the joint as needed using the other hand.

The tig welding process is much slower than mig welding and arc welding, and learning how to mig weld is an easier process. The advantage  however is that the finish from manual tig welding is far superior and is perfect for welds on equipment and parts such stainless steel marine fittings, high performance bicycles and in the food manufacturing industries. These welds are visually appealing, strong, pure and require little or no clean up.

Tig welding machines are specialized welding equipment and can be used for welding mild steel, aluminum, stainless steel, brass and bronze, cast iron and precious metals such as gold, silver and titanium.

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