Tool Reviews

A TIG torch collet is a small part, but it has to do two jobs precisely: hold the tungsten electrode centered and transfer pressure from the back cap through the…

What a trailing shield does Titanium reacts readily with oxygen, nitrogen and moisture while hot. A weld can look sound at the torch and still become brittle or contaminated just…

A TIG welder that powers up but will not start an arc usually has a problem in one of five areas: setup, tungsten, work-clamp connection, gas flow, or the machine’s…

TIG filler rods are easy to misplace because they all look similar, yet a small mix-up can cause cracking, porosity, discoloration, or a weld that fails inspection. A workable storage…

Why Filler Rod Diameter Matters Choosing TIG filler rod for sheet metal is a balancing act. A rod that is too large takes too much heat to melt, which encourages…

A contaminated TIG weld usually leaves clues on the torch: a gray or black tungsten, a sooty cup, unstable arc, excessive spatter, or a weld that turns dull and porous…

Aluminum TIG welding is easier to control when you can change amperage without lifting your torch hand. A foot pedal lets you add heat for the start, reduce it as…

Black soot around an aluminum TIG weld is usually a sign that the weld pool is contaminated or inadequately shielded. It may look like carbon, but the dark residue is…

Why Aluminum Oxide Matters Before TIG Welding Aluminum forms a thin aluminum-oxide layer almost immediately when exposed to air. The base metal melts at about 660°C (1,220°F), while aluminum oxide…

AC frequency is one of the most useful TIG controls for aluminum, but it is not a magic setting. It changes how tightly the arc is focused, how wide the…