How did you learn to TIG weld?, Post your tips and stories. Options

[FourBlades]

I have been thinking about learning to TIG weld for a few years and took the plunge.

I bought the Eastwood AC/DC unit and have been playing with it for a few weeks.



I did all the obvious learning stuff, watching you tube videos, reading about it.

I like WeldingTipsAndTricks.com videos.

At first I just could not see what was going on well enough so I bought a 3x magnifier for my helmet. I also had a lot of trouble with fogging so I got some FogTech drops which completely stopped the fogging. These tips made it a lot easier to see the arc and the puddle.

Now if I could just stop touching the tungsten to the puddle it would be nice.

I'd like to be able to TIG thin metal to limit heat input, do good roll bar welding, and make stuff from aluminum. I know this will take a lot of time and practice.

What tips really helped you, what practice exercises did you do, what war stories do you have?

Thanks,

John

[ruby914]

I took welding in high school. I think I was very good at oxy acetylene welding.
We would make things like 2 stroke dirt bike pipes.
My first job out of high school, I did some TIG welding for an off road race company, again I feel I was very good at it. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welder.gif)
This year, 30 years later, I got a Everlast TIG welder and after 6 months I don't think I am very good at it.
I now wear glasses, just seeing the puddle is my biggest challenge.
I must be getting old because as soon as I move my hand from a steady rest I am in the puddle as well. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif)

[andys]

I now wear glasses, just seeing the puddle is my biggest challenge.
I must be getting old because as soon as I move my hand from a steady rest I am in the puddle as well. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif)

Yeah, worsening eyesight is my achilles heel too. Can't find the glasses that give me just the right distance correction; and of course you're always welding at odd angles so there's never just one solution. Weird too, is I get these occasional momentary lapses of hypnosis when welding. Anyone experience this? I used to be pretty good at TIG, but now it's relegated to hit or miss. Enough of that.....

Oxy/acet proficiency is a huge benefit when learning how to TIG weld. Of course a lot of practice is key.

Andys