Finally getting to grips with TIG

[PCUK]

After about a year of practising (couldn't find any part-time courses anywhere) watching numerous very good You-Tube videos and wasting several 70lt bottles of gas I have finally got a feel for it. Not to professional standards by any means but good enough to produce rails, gantry mast and hand rails for a colleague's boat. Total cost of materials about £300 and £130 for gas which is a fraction of the professional cost. So worth the effort and a very enjoyable pastime as well!
Might even post some pics once it's all fitted (from a distance!)

 

[epervier]

strike the arc and feed the puddle, as you say, not as easy as it looks

 

[aquapower]

After about a year of practising (couldn't find any part-time courses anywhere) watching numerous very good You-Tube videos and wasting several 70lt bottles of gas I have finally got a feel for it. Not to professional standards by any means but good enough to produce rails, gantry mast and hand rails for a colleague's boat. Total cost of materials about £300 and £130 for gas which is a fraction of the professional cost. So worth the effort and a very enjoyable pastime as well!
Might even post some pics once it's all fitted (from a distance!)

I learnt this about 15 years ago, never did much but was usefull at the time to get things done as and when you wanted, it's like riding a bike you will never forget, I bought a welder and still use it occasionally just to keep my hand in, once you have mastered it you will never look back, well done and keep on with it.

 

[sarabande]

what kit have you got, and after a year's experience, do you still recommend it, please ?

 

[Swordfish]

Hi PCUK,

You should now try some Aluminium, that's when the fun begins !

 

[Quest]

Priceless oil paintings look best from a distance too.

 

[Quest]

Might even post some pics once it's all fitted (from a distance!)


Priceless oil paintings look best from a distance too.

 

[Quest]

Might even post some pics once it's all fitted (from a distance!)


Priceless oil paintings look best from a distance too.

 

[talltim]

Well done

As said before welding is a good skill to have and once mastered it will always come back to you after a little practice.

I remember the first time i tried aluminium welding with gas, was a longtime ago. I just got the metal moving on the item being rpaired, and by the time i had got the rod near i had a massive hole.

Practice and more practice is the key to building confidence and quality

 

[PCUK]

Sarabande, I bought a cheap little 200amp DC Kobel unit off Ebay for about £170. It's been fine for teaching me the basics and does everything I need. So yes I'd recommend it as bottom end basic kit. They seem to be getting cheaper all the time so you may well get one or something similar even cheaper.