Tool Reviews

The tungsten diameter for TIG welding is chosen mainly by welding current, not by the thickness number alone. A thin sheet can need a larger electrode if the joint calls…

What a foot pedal changes A TIG foot pedal lets you vary welding current while you work. Press farther to add amperage; ease off to reduce it. That makes it…

What a TIG gas lens does A TIG gas lens replaces the standard torch collet body with a screen pack that straightens and spreads shielding gas as it leaves the…

Why torch choice matters in stainless corners Inside corners leave little room to angle a TIG torch, see the puddle, and keep the tungsten clear of both walls. A bulky…

Joining stainless steel to carbon steel is a dissimilar-metal weld, so the right filler rod depends on the stainless grade, service conditions, and welding procedure—not just the thickness of the…

Precision sheet-metal repair is less about maximum amperage and more about control. Thin steel, stainless, and aluminum punish a welder that starts harshly, has a poor low-current arc, or lacks…

Pulse TIG is useful on thin metal because it alternates between a higher peak current and a lower background current. The lower part of the cycle gives the puddle time…

A foot pedal lets you change TIG current while welding, which is useful on bench work where joints vary in thickness or heat builds as you move. The key is…

Why water cooling matters on long TIG welds A water-cooled torch can make a long TIG job less tiring, but it does not increase the welder’s output or automatically improve…

Why AC balance matters for aluminum Aluminum forms a thin, tenacious oxide layer that melts at a much higher temperature than the metal underneath. In AC TIG welding, the electrode-negative…