‘A good weld should be smooth and symmetrical, with all the puddles – or dime stacks – a consistent size and shape,’ says Independent Fabrication’s lead welder, Keith Rouse.
‘TIG welding stands for “Tungsten with Inert Gas”, so you have your inert gas, argon, which acts as a shield to stop oxidisation and contamination of the weld, and then you have the tungsten, which is the electrode at the end of the welding torch. The tube you’re welding is earthed, so that when the electrode is close enough to the metal, but not actually touching – like millimetres apart – it causes an electric arc, which creates extreme heat. You control the heat by controlling the amps with a foot pedal, and that heat makes a tiny molten puddle, which…
