TIG Welding FAQs

13th August 2024

What benefits are there of using a higher frequency on AC TIG?

Combined with adjusting the balance control to increase the electrode negative polarity—resulting in deeper penetration and tungsten that doesn't ball up—high AC frequency provides the ability to weld very tight joints with good penetration and without the risk of laying down too much filler metal.

See our range of AC/DC TIG welders.

Are there any benefits of 3 phase over single phase?

Comparing single-phase vs. three-phase power, three-phase power supplies are more efficient. A three-phase power supply can transmit three times as much power as a single-phase power supply, while only needing one additional wire (that is, three wires instead of two). This allows for more amperage on a machine, meaning thicker materials can be welded or allows for a higher duty cycle meaning longer weld times.

When should you use a gas lens setup?

Gas lenses reduce shielding gas turbulence and provide longer, undisturbed laminar flow of the gas to the weld pool. The gas lens also allows the welder to move the nozzle further away from the joint and extend the tungsten electrode past the nozzle by one inch or more (ideal for hard to reach inside corners)

What is Pulse welding?

Pulse welding is welding that alternates between a high and low current. This reduces the overall heat input and spatter while ensuring greater resistance to a lack of fusion. The benefit of this is that you can weld both thicker and thinner metals without burning through them.

When should a gas valve torch be used?

Torches with valves are generally used with scratch-start DC welding machines that are NOT equipped with built-in gas solenoids to control the gas flow. The most common application for this style torch is field construction. (Operator controls gas flow manually with the valve.)

Should I use an air-cooled (inert gas) or water-cooled (coolant-cooled) torch?

In general, if you are welding below 200 amps @ 60%duty, an air-cooled torch could be used. If you are welding above this am range, you should be using a water-cooled torch.

See all Air-Cooled and Water-Cooled TIG welding torches.

What is the difference between PVC and braided rubber hoses and cables?

For power cables, and water and gas hoses, PVC is considered an economy-grade hose. Braided rubber is the professional grade. For water-cooled torches, braided rubber is recommended.

See Gas hoses & Hose heels

Why use a flex torch?

Flex torches are the most popular style of air-cooled torches. They allow the welder to flex the torch head to improve the work angle, like around tubing. They also can reduce operator fatigue by flexing the torch head for a better work angle, which produces better welds.

Is there any special way to flex a TIG torch?

Yes, before you flex your torch you should first weld with it for a few minutes, which preheats the flex elements. Once the torch head has warmed up, you can then flex it to the desired position.

In air-cooled torches, why do you offer both one-piece and two-piece power cables?

Welders may prefer one cable over the other, but the one-piece is neatly assembled with the conductor inside the hose. The two-piece cable has an external gas hose along with the power cable which can easily be extended to accommodate longer distances from your power source.

Should I tape my power cable and hoses together to keep them neat and organised?

We do NOT recommend taping torch leads together as this will concentrate heat at these points and eventually cause your cables to leak. We recommend the use of a zippered cable cover to protect and organise your leads.

Can a water-cooled torch be set up to turn on the water circulator when striking an arc?

The water (coolant) flow MUST be turned on PRIOR to welding. The water circulator must be on when the machine is turned on. This will ensure that the torch and hoses are filled with coolant prior to striking an ARC. If it is not turned on and fully flowing, damage could occur to the cable and torch within seconds.

What is the difference between a scratch start and a high-frequency start?

A scratch start for DC welding is when the tungsten makes contact with the base metal to start an arc. High-frequency start uses high-frequency current to start the arc without the tungsten having to make contact with the base metal.

What work angle position should the TIG torch be during the welding process?

The best case scenario is for the torch angle to be 10-15 degrees or less. Torch angle of more than 15 degrees could cause heat deflection and ultimately melt the rod before you get it into the weld puddle.

How far should the tungsten extend beyond the end of the cup?

In general, the tungsten should not stick out any more than 2 1⁄2 times the diameter of the electrode. Example: ⅛” electrode x 2.5 = 5/16” beyond the cup for standard consumables.

However, if you use a gas lens, your electrode may stick out up to 1¼” beyond the cup.

How do I know what diameter and type of tungsten electrode to use?

The tungsten electrode type and size depends on the welding application, thickness, type of joint and material type being welded.

Why use a gas lens collet body instead of a standard collet body?

The gas lens allows for a very concentric stream of shielding gas that better shields the weld puddle from the surrounding atmosphere. It also allows the tungsten electrode to be extended beyond the end of the nozzle, in some cases up to 1¼”. Gas lenses also help scrub away excess heat from the torch head.

Why are there different lengths of back caps available?

Smaller back caps are mostly used for weld joint accessibility. Longer back caps are preferable so that longer tungsten can be used which means you don’t have to cut your tungsten. Longer tungsten and longer back caps also help to dissipate heat from the torch head.