Tool Reviews

Heat tint on a TIG-welded corner joint is oxidation caused by heat and exposure to air. A faint straw color can be normal on stainless steel; dark blue, gray, or…

Joining stainless steel tube to plate is a job for a TIG welder with a stable low-amp arc, accurate current control, and enough duty cycle for the plate thickness. The…

Aluminum heat shields are usually made from thin sheet, often between 0.040 and 0.125 inch thick. That combination makes them awkward to weld: aluminum conducts heat quickly, distorts easily, and…

When water cooling makes sense A water-cooled TIG torch earns its keep when you spend long stretches at high current, weld thick aluminum, or need a smaller, more flexible torch…

TIG welding is the right process when small parts, visible welds, and heat control matter more than speed. It lets you weld stainless steel, mild steel, aluminum, copper alloys, and…

Repairing a cracked stainless tank is less about buying the most powerful welder than getting clean, controlled heat into thin metal. Many tanks use stainless sheet around 16–20 gauge (about…

Thin titanium sheet is unforgiving, but the welder is rarely the only problem. Titanium needs a stable, controllable DC TIG arc, excellent shielding, clean fit-up, and enough post-flow to protect…

Stainless steel frames reward careful TIG work. The process gives you control over heat, filler, and appearance, but it also exposes poor preparation and weak machine settings. For square tubing,…

Adjustable AC frequency is useful when TIG welding aluminum, but it is not a substitute for the right amperage, torch, or setup. Higher frequency tightens the arc and makes it…

Choosing a TIG welder for stainless wire Stainless wire components—such as baskets, racks, guards and small frames—usually call for controlled, low-heat welds more than a high-amperage machine. The right TIG…