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

[FourBlades]

Kevin,

That is a great tip to sharpen more than one tungsten at a time.

I also bought a small benchtop grinder to dedicate to sharpening tungstens.

If seeing the puddle is a problem then get the magnifier lens for your welding helmet. I have tried 2x, 2.5x, and 3x. They cost about $5 each so I thought I would try a range of them. You can only see close up with the magnifiers but I think they help a lot. I like the 3x the best so far. I am almost 50 (shudder) and my eyes are not the greatest. You youngish folk probably don't need them.

I am pretty sure the eastwood ac/dc tig varies the amperage as you press down more or less on the pedal. I can back off the amps slowly at the end of a weld. The trigger that is on the torch is an on/off switch though.

John