TFS: First TIG. Now What?

[@Koprophobic]

The fact you give this information out so precise, organized, and FREE makes you my hero

[@rickeyquiles8080]

Fact

[@agentbertram4769]

Just starting to TIG weld at age 62. This video was a very good starting point. Informative, nicely paced and a presenter with a friendly manner. Thanks. I shall be your student for as long as it takes.

[@MrYiminie]

Ive been tig welding since 1962, and have listened to a lot of instructors and wannabes. Your series of videos give better information.....(solid information)....... than any other that I have seen or heard. Good Job. Newbees need all the quality information they can get..

[@danmoreton1788]

I am a bit embarrassed to admit it, but a few years ago I purchased a tig welder. Try and try as I could I just could not get the hang of adding rod to the puddle and moving at steady pace. Hell I had a problems establishing a puddle! The end result was always the same. Welds looked like a dogs butt, The metal was cooked and I was very frustrated... My new tig welder sat there for two years and was a constant reminder of my failure to gain basic skills to learn how to tig weld. At the end of last year I promised myself that in the new year I would learn how to tig weld. My son stopped by the house and gave me pointers on the basics of welding and it made all the difference in the world. Within a few days of his help I saw one of your welding videos. You covered all the same basics and mentioned using 3/32' tungsten. I had been using 1/16" and realized I was upping the amps to melt the rod but also cooked the metal! Lastly, you said...I was trying to decide if I should mention this, but I will anyway. If you can't see the puddle you can't weld!! Too funny but true. I bought a clearview hood and it made all the difference in the world. The end result is I am now able to consistently weld without making all the past mistakes. I have confidence when I weld. If I have a problem, I can diagnosis the problem and correct it. So, if you are just starting out, know that if a guy who is just south of 70 can learn to tig weld so can you!

[@simon9447]

Dan would you mind helping me out with some info? I have been practising my tig for about 6 months and the biggest challenge to me is not being able to see the puddle easily. I am interested to know what hood you selected? I have still got my first hood and it isn't that great I dont think. There are so many on the market that how would you know which ones represent an improvement? Would you mind telling me which one you ended up getting?

[@cavemanjoe7972]

@@simon9447 Is your hood an adjustable shade auto darkening? And what amperage are you welding at?

[@latenttweet]

Awesome man keep it up

[@wotsthis4]

Dan Moreton .

[@DaDaDo661]

Thanks for posting this.

[@lesblack413]

Thanks Justin for your valuable videos. The fact that you don't annoy with loud heavy background music is a definite bonus. You are also a very talented welding, and this is coming from some one who started a mechanical apprenticeship in 1963. Love your work and will endeavor to watch all of your videos. Cheers from the Sunshine Coast in Queensland Australia.

[@rjuarez4913]

Wow. I have never gotten so much down to earth, simplified , and quality information as from this guy. I’m blown away!!! And I’ve watched a ton of Tig videos. Thank you, from all of us.

[@philipershler420]

I am a beginner as far as tig is concerned. This video is just outstanding because it just lays out the basic bits and material to get going with tig. There’s absolutely none of this stuff about you have to use “blah blah” or you’re a dummy and you won’t be able to produce any sort of weld. It’s the best introductory video on tig welding that I have ever run across. Will this video make you an expert, nope. But it will simplify the overwhelming number of choices to get you started.

[@fasteddie737]

Best info and guidance for tig welding...period.

[@travismiller5548]

20 year veteran of the glassblowing industry just getting into TIG. thanks very much for this VERY informative video. Let me share with you a tool hack from glassblowing ya'll might like: I noticed a lot of TIG welders using spark plug covers from the auto parts store- woven glass fiber socks to turn over hot parts freshly welded parts to spare your gloves, and add some hold time before you feel the heat. Glassblowers use a pair of stainless steel hose clamps to fit them onto BBQ tongs. With the glass sleeve it won't scratch up your parts.

[@stephen9040]

I love your no bullshit approach that cuts through all the crap that's out there on KZbin. This is just what I needed. Thanks.

[@yoelfalkovitch]

,, n..

[@ifster7273]

That was the best "beginner intro" I've seen yet. I've had my MIG for 20 years and just got my first TIG setup and did not know the first thing about it. Now I do know the first thing about it. Thanks.

[@drjimjam1112]

Beginning my journey into tig welding this week, for the second time. (The first attempt ended in complete failure.) Thank you for preparing me so well. This time around I feel I can wade in there knowing how to set up my machine! Knowing what a weld puddle should look like and how and when to dab. Not to mention being able to purchase consumables with a degree of knowledge and confidence. And all of this for free!!?? WOW. So I send to you and your crew a very deep and very sincere, THANK YOU. Y’all rock!! Beer on me should we ever meet.

[@hussainshabbir946]

I bought everything according to this video and it really took out all the guess work and difficult decisions out of the window. Simple and honest guidance! Lots of Love!

[@mikeZL3XD7029]

That is really brilliant advice, Justin. I've TIG welded for years and I learned a lot from this video, as hard as that may be to believe, especially with the filler rod types. Cheers.

[@Zig285]

I've played with TIG before, but finally bought my own. This was a perfect NO-BS primer for things that I need going in. Thanks, Justin!

[@vanduraful]

This is the most informative and digestible tig video on KZbin. Thank you very much.

[@jeffanderson4711]

Teachers and instructors are not made, they are born with the gift of conveying information to those who need it with the least amount of confusion and run on phrases that can glaze over the eyes of the most interested students. Justin is a natural instructor. These videos are pure gold, their content is massive and the delivery is seamless. As the owner of a fabrication shop in Tucson, I thought I knew it all, I was wrong. When I'm not stacking dimes I'm stacking these videos one on top of the other. Keep them coming.

[@rmTheWalrus]

I only recently started TIG'ing, so no surprise I've landed on these TFS vids. I wish I'd actually stumbled on this one prior to my first few days, b/c I would have been setup 3x faster and had 100% more confidence (and less anxiety). Even now being into it a little, so much to learn, and really love the way you present the info. Somehow you always manage to speak exactly to questions I have in my head.

[@MadTrapper1]

Old stick welder here. Thanks for the clear info. Picked you because you don't talk down to people. Thanks.

[@BigPowerAL]

Returned my Harbor Frieght welding helmet for a Miller Digital Elite per your advice. Appreciate all the work y’all put in these videos.

[@AndrewWorkshop]

Best video by far for beginners learning to TIG weld.

[@anilrotory4life57]

Thank you sooo very much for your info brother. You are a hero to many who does not have access to schooling and information but are looking for a future in this field. God bless you

[@dannovic]

Ive looked at a bunch of tig weld videos because im in the market for one, and every single one felt like a crappy "buy our stuff" add... this is the first video that actually helped me out! Earned a sub here

[@johnsonlong1272]

I've seen a lot of beginner videos and this is by far the best entry-level video good solid information no BS and no opinionated pointers it's not very often you hear someone say it doesn't matter just pick one and use it.

[@lawrenceheim9666]

Dude - I love your no BS style. that is SO helpful to those of us who are just starting out. I have learned so much from all of your videos and am trying to work out when I can come to LV and attend a class or two. Thanks for all you've done for the trade.

[@michaelwillis6520]

I bought an AHP 225 xi ac/dc tig machine around 6 months ago it came with everything foot pedal torch switch flow meter everything and I absolutely love it I would recommend it highly one of the best purchases I've ever made;

[@paulkc10]

This is very much what I needed. Just got my first TIG machine and it’s pretty straight forward until you get into consumables. Hearing “get this and that’s it” is exactly what I needed to hear to get going. Thumbs up as always.

[@chefmaster3008]

I pretty much started my setup identical to Justin's advice in this video. I made the decision to take a class at TFS before it came in the mail and I am so glad I did. Those solid 8 hrs of instruction, practice, (Justin sharpening our tung's after a dip 😊) paid off huge. When I got my AlphaTig, I knew exactly what to do with it on Steel and Aluminum (my favorite) and how to set it up. I highly recommend watching as many vids on this channel as you have time for, and taking the leap of faith with Justin as your teacher in person for a class.

[@ericthered1274]

How has the AlphaTIG worked out for you? I'm looking at getting one, never welded before.

[@CHOPFORLIFE13]

You're the MAN Justin, but I'm sure you hear that from your wife everyday. Despite being taught from welders at car/bike shops (being friends of mine), and going to BOCES for all the TIG courses they have, your videos always seem to be better teachings. Very personal, educational, detailed humble videos, make me feel as being the only one in "the class." I thank you very much for what you do for the fabrication community, especially the welder community.

[@bryanarnold540]

Justin, just started welding 6mo ago. That is " I started taking it serious " and took an intro to welding at my local JC. Now ive played with ( emphasize the word play ) welding for years. But in the section of my class, when they taught GTAW, I fell in love. Now the class teaches only basic and then goes into plate and pipe. Havent taken those yet ( not planning a career change at 50+yrs old ) and thinking of perusing them just to get better. BUT in a long winded compliment.........I have learned more watching your videos, than taking ANY class. From machines to metals and every where in between. Thank you for what you do and who knows, maybe Ill make it to one of your classes, seeing were next door to each other ( CA/NEV ). Love ya brother and again THANK YOU and keep up the good work.

[@FMunixxx]

Thanks for the original content!

[@philipershler420]

As usual Justin just lays it out. For the beginning TIG Welder (like I am) all of the choices quickly become mind boggling. But, I have not found anyone who is better than Justin to get through all the “trees” so you can see the “forest”. His ideas of what you need and what you don’t makes getting started and carrying you a long way into the TIG process very approachable. Well done!

[@supergarball]

Justin, I’ve watched a lot of KZbin videos and by far, this one is excellent. You are an awesome teacher; I would know, I’m married to one. I just turned 50 and rewriting my garage for air and power for a welding/metal setup (Everlast Tig, Plasma, JD2 bender, lathe). I’m torn between 2 welders, the Everlast 250EX and 210EXT. I’ll be doing mostly aluminum and stainless (I run a marine business). Thanks for putting your time into education.

[@troyedwards5233]

supergarball Well, if you want any part time help, I'm a retired welder. We Love and know Boat's. And cheap cause I want part time. Are you in the continental US? Robert 661-979-4204

[@johngriggs5910]

At my age which is old and stuck in there way! Thank god I have guys like you to help teach me to Tig yep I am one of those I don’t know crap! It’s nice to learn do something different and have fun doing it. What an educational and fun Outstanding video!

[@matthewmyers3406]

Thank goodness, someone finally posted how to setup the machine and explained current type! I'm a student/beginner; thanks a bunch for how informative the video is.

[@davidblood9882]

Excellent video and content. I’m a know nothing beginner to TIG and this was just what I needed. Thank you.

[@stephenWHITMER-ft8kf]

Just Justin. Thank you. As a newbee I sure appreciate your knowledge an expertise as well as the way you make the info easy to understand. Thank you very much

[@chuckgilbert2035]

I have been welding for 50 years and just bought my first Tig welder (used one) what a learning curve, made so many stupid mistakes already but your videos are helping with that, keep it simple then challenge yourself to increase skill level, kind of like riding a motorcycle, the first mistake I made was the torch in the + , opps, second was buying different tungsten without knowing I need the collet to go with it, (like I said stupid mistakes) so 1/16 filler, 3/32 tungsten, I consider this the most important thing you have taught me so far. All I have for cup is the number 8 so I plan on another visit to the welding store to get a 5 and collet for 3/32. Thank you!

[@toddray4549]

Thank you my friend. I've been welding for over 20 yrs but tig is kind of a different animal I've practiced a few times but the machine was already set up. All I had to do is turn it on. So thank you for your videos it will help me decide on what machine to get, and how to set it up. I'm still learning everyday and I'm not ashamed to say it. So again thank you

[@toolchuck]

Justin, I got my new EXT210 last week and after watching many videos I have found yours to be the best. I finally lit it up tonight and thanks to your advice I not only survived, 😁 but I made decent progress in learning to TIG. A lot different than MIG, stick or gas, that's for sure. Thank you, Chuck.

[@Interdiction]

Great information and no messing around with the delivery of said information .

[@RB87NL]

I learned to weld oxyacetylene back at school and did a better job at it than stick or mig welding. Now I bought my first TIG machine to do some patchwork on a old Land Rover. This video really covers the basics. I will give it a go when my argon cilinder arrives next week! Thanks for the video

[@DavidHerscher]

TFS is the literal SHIZ-NOODLE. These vids are fantastic, informative, concise, and honest. Thank you for your hard work!

[@duanecalhoon3322]

I love how straight forward this guy is, thanks for being blunt and honest

[@xoltacueponi]

i've never heard of TIG welding and i never intended to learn about it or try it out, but I've been binging all these videos. value all knowledge

[@rsluggy6485]

I bought a Primeweld 225 based almost entirely on your review of that machine. It was a few years between the review and my purchase, so I got the better pedal, but otherwise I could not be happier with my machine. I personally need more practice with aluminum, but it is SOOOOO easy to use on steel.

[@eab62]

I've been watching all these videos for over a year while saving for my TIG welder. Really great series. Appreciate all the info and keen to finally get started welding myself

[@JaymeVanAuken]

The second video I've watched of yours both are excellent. This one will be the gold standard for reviewing as I learn to TIG. Thank you - Van

[@brentweiser3596]

I was so excited when my first everlast welder arrived at my home. I have learned how to weld a bit and am loving it

[@onehot57]

Great video Justin, when I first started welding 65 years ago, all we had was gas. Years ago someone told me that if you can gas weld you can TIG with no problem, we’ll that’s not all together true. I am about to get a new inverter TIG machine and watch all your stuff.

[@JaakkoF]

TIG being the "same" as gas welding in terms of torch control and dipping your filler rod is probably the similarity everyone refers to. It is indeed easy to learn to gas weld and that transfers to TIG well with the hand-eye coordination, but TIG still is a whole another world with the machine settings. So all in all, gas welding experience helps, no doubt about it.

[@jasonmoseley1442]

I'm in welding school and my instructor uses your videos as supplemental coaching. Thanks!

[@rendel5024]

This is gold, absolute gold. I did a one day welding course earlier in the year and paid almost $500, and wasn't told crap really. I learnt what I absolutely needed to know and absolutely nothing else. The info I've seen on your channel today alone has been so helpful. Cheers.

[@FM-hv6zc]

Wish all video tutorial uploaders in whatever field they ply their trade in, would watch this tutorial approach on explaining basics fundamentals on a subject field. In this case "How To Set up for TIG welding" Precise, informative, direct, excellent delivery which was quickly absorbed. Thank you

[@Sagart999]

I've been looking at a lot of your videos, and getting ready for my first TIG class. Good, solid info - especially on how to avoid fooling yourself by using what could amount to crutches that would cover a new guy's mistakes. That alone answered a lot of questions. Much appreciated.

[@ajmckay2]

I think this is the best TIG video I've seen yet aimed at beginning welders

[@mlenz2553]

Thank God I found this channel 🙌. You just saved me so much time and research

[@stephenstoker570]

Just took delivery of the AHP AlphaTIG-201XD, and they have listened to the reviews and comments concerning the foot pedal. Mine included the preferred "rocker" style of foot pedal. I was surprised but have heard good comments about there customer support and I take the change to be very positive. I really enjoy your videos, your very good as a teacher.

[@rjuarez4913]

I was cooking my material. You said amperage is not heat...time spent sitting there not moving is heat. And suggesting non gas cups to up your technique. Probably the two most valuable pieces besides cup size. Thank you tremendously.

[@Reuben-eo2up]

I’ve been tig welding for about 4 weeks now and have watched hundreds of videos on it by now, and I’ve been doing everything properly and for some reason my tungsten would just melt and my welds were covered with brow dust and I could not make a bead for the life of me. Today I come in the shop and my shop teacher says hey I check this out, and when we looked at the gas that was hooked up, the last person to hook up the gas had hooked up the argon co2 mix. So we put the 100% argon tank on and I layed down a bead and I stacked dimes almost perfectly, it was fricken awesome

[@Mustached_Crusader]

Working in a weld supply business I’m so glad he hits on points that are often ignored or overlooked by a lot of people

[@gsxr440]

I've been mig welding for years and now I finally want to get into tig .... ive been watching your vids for a few weeks now and you give really good info for the beginner... 👍👍

[@android01978]

As a noob that’s probably just spent far too much money on a tig machine, I really appreciate this video. It gets overwhelming the number of options and opinions out there that probably make very little difference to the first few welds (or attempts maybe). Fingers crossed I don’t break anything with my first few practice welds 😬

[@mmipmobilewelding6975]

I’ve been in the trade for ten years now but haven’t been full time on the tig except when I was welding pipe. I’m looking for a cheap tig machine for my garage to bring in some side work and found this video. I have to say that you’re spot on with the hood discussion and I agree with your big cup logic 100%! Keep up the awesome videos dude!

[@marcsnider8190]

Good morning Justin. I must say you my friend are a great instructor. I have been a professional welder for 30 years and came across your site just playing on the net. what you bring to the welding trade for new people is amazing. keep up the great work. you can always learn and I have even learned new things from you. good job.

[@bquade70]

Best how to tig out there 👍👍

[@georgedennison3338]

Great intro directed exactly at my sitch. Answered questions I had & gave me answers I didn't know I needed. Thanks!

[@paulcooper2897]

The best No BS intro to tig video i have seen on youtube. Subbed! Oxy, Mig & Stuck for 40 years and now I'm looking to buy my first tig this year and was looking for information... think its time to binge watch your channel.

[@Kombikraal]

Hi Justin ! I followed your advice to the letter and did my first tig today with impressive results ... WOW your advice is incredible ! Well done Justin - brilliant video's and perfectly suited for every level of TIG welder.

[@erinaledo1267]

Thanks for simplifying the over whelming amount of variables when it comes to tig. I’ve been mig welding for years. Bought my first tig set up to learn a new skill. Boy I feel like a fish out of water when it comes to all the crap and steps you have to take just to start laying a bead down. Hahah

[@gf-qx8mv]

I've got so much to learn! Thanks for an excellent "starter" video. It's been over 50 years since I first laid my hands on a arc stinger; now I'm going to start using TIG (if I can) and have more skills to utilize. Thanks for the great video, I learned quite a lot from it. We'll see if your advice stuck to this old codger!

[@jrslock]

Thanks!

[@topstar3]

Wow thanks for this video! Been mig welding for years but shopping for my first AC/DC TIG machine and found this video very helpful

[@tedhargiss1056]

YES! Thank you for putting this video together. Very good, and detailed information. All wrapped up in one package. And, I just got my first torch for my multi-process for Christmas.

[@itsJoshW]

To be very honest, I regret not looking at this video in July when I originally purchased my mig/tig combo lol. I had to get someone to tig weld some exhaust portions of my car (custom fabricated exhaust piping, but I need to learn how to weld...i didn't have everything, so instead, I got a friend to weld up the parts for me). I plan on changing that up this year and learn how to TIG. I digress, great videos, I loved watching this. Welding certainly is not my career (I work in I.T.), but learning it seems exciting and would open the doors to multiple things that I cannot wait to accomplish when fabricating. I already have extensive knowledge with cutting on a torch and various methods of bending steal and fabrication (I like to mess around and build things), but never fully had been able to learn to TIG. I liked watching this content, keep up the great work! I believe I subbed quite some time ago when I saw a video of a custom made exhaust manifold, as well. I don't ever plan on doing something this extreme (well, not yet at least lol), BUT I do like the notion of being capable of designing piping myself so I don't need to source expensive pre-designed piping.

[@PeterC3400]

It's good to see someone harping on just sticking to basics and practice, practice, practice. Too much is out there about how we MUST buy all the fancy stuff in order to weld well. It reminds of the simple fact that SKILL, earned with sweat over time, will always triumph over 'fancy'. Tiger Woods could still outscore me on the golf course using a cricket bat, even if I had a set of Pings.

[@FoxMacLeod2501]

Thank you SO MUCH! This is perfect for me. I just mail-ordered myself the cheapest AC/DC inverter-based welder I could find that didn't seem like a piece of junk (Eastwood TIG 200). I'm waiting for it to arrive in the mail, so this video was absolutely *perfectly* timed for me. I was just starting to figure out what to put my beginner TIG shopping list, and then BAM! you made it for me. Love the videos, merry ecks-mas, and as always, I look forward to your next one!

[@phillipanderson6075]

From somebody who’s been aseptic-tug welding for 20 years. You explained that beautifully

[@Mr_Zisky]

Amazing! That's exactly the kind of introduction I was looking for! After watching 10 other videos this one finally answered all my questions. Thank you!

[@vm0r3n0]

Amazing information, I've watched this video several times and I still learning some details. Congratulations.

[@BigPowerAL]

This information is Gold for a new welder like myself. Can’t thank you enough for putting this information available.

[@66mybeat]

Great video Justin! You explain stuff so much better than 90% of the welders out there! Thanks for the video and keep them coming!!

[@lindenmooney9765]

Awesome Justin, thank you, I’m a newbie and this Chanel is providing me the real “good oil” managing my expectations and setting me up with fantastic guidance to get started and understand this wizardry , cheers

[@EigenkonstruktDe]

Two weeks ago i got my first Tig machine, did an unboxing and started to teach myself! Perfect timing :D

[@chueewowee]

Brilliant delivery, no nonsense.

[@BuildBreakFix]

lol dono how I got recommended this video lol! But watched it anyhow lol! Been welding for many many years now, People! 10:00 This one whole point this guy makes in the next 20 seconds is the one main thing you need if anything to take away from this video! Buy a freaking good Hood! I have seen 4 people screw there eyes up with crap hoods from like harbor freight and stuff over the years! Thank god someone on youtube has enough common sense to lay these facts out for new people to welding! Good work man!

[@UnpimpYourAuto]

Nothing makes you feel better about your purchase than to see an instructor unboxing the same welder that you just bought. :-)

[@paulambry]

Really helpful - most importantly by telling us what DOESN'T matter. Clear, concise and effective. Thanks.

[@barryyoung4982]

Just got my tig, been welding with everything else for 20 yrs. frustrating aint the word. i can gas weld with my eyes shut, but this tig is PICKY! Your videos are helping me out so much. I still cant use the thing worth a hill of beans but im practicing. Keep up the good work bud!

[@TheFabricatorSeries]

Just remember to never pick up the torch to add filler or control heat. That's what the pedal and travel speed are for. The torch is to be kept as close as possible without touching and continuos motion from start to finish. No whips, no stacks, no swirls... just straight line, nice and tight.

[@barryyoung4982]

@@TheFabricatorSeries Yea I havent even tried the pedal yet. can barely be still enough to run a fusion bead, much less filler yet. My biggest trouble is starting the arc, ive tried everything and i just cant get a consistant start up and hi volt start just sounds like its bad for the machine. I need to build me a welding station like yours, standing just makes my welding even worse.

[@carlolisadangelo2854]

Justin, just a big thanks, tig has been voodoo for years to me, and I'm a good mig/stick self taught welder.

[@MorFabIndustries]

I went through SOOOOOOOOOOO much tungsten and argon when i was learning to tig. Argon and consumables are a must!

[@ram19258]

Sure appreciate the instructional videos you folks produce. Decided I wanted to learn how to TIG weld and you folks have been my "go to" source for info. Thanks again!!!

[@austinburtch5972]

I like what you said about using a furrik cups, etc, to mask results. I feel the same way and I'm glad you said it. Keep it up!

[@davidlakatosh9456]

Somebody already mentioned exactly what I was thinking. love the no B.S. approach

[@mub3ady]

Thank you I like your simplification of the matter, a quality painfully missing on vast majority of explanatory videos causing confusion for beginners or putting them off. Much appreciated and thank you again.

[@calambeno6303]

hi justin im a filipino very interesting your topic regarding tig weld very clear explanation more power to you thank you so much.

[@kaleip]

best from scratch ,add free, tig video on KZbin ! thanks for your time.

[@calvinehlert4756]

nice to hear a no bs discussion about the basic equipment staying "calm" during the initial work with the setup!

[@Elvirth24]

I love my AlphaTig. So far I've used it to make a set of straight pipes and an air cleaner cover for my modified 1982 Yamaha Virago 750, with more planned mods in the future.

[@jonothatsright3231]

Cheers mate, watchin from Australia and been so helpful so far. You make it simplified for people trying to over complicate it..

[@guillermonieri4203]

That was an excellent lesson for me; I am fixing to start TIG welding in September, and this will definitely help me. Thank you.