Getting Started with TIG Welding

What do I need to get started in TIG Welding? This is a question we get asked often at Arc-Zone.com, and it's really hard to answer unless we know exactly what you're hoping to accomplish.

I can offer a few tips here, covering the basics.

First, you'll need a welding machine. There are several welding machine manufacturers, the most popular being Miller Electric (a member of the ITW family), Hobart Welders (also a member of the ITW family), Lincoln Electric and ESAB.

Each of these manufacturers offer a quality product, but Miller has a terrific online tool they just launched called the Smart Selector which you can use to determine which machine is right for you.

Next, you'll need a TIG torch. TIG torches are either water-cooled, and require some sort of connection to a water source, or air-cooled, and require no additional air or gas hookup other than the shield gas you'll already be using.

Several manufacturers offer some sort of start up kit to go along with their machine. Not a bad place to start, but not necessarily the TIG package that is the best for what you're going to be doing. Miller, for example, offers a "Contractors Kit" which includes a 17 series TIG torch, a basic accessory kit,
a regulator, a remote amperage control, a DINSE plug, work clamp, gas hose and gas hose coupler. And it comes in nice carrying case, for out in the field.

Don't get me wrong. The 17 series is a fine torch, just not necessarily the best torch for you. If you're working in a shop, and have access to a water source, you may want to consider a water cooled torch, for example. Maybe a WP-20 TIG torch-- it's lighter weight, smaller and easier to handle and allows you keep welding without having to stop to let your torch cool off.

One of our customers, David Anthony of Empty Tomb Choppers got tired of burning his hands on his air-cooled TIG torch, "Especially when you're doing a long run on a seam. I'd be in a hurry to finish before my torch got too hot," he said.

We upgraded his set up to a WP-20 and he hasn't looked back since. We offer a complete Cool Kit(TM) for a water cooled TIG torch set up.

When buying a TIG torch, make sure you get the front end parts (nozzles, collets and collet bodies) for welding, and the connectors you'll need to hook up to your machine. Often welding suppliers offer what is called a Torch Package, which only includes the torch body and the cable set. Be sure to ask if you need an accessory kit for your torch. At Arc-Zone we sell a TIG Torch PRO kit which has 3/32" front end parts already installed, and comes with a DINSE connector and a cable cover. Our PRO TIG Torches are fully loaded and ready to weld. You may also want to consider adding a gas lens to your TIG torch set up. This will provide a more coherent sheild of gas over your weld zone, which means less turbulance and less contamination. Arc-Zone's PRO Accessory Kits all include gas lens collet bodies.

You should also have a TIG Welding Flowmeter / Regulator to improve overall welding performance and regulate the flow of gases.

Which tungsten you choose to use, and how you prepare it is an important step, and often overlooked. There is a huge difference in quality of tungsten electrodes out there in the market. At Arc-Zone we not only sell our own premium brand of tungsten electrodes, Amplify(TM) we also offer Weldcraft(R) Tungsten Electrodes. Ceriated or Lanthanated tungsten is recommended for use with the newer welding machines, or for even better performance check out the our own ArcTime(TM) All Purpose Hyperformance tungsten, or Weldcraft's Rare Earth blend. Whichever you choose, go ahead and spring for the 10 pack-- as a new welder you'll need it.

Other accessories you may want to consider: a fingertip remote amperage control or a foot pedal, a water cooler (if you're going with a water-cooled TIG torch). And last, but not least, you may want to prepare your tungsten electrodes with a dedicated tungsten grinder.

If you want to take welding lessons, check with your local adult education program, community college, or here in California we have the Regional Occupation Program. The American Welding Society has a Welding School Locator on their website.

And finally, you'll need a gas tank as well as a good relationship with your local welding supplier for gas (that's one thing we don't sell online yet-- argon!).

All in one TIG Torch?

Don't get me wrong, we like Weldcraft. Their products are great, their customer service is awesome (Hi Mark!) but I have to wonder if this Modular Flex Kit really solves any problems for welders.

From Weldcraft's press release:

APPLETON, Wis. 6 February 2007-Weldcraft designed its AK-150 Modular Flex (AK-150MF) Kit to provide maximum flexibility on a wide range of TIG welding applications. The AK-150MF is an "all-in-one" kit that allows operators to convert their standard 17F or 17FV TIG torch into 20 different torch styles using an existing cable. By delivering multiple configurations in a single package, the AK-150MF eliminates the need to purchase and carry extra torches and reduces downtime associated with torch changeovers

Continue reading about Weldcraft's AK-150 here over at the ThomasNet Industrial News Room....

Gas Lens for TIG / GTAW welding

I see a lot of questions out there on the internet about gas lenses. Some people swear by them, and others don't think its worth the extra couple of bucks. At Arc-Zone we definitely are in the use-'em-'cause-they-optimize-your-TIG-torch Camp. With a gas lens you get better gas coverage, and a more coherent, less turbulent gas flow. In other words, you won't draw oxygen into your weld zone which can contaminate your weld. But don't take my word for it, check out this great article from The Fabricator magazine, by Mike Sammons of Weldcraft...

Seeing GTAW through a new lens: Gas lens basics and use

By Mike Sammons
January 9, 2007

Not every welder uses a gas lens on his or her GTAW torch, but gas lenses should be considered for a variety of applications and for several reasons. Knowing what a gas lens does, how to choose one, and how to install and take care of one are critical to getting the most benefits out of it ....READ GAS LENS BASICS ONLINE....

And a final note about gas lenses, they are not all created equally. Some manufacturers may offer lower priced gas lenses, and yes, its easy to be seduced by a lower price, but with a quality manufacturer, you get parts that are engineered to work together, not "reverse engineered" to create a similar item.

Technically Speaking about Technology

At Arc-Zone we're getting ready to unveil a new tungsten grinder. It is a pretty significant improvement over the current ArcTime LTG liquid tungsten grinder we currently offer... more later, it's all very hush hush now.

However, in writing up the copy, we got into a discussion between "Technologically Advanced" and "Technically Advanced."

As the local wordsmith, I voted for technologically ... as the new machine's motor speed and torque is regulated by a micro chip. My boss thought that phrase was overused and suggested technically.

So I did a little word sleuthing and Merriam Webster online is not only a great resource, but apparently serves as my posse... backin' me up.

Technological (relating to technology-- a micro chip-- resulting from improvements in technical processes that increase productivity of machines... ) Definitely the way to go.

New Look for Carmen Electrode's Blog

Thanks to our new webguy.. my blog got a facelift!

Good things happenin' at Arc-Zone.com

Lots of things going on behind the scenes-- new web guy-- and on the front page.

Upgrade your TIG welder

Did you know you can upgrade your older style TIG welder to accept international style DINSE plugs? This will make it a whole lot easier to connect, disconnect, and re-connect TIG torch(es). No tools required, and the DINSE plugs are insulated with a rubber boot.

At Arc-Zone, you can buy a stud-to-DINSE connector for about $30. Put a DINSE plug on the end of your TIG torch and you're in business.