TIG Welding Tips For Beginner| Demonstration with Best TIG Welder For Beginners

Make It Kustoms (Karl) uploaded a TIG welding tutorial video on YouTube, covering topics such as the applications of TIG welding, preparation steps, and a guide for welding thin sheet metal. He also introduced the Arccaptain TIG200P AC/DC as an excellent tool for beginners, offering great value for your investment.TIG Welding Application

TIG welding is essential in custom building projects, offering advantages in minimizing spatter and allowing for precise, small welds. For instance, when working on the exhaust pipes of Elio's 1930 Model A Roadster, TIG welding provided cleaner, smaller welds compared to the larger, less attractive welds from MIG welding. This method is particularly beneficial for thin materials, enabling better heat control and filler deposition.

TIG welding also excels at handling varying material thicknesses, allowing heat to be focused on thicker sections without damaging thinner ones. It is ideal for sheet metal projects, especially when post-weld shaping is required. As materials cool, they tend to shrink; TIG welds remain small and soft enough to be reshaped without breaking, unlike MIG welds, which can become brittle due to excess material.

 In fabrication, such as for components of a planishing hammer, Karl relies on TIG welding for his tidy, clean results, avoiding spatter and unnecessary cleanup. By pre-cleaning all parts before welding, they achieve a polished final product.

In summary, TIG welding is invaluable for precision, cleanliness, and control in various projects.

Preparation Before TIG Welding

Keeping your materials clean is crucial when TIG welding. It requires more setup and consideration than other welding methods. For instance, it’s important to grind your tungsten electrode to a sharp point.

A good rule of thumb from Karl is to make the point about two to three times the diameter of the tungsten. Essentially, it should resemble a sharpened pencil.

Karl’s Guide on Do Aluminum Welding

Aluminum differs from steel in that its molecules are more spread apart, which makes aluminum softer and non-ferrous. As a result, heat transfers more quickly in aluminum than in steel. For instance, when a welder works in the same spot on both materials, they will feel the heat more rapidly on aluminum due to its efficient heat conduction.

When welding aluminum, particularly in an outside corner joint, it’s crucial to note that aluminum does not bond well through fusion tacking.

Karl typically uses the 4043 filler rod, which is versatile and suitable for various aluminum applications. A critical point to remember when working with aluminum is to establish the puddle before dipping the filler rod. While this may not be immediately clear until you try it, having the puddle ready is essential for a successful weld.

Karl’s Guide on Welding Thin Sheet Metal

Many people ask me about TIG welding thin sheet metal, and it’s really not as hard as it seems. A few key points can make the process easier.

Unlike MIG welding, where small gaps can be filled with larger metal deposits, you should avoid gaps when TIG welding. First, ensure that the pieces fit tightly together. If you’re using a patch panel, account for the material's thickness to achieve a snug fit.

Mark the cutting area with a Sharpie or layout die, and a sharpened tungsten can effectively scribe the material. Spend time on fitting—precision here makes welding easier and more effective. As you practice, you’ll recognize when adjustments are needed.

When tacking, start from one point and work your way along to prevent misalignment. Tack every inch or so, and don’t space them more than half an inch to three-quarters apart. If the panels press too tightly together, gently stretch the tack with a hammer and dolly to allow the panels to relax.

By following these tips, you'll find TIG welding thin sheet metal becomes a more manageable process.

Karl’s Tool

Karl was using Arccaptain TIG 200P AC/DC machine. He received some positive feedback from others before using it.

With AC/DC capability, it can weld aluminum and non-ferrous materials with AC, while using DC for steel and stainless steel;

At 200 amps, this machine suits Karl's needs perfectly, as Karl usually doesn’t require more power for the Make It Custom projects.

Priced around $650, it’s a great value for a versatile machine.

Karl also introduced some Functions of TIG200P AC/DC:

• 2T: Trigger on trigger off
• 4T: Press the trigger once to start welding and then it keeps running without needing to hold the trigger. Press it again to stop. 
• Pulse: is essentially a setting that alternates between two amperages: a lower and a higher.

For more useful TIG welding tips, please kindly check the video below: