How to join metal and do more with TIG
Weld perfect seams in various metals and explore TIG’S versatility
IG is the process of choice for topquality welds in stainless steel, aluminium, thin mild steel and exotic metals used in aerospace and motor racing. It can also be used for brazing, metalshaping and various other useful things.
The expense of a TIG set and the perceived difficulty of using it are perhaps the main reasons TIG is not widely used in DIY car restoration. The first is no longer a problem, with budget TIG sets starting below £200. The second is simply a matter of practice. Get your settings and preparation right, hold the electrode a short distance from the workpiece, move it
Tconsistently and add filler rod accurately, and beautiful welds are guaranteed. MIG welding has traditionally dominated the DIY sphere due to its accessibility, cheapness and flexibility. It also wins out when slightly grotty mild steel is being welded, which is often the unavoidable case in classic car restoration. A perfect solution is a modern multifuction welding set that’s capable of MIG, TIG and MMA (arc) welding. This will provide you with maximum flexibility and prices start at around £500.
In the previous issue of Practical Classics, we looked at the types of TIG set on offer, how the process works, how to set up your set, and how to master the basics of making puddles and feeding in filler rod. In this issue, we’ll look at how to join various metals together and demonstrate the impressive flexibility of the TIG process.