TIG Welding Basics: What Beginners Need to Start

TIG looks intimidating — two hands, a foot pedal, and an arc that demands respect. But the basics are simple, and TIG teaches you more about puddle control than any other process. Here's what you actually need to start.

What makes TIG different

• A non-consumable tungsten electrode creates the arc, and you feed filler metal in by hand
• You control heat with a foot pedal, so you can ease in and out of the puddle
• No slag, no spatter — just a clean, precise bead when you get it right

The gear you need

• A TIG-capable machine: many multiprocess machines include TIG, so check yours before buying a second machine
• Tungsten electrodes: 2% thoriated is common for steel, but lanthanated is a good all-around beginner choice
• Filler rod: ER70S-6 for mild steel is the standard starting point
• Shielding gas: pure argon for steel and aluminum
• A TIG torch with a gas lens: the gas lens gives better coverage and makes learning easier

Your first practice: no filler at all

• Start by running beads on flat steel with no filler rod — just the torch and the pedal
• Learn to keep a tight arc length, about the thickness of the tungsten diameter
• Watch the puddle, not the arc. When the puddle is a smooth, shiny oval, you're ready to add filler

Common beginner mistakes

• Too long an arc: a long arc wanders, overheats, and makes a wide, gray bead. Keep it tight
• Dipping the tungsten: if you touch the puddle, stop and regrind the tungsten — a contaminated tip ruins every bead after it
• Moving too fast: TIG rewards patience. A slow, steady travel speed beats rushing every time

What to practice first

• Straight beads on flat plate, then lap joints, then outside corners
• Ten minutes of bead practice before every project session pays off fast
• Clean the metal until it shines — TIG punishes dirty metal more than any other process

TIG is slow to learn and worth every hour. Once your hands and foot work together, you'll weld things MIG and stick simply can't do as cleanly.

Explore our TIG welders and welding machines to see what's in the shop. At RGV Welding Supply, you can compare machines in person at our Weslaco and Pharr stores. All sales are in-store pickup.