| Since TIG(GTAW) welding can be difficult there is all | | | | you want to make sure that you have a shield gar to |
| kinds of information that will help you understand it | | | | stop this from happening. Most welders will use Argon |
| better and how to do it more effectively. In order to | | | | because it seems to work best with TIG(GTAW) |
| do the most effective welding using TIG you will | | | | welding. By using this gas, you are protecting the |
| need to prepare several things before you start. | | | | area from oxygen which can contaminate what you |
| What to prepare | | | | are doing. |
| The first thing you want to do is prepare the area | | | | If you are using thicker aluminum, you can also add |
| where you are going to do your welding because | | | | helium to the Argon because it ionizes hotter than |
| you want it to be kept free of contamination. This | | | | Argon and you will need the hotter temperature in |
| means that you will have to really clean the area to | | | | these types of welds. If you need helium you can |
| make sure you have no grease, moisture or dust. | | | | get these already premixed, this is available with your |
| You will also want to make sure there are no air | | | | gas supplier. |
| drafts in this area because this could bring more | | | | A note about suppliers: they are not the same so |
| problems. | | | | you will want to make sure you use someone who is |
| The next thing to prepare is the metal that you are | | | | reputable. You will also want to make sure you have |
| going to use for welding. You will need to make sure | | | | all the seals checked for leaks before you buy. |
| that the joints are as clean as you can make them | | | | When you are checking for leaks as you weld the |
| and you do this by using a stainless steel wire brush. | | | | best way is to use water and soap and a small acid |
| Many welders will dedicate one brush to whatever | | | | type brush. These together will produce bubbles if |
| metal they have so they don't have to worry about | | | | there are any gas leaks. All you do is apply this |
| cross contamination. | | | | solution of water and soap on the joint to and if you |
| If have slag on any of the metal you can remove it | | | | see air bubbles, you know you have a leak. |
| with a file. Next, you will want to clean the base | | | | You will want to check all your supply hoses and gas |
| metal. The reason you want everything to be so | | | | connections to make sure there are no leaks before |
| clean is that if contaminated, the metal can either | | | | you get started. Make sure the torch insulators and |
| break down or make a bad connection. Of course, it | | | | your o-rights are fitting properly and that the seals |
| depends on the metal which it will do, so cleaning | | | | are intact. |
| everything can stop this from happening. | | | | It's also a good idea to use a gas lens on your torch |
| Beginning to weld | | | | because it makes the job easier to see and you |
| Many things can happen to contaminate your weld so | | | | have fewer problems. |