TIG welding in the home workshop - Boiler welding - Part 2

Описание: TIG uses a non-consumable electrode to create an arc between the base metal and the electrode surrounded by a shielding gas. As the base metal melts a weld pool is generated and a filler rod adds additional material to the pool while the welder moves along the weld.

TIG is a clean welding process, but it is slow when compared to all the other processes. It can do fusion welding and is capable of welding a wide range of materials.

The amperage is limited by the polarity of the weld and the electrode size. Preparation of the tungsten electrode is important. The end needs to be ground to a point (see images in video). Brand new electrodes will always need to be prepared in this way. When welding on aluminium the tungsten will begin to form a ball; this is perfectly normal. When welding steel the electrode will stay pointed.

The point should be around 3X electrode diameter, with the flat on the end ¼ to ½ of the electrode diameter. Electrodes below 1.6mm don’t need a flat on the end, and for very fine welding the tip should be sharp and polished with fine sandpaper.

Some of the more complex welders have a number of settings. These are discussed in the video.