Fixing A Metal Stool Pt. 3 (Learning About TIG Welding)

Continuing with the Metal Stool Project, I faced some difficulties welding the two legs together. As I was welding on the leg, I saw that I made hole on the top, flat part of the leg where the two legs will connect. Because of that, I couldn't use the MIG Welder even with lowest temperature. That's when I had to use a TIG Welder.

Question: What is TIG Welding?

Kelly: TIG Welding-which stands for Tungsten Inert Gas-is basically using an electrode in this case is tungsten and a filler metal which be copper to create the weld. 

Question: Why do you have to use Tungsten?

Kelly: Tungsten being heavier than you would think, it has a very high melting point. That way, the tungsten wouldn't melt as easily and remain in its needle-like shape in the torch in order to have more control and of course not burn your hand off when the electricity passes through the torch. Also, just for safety, another tube in the torch wire where cold water passes through the torch to keep it cool.

Question: What was the first thing you had to learn?

Kelly: Well, I first had to know how the machine worked and what safety precautions I have to take beforehand.

Question: So what did you do to prepare?

Kelly: I had to turn on the power source and the exhaust fan which is used for ventilation to clear out any impure gas the welding will expose. And I also had to make sure the ground clamp was connected to the workplace. 

Question: Wow that's good thinking! Then what did you do?

Kelly: Then, I made sure the gas pressure was on. When I saw the label, the words read "Argon Compressed". And then I found out that Argon is used by having it's own tube through the torch that releases gas where the torch is. That way, the argon gas will keep the welded piece of metal from being exposed to oxygen which could cause the metal to rust due to oxidation. 

Question: Cool! Then what was left?

Kelly: Then it was finally time to weld! It wasn't easy at first. I had to get the hang of holding the torch in a different way than the TIG Welder. First I started of by just welding across a flat piece of steel to learn how control the torch and the pedal that starts up the torch. What's good about it is that you can set the most amperage the pedal can make the torch go. That way, I would know how much and the highest amount of current the torch can go. And I won't have to worry about putting too much throttle and damaging the piece of metal that I'm welding 

Question: What did you see was happening?

Kelly: It was actually really cool. I noticed how the more throttle I put, the quicker the piece of steel would melt. And I saw the puddle that was forming along with the small bits of dirt floating around it. I had to be patient making sure I kept the puddle moving with the torch so I can have a clean finish and no impurities would be in the middle of the weld.

Question: What was the hardest part about the TIG Welding?

Kelly: It would definitely have to be making sure that the tip of the torch and the filler metal didn't touch. Not as easy as my teacher made it seem. But after more trials, I almost got the hang of it. 

Question: So what's after this?

Kelly: Good question. Next up is to tackle the chair with this new technique!