This work presents a unique approach to tube welding, which typically involves a two man team. The maker managed this extensive project by improvising due to the unavailability of a second welder. The operation utilizes a TIG welding process on closely spaced parallel metal tubes, consistent with an industrial heat exchanger assembly. The pipes themselves are reddish-brown cylindrical sections, specifically red-primed steel, and they display circumferential weld joints across the array.
The setup stands out with its customization. The TIG torch has a black and blue body wrapped with tape, complemented by a pink ceramic gas nozzle and a white ceramic nozzle cup. A filler metal rod is fed into the joint from an overhead position. The maker executed the welding by weaving the intense, bright white electric arc along the joint seam, running the arc continuously for about one minute.
This work faced challenges related to equipment limitations. The lack of a gas lense restricted the amount of tungsten stickout. Furthermore, the ceramic cup introduced an obstruction to the maker's view during the process. Despite these constraints, the maker successfully finished 26 joints over three days, with each joint requiring three passes. It is noteworthy that the completed joints passed sonogram inspections without any issues!
Project by Helke nayman. Watch it on their YouTube channel: