From crafting a space station to fixing your dad’s vintage car, welding has been an extremely important skill set. Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding is one of the most renowned methods used to weld alloys and metals. Can you TIG weld without using gas?
TIG welding can not be done without the use of inert gas. TIG welding requires the use of inert shielding gas. Usually, argon is used as it is more accessible and comparatively cheaper than helium, which is another alternative.
This article will take you through some facts about TIG welding.
TIG Welding Utilizes Inert Shielding Gas
Typically, argon is used as a shielding gas because it is more accessible and comparatively cheaper than helium, which is another alternative. At times, welders use a mix of argon and helium to bring a better finish to their weld.
TIG Welding Is Expensive
TIG welding is generally an expensive welding process. It requires the use of the finest quality metal wires, such as copper, which is costly.
It Can Be Time Consuming
TIG welding requires a lot of concentration and is a time-consuming process.
TIG welding has several advantageous uses. A good weld can be produced using good quality tools and materials.
How Does GTAW Welding Work?
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) is also known as Tungsten Inert Gas TIG welding.
It utilizes a non-consumable tungsten electrode that must be protected with a layer of any inactive gas, e.g., argon. An arc forms between the tip of the electrode and the pressure points that are used for welding the metal.
This process became really famous in the early 1940s for combining magnesium and aluminum and producing strong metal work. Watch the video to learn more about welding gases.
What Gases Are Used For TIG Welding?
TIG welding primarily requires the use of argon (Ar) gas. However, some welders also use a relatively expensive but better option, helium (He). Helium can be used to increase the filtration and fluidity of the weld pool.
These inert gases protect the electrode and the weld from the oxygen present in our surroundings. The gas cools down the TIG torch. Therefore, not using the gas increases the risk of burning it.
Furthermore, if an inert gas isn’t used, the welding will likely get burned and charred. This makes the weld look messy and also impacts its durability.
Can I Use CO2 For TIG Welding?
As mentioned earlier, welders often mix helium and argon as their shielding gas. Can this be done with carbon dioxide gas?
CO2 can not be used for TIG welding. TIG usually requires argon (Ar) as a shielding gas. If you use carbon dioxide, either by mixing it with argon or nothing, the tungsten electrode will burn out immediately.
Carbon dioxide is an active gas that causes oxidation of the tungsten electrodes. On the contrary, argon or any other inert gas helps create a precise and controlled arc.
Can I Learn TIG At Home?
You can learn TIG at home by watching videos or trying out the latest welding equipment.
Out of all the welding procedures, TIG is the hardest to learn. You can not learn TIG on your own. This method requires patience, concentration, and skilled hand-to-eye coordination.
However, out of all the welding procedures, such as stick welding and metal inert gas (MIG) welding, TIG welding is the most satisfying method.
How Long Does It Take To Learn TIG?
Welding is a skill that requires your time and effort. However, some welding procedures such as TIG require consistent
It takes an individual a minimum of 40 hours to learn the basics of TIG welding. One has to train daily to master this skill. Consistency is the key to mastering the intricacies of welding procedures, such as how to make particular joints, shape the weld, and how to avoid building.
On the contrary, learning stick welding would take an estimated 8 hours, and for metal inert gas (MIG) welding, one would only need a few hours to learn the procedures.
How Fast Can I Learn To Weld?
Welding training requires a minimum of seven months. It varies for each program, going up to two years to master the skills.
Moreover, many individuals find welding complicated because it requires many years of practice and training apart from learning how to do it. It is more than reading information about what to do to fix things and focuses more on how to actually do it. That is, it requires hands-on experience and training.
Conclusion
A reminder that you can not implement TIG welding without using shielding or an inert gas (argon). However, you can switch to better inert options if you are not worried about expenses, such as helium and a mixture of helium and argon. Turning a stick welder into a TIG welder is a cost-effective solution to get started in TIG welding.
