The first step in order to learn how to TIG weld is to learn about TIG welding, it’s useful applications and some of the most common TIG welding techniques.

What Is TIG Welding

TIG stands for tungsten inert gas because of the non-consumable tungsten electrode that TIG welders use.  TIG welding is a type of gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW).  Tungsten active gas (TAG) is another process, albeit less often used, of GTAW.  If you want to learn how to TIG weld for most commercial welding jobs, you will not often need to use TAG welding.

TIG welding is a type of arc welding which means that it uses a metal electrode, in this process Tungsten, in order to great an electric spark to heat filler metal to molten liquid in order to bond two metal work pieces together.  Unlike MIG welding, TIG welding uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode forcing the welder to feed filler metal separately.

TIG welding is similar to MIG welding in the fact that it uses an inert shielding gas, most often Argon, to protect the weld from oxygen, nitrogen and other environmental containments.  As you learn how to TIG weld you’ll notice that different materials will require different gases and sometimes a combination of gases.

The fact that welders employing TIG welding use a variety of different filler metals will allow you to learn how to TIG weld for a variety of different applications.

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Applications For TIG Welding

The most common application for TIG welding is the aerospace industry.  Nearly all work done on airplanes, space shuttles and their respective parts are done using TIG welding techniques.  Because of the ability to use filler metals dependant on the project, TIG welding allows aerospace welders to create very strong, study bonds that can withhold the extreme pressure and environments that such projects will need to endure.

For applications that require strength over a very long period of time such as in nuclear containment, TIG welding is the chosen process because the joints are very resistant to cracking and corrosion if welded properly.  For work in industries that require the most sturdy and strong of welds, it is imperative that a welder learn how to TIG weld.

This process is one of the more difficult to learn because of the different variables such as gases and filler material, along with many complicated TIG welding techniques.

TIG Welding Techniques

As you learn how to TIG weld, it is very important that you learn a variety of TIG welding techniques to ensure you have the property knowledge to complete the required projects.  Since TIG welding can be used on so many different materials, with so many different filler metals, there is a number of TIG welding techniques that you’ll need.

The most important TIG welding technique that you need to master is to always use push welding.  This means that you will always push forward, ahead of the welding puddle, as opposed to pulling behind it.  Not only does the push technique give you a better view of the welding puddle, but it also gives you better gas coverage on the spot that you are welding which further ensures that atmospheric impurities are not getting into your joints.

Also, in the case of welding with alternating current, the push TIG welding technique makes sure that all oxides are removed from the welded material creating an even stronger weld.  It is strongly recommended to pick up specific, professional material on the numerous TIG welding techniques if are serious about learning how to TIG weld.