How to Buy a Tig Welder

Introduction

Tig Welders for DIYers Table

Why Home DIYers Need a Tig Welder
Versatility	Tig welders can work with a wide range of metals
Precision	The unique process allows for precise welding and can even be used to weld metals of vastly different thicknesses
Strength	Tig welders create strong welds that can support heavy weight or intense pressure.
No slag	No need to remove slag, minimizing post-weld clean up
Nice finish	Tig welds are more aesthetically pleasing than those of other welders, creating a neat, uniform appearance.

Defining the Tig Welder

A tig welder is a tool used for welding a wide range of materials.

It works by delivering electricity through a tungsten electrode, creating an electric arc that is used to join metals together.

Tig welders are used for precision welding of thinner materials that can’t be joined together by other welding methods.

It also produces a clean weld, making it ideal for more delicate projects.

Tig welders are versatile and can be used for both home projects and professional welding works.

No matter what project you’re doing, a tig welder can help you get the job done.

Our Goal

Our goal is to help you find the right tig welder for your DIY home projects.

We want you to understand what a tig welder is, and why it’s important to use the right equipment when working on projects.

We also want to help you understand the different types of tig welders available, understand the benefits of each, and how to buy the right one to get the job done.

We will teach you about safety precautions as well, as tig welders can be dangerous if used improperly.

With our help, you will be able to buy the right tig welder for your home projects.

What Sets Tig Welders Apart

Advantages

Tig welders offer a lot of advantages.

For starters, they’re much smaller than other types of welders, which makes them more portable and easier to handle.

They also create clean, precise welds that don’t require any post-weld grinding or buffing.

Tig welders can also be used on a wide variety of materials, from stainless steel to aluminum and more.

They also offer greater control over the process, which allows you to make precise adjustments to the temperature and speed.

This means improved welds and less likelihood of making mistakes.

Finally, Tig welders generate fewer fumes and are quieter than other welders, so you can do your welding task while maintaining a safe and comfortable environment.

How Tig Welders Work

Tig welders are pieces of welding equipment used for joining metals together.

The process starts with creating an electric arc between an electrode and the piece of metal.

This creates a heated area that melts the metal and joins it to the piece being welded.

Tig welders emit a special kind of gas that improves the quality of the weld, making them a good choice for delicate projects.

Tig welders also have an adjustable feature allowing the user to create a stronger or weaker weld depending on the project requirements.

Tig welders are often used for welding aluminum, magnesium, copper, brass and rarely for stainless steel due to the complexity of the process.

Features to Look For

When shopping for a tig welder, there are key features to look out for.

The material you are welding and the thickness will affect the type of machine you need.

Look for welders that use either direct or alternating current, and which have adjustable amperage control.

For thin metal welding, consider a tig welder with a pulse setting for improved results.

The duty cycle is another important factor.

Choose a high duty cycle for continuous use.

Finally, check the machine’s assembly and equipment.

Make sure it is durable and well designed.

When to Use a Tig Welder

Common Applications

Tig welders can be used for many different applications.

They’re great for making small repairs on thin-gauge metals like aluminum, brass, and copper.

Tig welders can also be used for fabricating custom steel structures.

They’re perfect for automotives where precision welding is required on painted surfaces or chromed components.

Tig welders can also be used for stainless steel and other non-ferrous metals.

Some even use them for welding thin-gauge plastic.

It’s important to know what you’re welding and select the best machine and settings.

No matter the application, a tig welder can get the job done.

Tig Welders In Your Workshop

Tig welders are great for use in a home workshop.

They provide a convenient alternative to other tools.

For instance, when doing auto body work, use a tig welder instead of a soldering iron to join pieces of metal together.

If you’re building furniture or other projects, a tig welder can be used to attach metal parts with greater accuracy and strength than can be achieved with just a standard drill.

You can also use it to join different thicknesses of metal and for any precision welding projects.

With a tig welder, you can make intricate designs and join metal parts that would be difficult to do with other tools.

For many projects, a tig welder can be a substitute for other tools and provide a more precise and secure method of welding and joining metals.

Techniques and Tips

When using a tig welder, there are a few tips to keep in mind.

Firstly, practice makes perfect.

Before using the welder, become familiar with the tool and settings.

Use scrap or thin steel as practice material.

Secondly, be sure to use proper protective gear such as a welding helmet, gloves and apron.

Thirdly, use a longer filler rod when welding thin metals.

Finally, adjust the speed and heat settings according to the material being welded.

Tig welding takes some know-how, so take the time to become familiar with the tool before attempting a project.

What To Look For In A Tig Welder

Tig Welder Options

When you have a Tig Welder, you have several options when it comes to welding techniques.

You can use a low current to create a fillet joint and bevel edges or use higher currents for thicker metals.

A higher frequency lets you run deeper into the metal without any interruption in current.

Depending on which type of weld you are doing, you have to adjust the current and other settings.

You can also use some sort of filler material for cracks or defects.

A tip when using a Tig Welder is to always use the right polarity for your material as it will give you better results.

Make sure to turn the welder off and allow it to cool down in between welding sessions.

This will help you to keep your equipment in top condition.

Choosing the Right Tig Welder

When buying a tig welder, it’s important to consider several things.

First, decide what type of welding job you’ll be doing.

This will determine what type of tig welder you’ll need.

Next, consider the power output of the welder you’re looking at.

If you’re welding thin metals, you won’t need as much power as you’d need for thicker metals.

Think about the amount of time it takes to do welding jobs, too.

If you’re going to be welding small projects, a smaller welder could be more time-efficient.

Finally, take your budget into consideration.

Tig welders range in price, so you’ll want to find one that fits your budget.

With these things in mind, you’ll be able to find a tig welder that meets your needs.

Brand Reliability

Finding a reliable and durable brand is important when considering a tig welder.

Miller, Hobart, and Everlast are three brands that offer quality and long-lasting tig welders.

Miller offers a wide range of welding machines as well as accessories and consumables that are made to last.

Hobart’s tig welders are renowned for their quality and power and also come with a great reputation.

Everlast is also known for making quality tig welders that have proven to be durable and reliable.

Each of these brands offer a range of machines that suit different jobs and budgets.

Consider their features and which brand best fits your needs when choosing a tig welder.

Safety Measures and Precautions

Troubleshooting

Tig welders can run into problems like low amperage, inconsistent setting, and rough welds.

If your tig welder has a lower amperage than it should, try adjusting the frequency.

If you noticed that the settings are higher than usual, check the machine for damage.

If your welds appear rough, make sure that the tungsten is sharp and clean, and the gas is flowing correctly.

To test your gas flow, you can use wire brushes or a rag.

By troubleshooting those issues, your welding should be back up and running quickly.

Maintenance and Upkeep

Taking good care of your tig welder helps you get the most out of it.

After each use, you need to wipe off the exterior surfaces with a cloth.

Once in a while, check the consumables–noses, collets, and tungsten electrodes and wires–to make sure they are still in good shape.

As well, make sure you guard your welder with a protective cover when not in use.

You’ll also want to clean and check the torch every few weeks.

Finally, your welder needs regular tune-ups or check-ups depending on how often you use it.

Follow your manufacturers instructions when taking care of your tig welder.

Staying Safe

When using a tig welder, it is extremely important to make sure that safety measures and precautions are taken.

All safety equipment such as gloves, goggles, and long-sleeve clothing should be worn when welding.

Make sure that the area is free of any flammable materials.

There should also be plenty of ventilation.

Avoid welding on wet surfaces and make sure that the welder’s cable is free of any cuts or cracks.

Additionally, be mindful of the sparks generated by the welding process and never leave the welder unattended.

Taking these simple safety steps will help ensure that you have a successful welding experience.

Conclusion

Buying Your Tig Welder

When buying a TIG welder, it’s important to consider your budget, welding skills, and materials you’ll be using.

To ensure the best use and product satisfaction, research the most suitable welder for your needs.

Make sure the welder has the features you need.

Look for adjustable output to match the type of work.

Check the amperage and duty cycle the welder produces to meet your needs.

Research current models and attentive customer service.

Finally, make sure you stay within your budget.

Doing your research before buying a TIG welder helps you get the best one for you.