Tig technique question

If it is not OK to do that, then I should just quit and go become a gardener.

I'll take that as a resounding *YES*

Thanks, Ernie....

Ever try one of those Tig Pen things? They look kinda neat, but $29 seems kinda high.

Sometimes, we have to use 0.9 (.035") and 1.2(.045") wire as tig filler. The Tig pen doesn't work on stuff this small.

Most experienced TIG welders find it a bit of a distraction, and the rod can sometimes slip in the rollers.

The good points-you can weld to a smaller stub, and if you set your rod(and tig pen) down on a flat surface, it's much easier to pick up.

We have one at work that I use occasionally, but I wouldn't buy one for my own toolbox.

The only application I could see for one is if it worked with tiny wires, like 0.030" and 0.024". Those tiny ones are very tough to feed properly, but the TIG pen can't handle anything smaller than 1/16".

Just learn how to feed your rod through your fingers.

Hold the filler rod like you would hold a pencil, then open your hand. To feed the rod you alternate pinching it between your two forefingers, and your thuimb and the edge of your hand.

I'd like to see a demo of that technque. My instructor in welding class couldn't do it but said accomplished TIG weldors can feed the filler very smoothly using that method. I will practice tonight as I just got my EQC and want to try it out.

Ebby

I'd need to see that as well. I'm having a hard time visualizing that.

We need a video (heheh)

Hold your hand out in front of you with fingers and thumb stretched straight like your going to judo chop a piece of wood.

Now bend (only) the fingers completely. Insert the rod into the crack between the thumb and hand (web area), relaxing enough to get it in. Keep going with the rod until it passes out somewhere between the bent index and middle finger.

If you pinch the rod with your index and middle fingers (to hold the rod) and straighten them out you will pull the rod out. You must loosen the thumb hold to let the rod out.

To get more rod, relax fingers and tighten thumb hold and move fingers back to cramped position. Now clamp fingers, loosen thumb and pull more rod.

The tricky part to practice on is extruding more rod out into precisely the same spot (the puddle).

Zorro: Nice! I'll have to try that. David Todtman

I was shown this way, and it works for me:

(I am right handed, and add filler with the left hand)

hold hand in front of you, looking at palm. grab the rod so that it:

-goes behind (is grabbed by) the thumb

-in front of the index, middle, and ring fingers

-behind the pinky. the rod rests fairly nice in the groove made by the last joint on your index, middle & ring fingers.

This way, you are using the ring and pinky as a pivot.

to advance: move the thumb and index finger up and down, making the "it's gonna cost ya" finger motion. With practice, you can advance the rod on both strokes - index pushing down and thumb pushing down. You can even back up if you get too much rod out.

My teacher did it, and it baffled the hell out of me. I walked around with a SS filler rod for a week, advancing while reading, walking, etc.

I was shown this way, and it works for me:

(I am right handed, and add filler with the left hand)

hold hand in front of you, looking at palm. grab the rod so that it:

-goes behind (is grabbed by) the thumb

-in front of the index, middle, and ring fingers

-behind the pinky. the rod rests fairly nice in the groove made by the last joint on your index, middle & ring fingers.

This way, you are using the ring and pinky as a pivot.

to advance: move the thumb and index finger up and down, making the "it's gonna cost ya" finger motion. With practice, you can advance the rod on both strokes - index pushing down and thumb pushing down. You can even back up if you get too much rod out.

My teacher did it, and it baffled the hell out of me. I walked around with a SS filler rod for a week, advancing while reading, walking, etc.

You asked for it, you got it.

A short quicktime movie showing how to feed TIG filler rod through your fingers.

For those of you who are Quicktime hostile. I also uploaded MPEG-4 versions which are 1/2 the size.

If anything they should be there by tomorrow.

There ya go!!

Thanks, Ernie.

forefingers,

Arnold

Ernie! The video is terrific!

I notice on the "adding" filler video your hand rests on the table--it does not advance with the weld bead. I have been advancing the filler rod _and_ continually moving right along with my hand. I suppose the 'rest-hand' method makes for more accurate adding of filler, eh?

Ciao, David Todtman

p.s., I think I'll have to go out to my shop and cut me a length of filler for walking-around-practice. The folks at the hospital today will think I'm nuts, and maybe a little dangerous. Keep em' guessing, anyway.

forefingers,

Arnold

Rich, I am going to try out this method too. It's not easy to write out these movements into words, so thank you for taking the time.

Jamie: This whole thread has been useful. Jamie, again my hat is off to you for asking such good questions! You get the 'darn good question award' in my book.

Ciao, David Todtman

I'm glad we all can benefit from this list. With no instructors in my area, my Tig welding has come a long way in a short time thanks to the veterans on this list who are willing to share their time and talents with us!!

And put up with my dumb questions!!

Thanks to all..

Somewhat, but not so much - the rod motion is in somewhays more fussy than the torch motion. Whatever works best for you.