Getting Started with TIG Welding

Starting your TIG welding journey can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you'll be making solid welds faster than you think. This guide cuts through the technical jargon and gives you exactly what you need to know. What Is TIG Welding Really? TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to create an arc that melts the base metal. You manually feed filler rod if needed, all while being protected by an inert gas shield (usually argon). Why choose TIG over other welding methods? Precise control over heat and filler metal Clean, high-quality welds with minimal cleanup Works on almost any metal No flux or slag to deal with Essential Equipment You Actually Need Don't get caught up in buying everything at once. Here's what you really need to start: The Welder For beginners, I recommend a 200-amp AC/DC machine. This gives you enough power for most projects and the AC capability for aluminum. Practice Progression That Actually Works Don't jump straight into projects. Follow this progression: Week 1: Torch Control Practice moving the torch without the arc on. Get comfortable with your hand position and movement. Week 2: Arc Control Strike arcs and practice maintaining consistent arc length. Focus on steady hands, not perfect welds. Reality Check TIG welding has a steep learning curve. Expect to spend 20-40 hours of practice before you're making decent welds consistently. Remember, TIG welding is as much art as it is science. The fundamentals covered here will give you a solid foundation, but developing your own style takes time and practice.