TIG welding gives better quality and cleaner welds than stick welding. So, if you are thinking of switching from a stick to a TIG welder, you don’t have to spend a fortune. Here’s how you can get started!
Yes, you can convert any stick welder to a tungsten gas welder (TIG). To begin the transformation, you will need a TIG torch and an argon bottle. Don’t forget to add safety equipment to the list of things, such as TIG welding gloves.
TIG welding is a meticulous procedure, producing smoother and stronger welding joints. Moreover, it can work with various metals, e.g., aluminum, steel, and various alloys. The TIG torch also offers better usability and its constituent, namely argon gas, is essential for welding as it offers environmental protection to the tungsten electrode.
Continue reading to discover more about TIG welding.
What Do You Need To Get Started?
You will need a few products to help you get started on TIG welding. You can find these products at your nearest hardware store, or you can order them online.
Getting started requires the following purchases:
- TIG Filler Rod
- TIG torch (including tungsten & cup with a valve on the handle)
- 100% Argon gas bottle (including a gas hose and connector)
- Auto Dimming Welding Helmet
How Do I Convert Stick To TIG?
Create space for your hardware and get ready to convert your stick welder into a TIG welder. Now that you have made all the necessary purchases. Let’s get started on putting everything together.
Follow the listed steps:
- Connect the argon bottle to the TIG torch’s gas connector using the gas hose
- Ensure that the gas flow is turned off
- Connect the electrode to the negative plug
- The positive plug in your stick welding device should be grounded
- Connect the electrode stick clamp to the lead end of the TIG torch
- Properly connect everything before starting
- The towel valves on TIG torches should be closed while welding
If you are facing difficulties after following the aforementioned steps, review the instructions again and check for any hidden errors, and you should be good to go.
Is Stick Welding Stronger Than TIG?
TIG welding is one of the cleanest types of welding procedure because it doesn’t create any splatter. It is environmentally friendly. But is it stronger than stick welding?
The TIG welding process produces the strongest type of weld. From joint durability to fine welding filler, TIG provides the best quality output compared to all other alternatives.
It is important to note that TIG welding is more expensive than all other welding processes, e.g., stick welding and MIG welding.
Differences Between A Stick Welder And A TIG Welder
Both welding processes are distinct and get the job done, but you must pick the one that fits your requirements. So, let’s figure it out.
Stick welding requires the use of an electrode that is highly consumable. The electrode becomes part of the joint and acts as a filler rod. On the contrary, TIG welding is more intricate and generates a stable electric arc, which creates stronger welds.
All welding procedures result in a diverse range of welds. Some types of welds are strong and durable, and others are brittle and messy; continue reading to find out more.
What Are The Strongest Types Of Welds?
The strength of the welds depends on the quality and thickness of the metal. TIG is usually preferred on thinner metal surfaces. On the contrary, stick welding is done on thicker metals.
The following are types of strong welds:
- Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) Weld
- Fillet Weld
- Groove Weld
- MIG Weld
- Tack Weld
Conclusion
To summarize, you can convert your stick welder to a TIG welder. However, it is important to remember that TIG welding requires a lot of skill and patience, as it requires precision and technical knowledge of the machine setup, such as positing the arc to create certain welding designs.
