OK so you want to learn how to Tig weld. I like this welding process the most out of all the welding processes. To give you some of the reasons why I like it the most is one it gives a very clean and neat weld. It is used most on things where the weld will be seen, so it is critical that the weld be very clean and nice looking. It does take some practice to master but it is well worth the time you put in. Not to leave out also, it is the highest paying process except underwater welding. In most places you can get a job starting out making around $14 to $17 per hour, just starting out, but remember your welds must be of high quality.
Here are some of the basics of Tig welding. First you must have all the safety equipment and the most important one is your welding helmet. I would get a shade 11 or darker because the light is very bright and can harm your eyes if not protected with the right shade. Next you will need Tig welding gloves, these are thin leather gloves, don't get thick gloves because you will need to able to pick up your rods and torch. Caution and really with aluminum, do not touch after welding, it does not show the heat on the work piece and you might forget that it is hot and you will burn your gloves and your hand. I once burned off my finger prints after picking up a part after welding, where was my head that day? You will need a good welding coat, the ones used for Tig are very light, and that is great because most places are very hot inside.
I would say 90% of Tig welding is done at a table where you get to sit and weld, that's another great thing about Tig welding. Now you will hold your torch in the hand that you want and put your foot on a pedal on the floor that will control the heat. When you push on the pedal it will get hot and when you let up it will cool. To get an arc you will have to put your torch about one eighth inch from the table and then push the pedal. Now welding aluminum you need to set the welder on AC, and for the rest in most cases will be on DC. Alternating current and direct current. Check to make sure you have the machine set right before starting, you want a nice weld not big holes.
Hold the torch at 70 or 80 degrees and hold the rod at 15 degrees. Practice with the pedal and make sure your torch is one eighth inch from work piece. Push pedal until you see a puddle, it should be one quarter inch round, at that moment when puddle forms add a dab of your filler rod to the puddle and pull it out and then pull up on the pedal to freeze the metal and then repeat to form a row of weld that looks like a row of coins spread out in a nice even fashion. This is a good way to practice with your heat and adding rod. There are other ways but when you first start this is the best.
