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Eastwood Technical Assistance: 800.343.9353 >> [email protected]
TIG WELDING TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEM
CAUSE
CORRECTION
Arc is Triggered
but Will Not
Start
Incomplete Circuit
Check Ground connection. Make sure that the ground is on a freshly cleaned
surface and close to the welding area. It is suggested to weld towards the
ground connection.
Incorrect Tungsten
Consult chart for proper Tungsten for the base metal being welded. In most cases
Thoriated will be used for all steels.
No Shielding Gas
Make sure the shielding gas cylinder is turned all the way open and set at the
correct flow rate.
Arc wanders
and it is Hard
to Concentrate
Heat in a
Specific Area
Poorly Prepped Tungsten
Follow guidelines for prepping Tungsten.
Poor Gas Flow
Adjust the flow rate of the shielding gas (refer to settings chart). Check for loose
fittings where gas could be leaking.
Contaminated Tungsten
Remove Tungsten from Torch, break off contaminated section, and resharpen.
Incorrect Arc Length
Make sure the Tungsten is held 1/8 to 1/4 inch off the work piece.
Incomplete Circuit
Check Ground connection. Make sure that the ground is on a freshly cleaned
surface and close to the welding area. It is suggested to weld towards the ground
connection.
Contaminated Base Metal
Clean base metal making sure to remove any oil, debris, coatings, or moisture.
If base metal is aluminum make sure all of the oxide is removed using either a
dedicated stainless brush or flap wheel.
Porosity in Weld
Bead
Poor Gas Flow
Adjust the flow rate of the shielding gas. Check for loose fittings where gas could
be leaking.
Contaminated Filler Metal
Clean filler metal making sure to remove any oil, debris, or moisture.
Contaminated Base Metal
Clean base metal making sure to remove any oil, debris, coatings, or moisture.
Poor Shielding
Make sure to be in an area with no wind and with any fans turned off. Wind or
fans will blow the shielding gas away from the weld causing porosity.
Incorrect Tungsten Exposure
Adjust the Tungsten so that 1/8” to 1/4” protrudes from the Collet.
Contamination
in Weld Bead
Contamination Tungsten
Remove Tungsten from Torch and break off contaminated section and resharpen.
Contaminated Filler Metal
Clean filler metal making sure to remove any oil, debris, or moisture.
Contaminated Base Metal
Clean base metal making sure to remove any oil, debris, coatings, or moisture.
If base metal is cold rolled steel make sure to remove any mill scale.
Melting
Tungsten
Poor Gas Flow
Adjust the flow rate of the shielding gas. Check for loose fittings where gas could
be leaking.
Wrong Size Tungsten
Increase Tungsten diameter. Refer to chart for proper sizing.
Incorrect Shielding Gas
Only use 100% Argon when TIG Welding.
Poor Penetration
Low Voltage
Voltage setting is too low for material/thickness. Increase as needed.
Tungsten
Contaminated
Contact of Tungsten with Base Metal
Keep Tungsten 1/8 to 1/4” from the base metal. If Tungsten comes in contact
break off end and resharpen immediately.
Poor Weld
Appearance
Incorrect Positioning
The angle between the filler metal and the Torch must be less than 90 degrees
otherwise the filler metal will prematurely melt and glob off causing poor weld
appearance.
