TIG Welders For Engineering SMEs & Individual Welders

The TIG welding process uses a tungsten electrode protected by an inert gas, usually argon, with the weld gap being filled with a separate welding rod to provide the weld metal.  The acronym TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding is the same process as the Americans refer to as GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding).  It's a process that was developed in America during the Second World War. The need for quick clean efficient welding of aluminium/magnesium alloy airframes for the war effort made the innovation an imperative.

TIG welding machines' working principles have remained much the same since the 40s, but the refinements  available today have redefined arc welders. Modern TIG welders are used right through the engineering and fabrication world to achieve precise, controllable welding of a wide variety of metals and alloys with minimum mess.  The reputation of TIG, as a clean process, is also aided by the fact that the high quality welds produced, usually need very little cleaning up once completed.

Wedtech's TIG Welder Recommendations

Weldtech supplies a wide range of TIG welding solutions and accessories. These range from dedicated TIG units to TIG enabled multi process welders that give a small firm or hobbyist the flexibility you need. No welding job needs to be out of reach. 

If you are unsure of which machine will be the best TIG welder

1. Decide which materials you are likely to be welding.
   
2. What's the maximum thickness of metal you're likely to encounter on your welding jobs?
3. Decide what your maximum budget can be.
4. Contact Geoff or Hannah in our store and provide them with this information.
5. We will try to match you with the most suitable machine for your particular circumstances and budget!

Whether you are choosing a TIG Welder to weld mild steel, stainless steel or aluminium alloys we've got a range of TIG welders for sale that will be just right for you! They include simple DC and AC / DC TIG units. Buy a TIG machine at the best online prices. Brands  available include ESAB, Kemppi, IFL and SWP.

We also offer a comprehensive range of TIG compatible welding gas,  TIG torches and related welding accessories.

Learning To Use a TIG Welder 

The tungsten electrode is used to strike the arc with all materials. As the arc ignites, it will start to melt the metal either side of the weld gap, protected by the argon shielding gas. The more advanced TIG machines with high frequency capabilities allow hot start, lift TIG and scratch start which Ian explains quite nicely in the video.

The welding rod is fed into the arc separately and begins to melt and form the welding pool. Because the welder has to manipulate two separate items, TIG is fiddlier than MIG, or other methods, to master. Most TIG welding machines also have a foot pedal to control the welding voltage output. This controls the temperature of the arc and the production of the bead. 

With this extra complexity, the skill required for TIG welding takes longer to learn and master. Its ability to produce splatter free welds, that are cosmetically pleasing, is a major benefit. So it's an important skill in the welder's repertoire.

 You can weld steels and aluminium based alloys. TIG welding with aluminium needs a machine with AC output.  found on an AC DC TIG welders like the ESAB Origo TIG 3000i AC/DC Welding Package. This type of ESAB TIG welder is more expensive than a standard DC only machine. But, it can tackle really heavy duty jobs on thick metal plate.  For less demanding applications, the Kemppi MinarcTig Evo 200 Package is a great choice. If you are specifically looking for a lighter duty inverter TIG welder, then you can't really go wrong with the Inverter Fusion 200HF DC Inverter TIG Welder.