With so many various TIG machines on the market, some with inverter technology and all with variable degrees of power, determining the optimum tungsten for TIG welding aluminum can be difficult. Welders have told us about 2% thoriated electrodes that ball up as well as pure tungsten welds generating a metal mass that can be ground down for the duration of the afternoon. What size tungsten for tig welding aluminum while keeping such a situation in mind?
The Tungsten you select will be determined by several things. Your equipment, the thickness of the metal you’re welding, as well as the available settings you can have are all factors to take into account. So, today we are here to unfold a few pointers along with some great general guidelines to get you started with what size tungsten for tig welding aluminum. Moreover, we will also discuss some more tips and learn about TIG welding without gas and what is TIG welder used for. Though suggestions may vary depending on your machine.
Tungsten for TIG Welding Aluminum: What You Should Know
TIG welding aluminum can be carried out with the following electrodes, however, there are some restrictions and cautions to be aware of:
- On AC, 2% ceriated electrode can be used
- In AC & DC, 2% lanthanated electrode can be used
- 1.5 lanthanated electrode can be used in AC and DC
- Only 2% thoriated electrode can be used in DC
- Green: you can use pure tungsten only on DC
What Size Tungsten for Tig Welding Aluminum:
Welders who work with aluminum frequently make the error of selecting an electrode that is too tiny. In order to produce enough heat and establish a stable arc when welding aluminum, you should consider using an electrode of 1/8″ size. A sloppy weld will result from using an electrode that is too tiny.
If you’re using a lanthanated electrode on AC, you might be able to inject an electrode with the size of a 3/16″ or 3/32″. The trick here is to correlate your electrode type and the size based upon the project’s specifications.
TIG Welding Without Gas
Indeed, shielding gas is required in most instances during TIG welding since it ensures longevity and sturdiness. TIG welding (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding) is a method of welding that uses an electrode made of tungsten and a shielding gas which usually is a blend of either helium or argon. Though one can perform TIG welding without shielding gas in some circumstances. Thus, such a situation is the only viable alternative for the user.
What is TIG Welder used for Small and Thin Metals Welding
Welding metals like aluminum is better achieved with TIG because it allows the welders to become more precise and accurate. Moreover, the welders could also execute other tasks, such as embellishing metals. For instance, when it comes to making products that need to be more appealing and elegant in appearance especially for aesthetic reasons then all the welders prefer TIG as the way to go.
Welds That Are Both Precise and Attractive
Welders that use TIG have more control and can achieve greater precision.
DIY Projects of Various Types
Because of its simplicity and ease of use, TIG welding may be employed by both novices and professional welders for any DIY projects. For instance, Cycles, furniture, carts, and storage are all examples of DIY projects.