Everlast PowerMTS 251Si Operator's Manual page 56

Section 3
forms. If you need, count as you time your
dips until you can do it without thinking. As
you proceed to dip your rod into the edge of
the puddle, keep the rod close to the puddle,
within the gas cone. If the filler metal starts to
melt before you dip, you have it too close, or
you have the rod inclined too much so that
heat is being directed too far in front of the
puddle. As you add the filler, be sure to pause
momentarily with the forward travel of the
torch. If desired, a tiny back step motion may
be used to improve weld appearance. There
are other ways to add filler and to create a
sound weld. You can keep the filler wire in
the puddle, with the rod laying in a flatter pro-
file and weld. As the torch moves forward and
the rod melts, the filler can be slid, with gentle
pressure, into the puddle as needed to fill the
weld. This is known as the Lay-Wire tech-
nique. Another method of welding has more
to do with torch manipulation than it does fill-
er addition, is called walking the cup. The cup
is rested on the metal while the torch head is
oscillated in a figure 8 pattern. This will re-
quire a forehand grip typically, and a good bit
of motion of your forearm to accomplish. The
filler metal should be moved from side to side
to provide an evenly filled puddle under the
Tungsten. This method requires much practice
and effort, but yields beautiful welds when
performed correctly. If you cannot see the
puddle or your helmet flashes (auto darkening
types), you need to change your settings.
Practice feeding the filler wire without actually
welding. Manipulating the wire takes practice
and concentration at first. The wire should be
held so that a flicking motion of two fingers
and the thumb can propel the rod forward into
the puddle without loosing grip on the filler
rod. The rod should rest on the two fingers
furthest from the thumb, while the index and
Basic TIG Operation
middle finger grasp the rod with the thumb
propelling it forward. Other rod manipulation
variations may be used, but the key is to devel-
op a comfortable, natural movement that is
regular and consistent. If feeding difficulty is
encountered, there are some feeding devices
that reduce the effort to feed the filler wire
and smooth out the feeding process. Do not
let feeding the filler wire hold up the learning
process. There are numerous accounts of
welders making home-made jigs or devices
that help feed the TIG rod smoothly. One
helpful hint is to make sure you have gloves
that offer protection without compromising
dexterity. With a proper fitting TIG glove, you
should be still able to pick the filler wire up
from the table top with your fingers.
There are a lot of hurdles to becoming a profi-
cient TIG welder. But if you will practice when
you are not tired, and are comfortable in your
surroundings, it will help you learn the art a lot
faster than if you are practicing when you are
too tired, or over-heated.
56
Basic Theory and Function