Failing to get to grips with TIG. Worth persevering or just rely on MIG?

[fredrussell]

I’ve recently been doing a bit of TIG welding on some stainless projects. I’m finding it very difficult (compared to MIG) though obviously I’m at the bottom of a steep learning curve and accept that. The bit that is beating me is the fact that it’s a two handed operation. You’re moving the torch along with one hand whilst feeding in filler rod with the other. Just when you’re starting to progress the tungsten tip touches the work and its back to the grinder with it for a sharpen. Very frustrating.

To those of you that have mastered TIG can I ask, do you feel it offers enough benefits over MIG to warrant me keeping going with it? I have a DC machine so I can’t do aluminium. Given that my MIG will do a pretty good job on stainless, would I be better off getting an AC TIG machine for aluminium, and just use the MIG on stainless?

 

[vyv_cox]

Having done quite a lot of gas welding in the past I don't struggle too much with the actions of TIG on steel. My efforts on stainless steel are appalling, I just cannot get it. Whereas with MIG I can do reasonably well so long as it is not very thin.

 

[Blueboatman]

There are some excellent tutorials on you tube, before you put the machine away.

I’m not a Tig man but would love to be . It’s a bench process slow n steady and scrupously clean

What has struck me is how important a competent machine is to the process which is perhaps why the decent machines are way way more expensive than others.. And synergic ( computer assist) seems to play a big part in flattering the learner.

Might be worth doing a one day paid course hands on?

 

[Trident]

As you already have the set up it is worth keeping with the TIG. I was self taught with it and it took a while to get really neat and strong but it is worth it. My company produces stainless parts and I started it 28 years ago with a migraine welder and soon moved to TIG. Within a couple of years we were the top in our field and praised for the quality of what we do. Obviously I did many hours a day for months until employing others and doing less myself but got to a stage where a quick polish after welding tube made it impossible to see where the weld was. I'd never use MIG again .

Think of the satisfaction you'll have when it clicks and it will do

 

[rogerthebodger]

I did stick welding for more years than I can remember and moved over to TIG and MIG.

The TIG is easy with external corners as no filler rod is needed when it comes to inside corners on thin material I struggle with. control the fille rod

For this I tend to go back to MIG as it's easy to control the filler wire.

I do practice TIG on thicker material for inside corners until I get the skill.

I do have an AC and DC TIG and MIG so I can weld aluminum but not done it yet

 

[fredrussell]

Cheers for responses. Just to add, my TIG welder is what I would describe as mid-range in terms of quality - it has a foot pedal and pulse and a few other nice features. I’m certain it’s me being rubbish, not the machine. I’ve watched a multitude of YouTube TIG vids - they make it look very easy. It was ever thus with tutorials I suppose.

 

[PCUK]

I can honestly say I am pretty good at it now. It has taken about 8 years to get to this stage. That's without any actual tuition, only You Tube.
For Fred my main suggestion is to ensure that you position yourself so that your torch arm is supported so that it doesn't wave about. Set yourself up a leaning post for your arm. That will make life far easier. Also if your machine has the facility, set it up to pulse weld and spend some time trying out different settings of width and frequency. The frequency being the number of times it pulses and nothing to do with electrical frequency.
TIG is the most demanding form of welding and takes practice but the effort is well worth while.
Odd things like this are then possible!