TIG welding, or tungsten inert gas welding, is a versatile and precise welding process that uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to produce a high-quality weld. How to set up a TIG welder for the best results? To set up a TIG welder, you will need to prepare a lot of equipment and make the appropriate installation/adjustments.
It is also important to keep your equipment clean and well-maintained to ensure the best possible weld quality. With the proper setup, you can use a TIG welder to weld a wide range of materials, including aluminum, stainless steel, and steel. Let’s find out below with weldfaq for more details!
The Equipment you will need for TIG Welder
To get started with TIG welding, you will need the following equipment:
TIG welder: This is the main piece of equipment that you will use to create the weld. Make sure to choose a welder with the appropriate power output for the thickness and type of material you will be welding.
TIG torch: The TIG torch delivers the filler metal and shielding gas to the weld area and allows you to control the arc. It is important to choose a torch that is comfortable to hold and use for extended periods of time.
Welding helmet: A welding helmet is a must-have for any type of welding, as it will protect your face and eyes from the intense light and radiation produced by the arc.
Welding gloves: Welding gloves will protect your hands from burns and other injuries that can occur while welding.
Protective clothing: Wear long sleeves and pants made from a durable, flame-resistant material to protect your skin from sparks and heat.
Filler metal: TIG welding requires the use of filler metal, which is added to the weld pool to strengthen the joint.
Shielding gas: TIG welding also requires the use of shielding gas, which helps to protect the weld pool from contamination and improve the quality of the weld.
Cleaning supplies: It is important to keep your equipment clean and well-maintained to ensure the best possible weld quality. Keep a supply of brushes, wire wheels, and other cleaning supplies on hand to remove any dirt or debris from your equipment and work area.
How to set up a TIG welder for Aluminum
Setting up a TIG welder for aluminum welding requires a few specific steps:
Choose the right size TIG torch: For aluminum welding, you will need a torch with a small diameter cup and a gas lens setup. This will allow you to get closer to the workpiece and provide better shielding gas coverage.
Install the correct tungsten electrode: For aluminum welding, you will need to use a pure tungsten electrode or a tungsten electrode with a 2% thoriated tip. The size of the electrode should match the thickness of the material you are welding.
Set the welder for DCEN (direct current electrode negative): Aluminum should be welded using DCEN polarity, which means the electrode (the tungsten tip of the TIG torch) is connected to the power supply’s negative terminal, while the workpiece is connected to the positive terminal.
Select the appropriate amperage: The amperage for aluminum welding should be set based on the thickness of the material. A good starting point is to set the amperage at 60% of the machine’s maximum output for thin materials (less than 1/8 inch) and 80% of the machine’s maximum output for thicker materials.
Set the correct gas flow rate: The shielding gas flow rate for aluminum welding should be set at around 20-30 cubic feet per hour (CFH).
Set the correct torch angle: When welding aluminum, it is important to maintain a consistent torch angle of around 15-30 degrees. This will help to prevent penetration issues and improve the quality of the weld.
Adjust the foot pedal (if applicable): If your TIG welder has a foot pedal for controlling the current, you may need to adjust the sensitivity to suit your preference.
Once you have completed these steps, you should be ready to start welding aluminum with your TIG welder.
How to set up a TIG welder for Stainless Steel
To set up a TIG welder for stainless steel welding, follow these steps:
Choose the right size TIG torch: For stainless steel welding, you will need a torch with a medium to large diameter cup. This will allow you to create a bigger weld pool and better control the heat input.
Install the correct tungsten electrode: For stainless steel welding, you should use a pure tungsten electrode or a tungsten electrode with a 2% thoriated tip. The size of the electrode should match the thickness of the material you are welding.
Set the welder for DCEN (direct current electrode negative): Stainless steel should be welded using DCEN polarity, which means the electrode (the tungsten tip of the TIG torch) is linked to the power supply’s positive terminal, the workpiece to its negative terminal.
Select the appropriate amperage: The amperage for stainless steel welding should be set based on the thickness of the material. A good starting point is to set the amperage at 70-80% of the machine’s maximum output for thin materials (less than 1/8 inch) and 90-100% of the machine’s maximum output for thicker materials.
Set the correct gas flow rate: The shielding gas flow rate for stainless steel welding should be set at around 15-20 cubic feet per hour (CFH).
Set the correct torch angle: When welding stainless steel, it is important to maintain a consistent torch angle of around 15-30 degrees. This will help to prevent penetration issues and improve the quality of the weld.
Adjust the foot pedal (if applicable): If your TIG welder has a foot pedal for controlling the current, you may need to adjust the sensitivity to suit your preference.
How to set up a TIG welder for Steel
To set up a TIG welder for steel welding, follow these steps:
Choose the right size TIG torch: For steel welding, you will need a torch with a medium to large diameter cup. This will allow you to create a bigger weld pool and better control the heat input.
Install the correct tungsten electrode: For steel welding, you should use a pure tungsten electrode or a tungsten electrode with a 2% thoriated tip. The size of the electrode should match the thickness of the material you are welding.
Set the welder for DCEN (direct current electrode negative): Steel should be welded using DCEN polarity, which means the electrode (the tungsten tip of the TIG torch) is connected to the power supply’s negative end, and the workpiece is connected to its positive terminal.
Select the appropriate amperage: The amperage for steel welding should be set based on the thickness of the material. A good starting point is to set the amperage at 70-80% of the machine’s maximum output for thin materials (less than 1/8 inch) and 90-100% of the machine’s maximum output for thicker materials.
Set the correct gas flow rate: The shielding gas flow rate for steel welding should be set at around 15-20 cubic feet per hour (CFH).
Set the correct torch angle: When welding steel, it is important to maintain a consistent torch angle of around 15-30 degrees. This will help to prevent penetration issues and improve the quality of the weld.
Adjust the foot pedal (if applicable): If your TIG welder has a foot pedal for controlling the current, you may need to adjust the sensitivity to suit your preference.
Frequently asked questions (Weld FAQ)
What type of tungsten electrode should I use?
The type of tungsten electrode you use will depend on the material you are welding. For aluminum and magnesium, use a pure tungsten electrode or a tungsten electrode with a 2% thoriated tip. For steel and stainless steel, use a pure tungsten electrode or a tungsten electrode with a 2% or 2.5% ceriated tip. The size of the electrode should match the thickness of the material you are welding.
How do I adjust the foot pedal on a TIG welder?
If your TIG welder has a foot pedal for controlling the current, you may need to adjust the sensitivity to suit your preference. To do this, consult the owner’s manual for your welder or follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
How do I set the amperage for TIG welding?
The amperage for TIG welding should be set based on the thickness of the material you are welding. A good starting point is to set the amperage at 60-80% of the machine’s maximum output for thin materials (less than 1/8 inch) and 80-100% of the machine’s maximum output for thicker materials.
In conclusion, setting up a TIG welder requires choosing the right size TIG torch, installing the correct tungsten electrode, setting the welder for the correct polarity, selecting the appropriate amperage, setting the correct gas flow rate, maintaining a consistent torch angle, using the correct filler metal, and adjusting the foot pedal (if applicable).
It is also important to keep your equipment clean and well-maintained to ensure the best possible weld quality. By following these steps, you can set up your TIG welder for the best results and achieve high-quality welds every time.
