How to Weld - TIG Welding

Step 6 Prepare Metal and Welding Table

Some kind of large metallic area is necessary to let electricity flow through your metal. We're using a welding table, purchased for the purpose. Otherwise, a large piece of sheet metal will do perfectly well (just make sure it's flat).

Beauty Tip: Use a wire brush to scrub the surfaces of the metal. It's good practice to keep a dedicated aluminum brush (separate from what you use to clean steel). If you want really nice-looking welds, you can also wipe down the welding rods with acetone.

If you don't care about the way the welds look when finished, don't bother and you'll be fine. However, your welds will be a little weaker and not as pretty.

Clamp your metals so they'll stay where you want them when you weld.

And, if you have the stuff, spray down your welding table with anti-spatter (so if any metal leaks off, it doesn't stick where it lands, which is important if you're trying to keep your surface flat).

Comments

[CHEVY6998]

I would strongly suggest a dedicated stainless brush for aluminum. Also one should always care about the way a weld looks and functions. A proper weld will look good by nature. A weak weld is a dangerous one.

[stasterisk]

did you read the instructable? I only recommend seperate brushes.

[ratz2]

Not only a dedicated brush for aluminum but a dedicated Stainless Steel brush. Other metal brushes could contaminate the weld.

[Fredrick_chilton]

At the place where I work, we also use hand held Pneumatic sanders usually with 60 grit wheels. It's a fantastic tool if you need to trim off small amounts of excess material, and for clearing rust/oxidation/light dirt off of a table surface. I usually use older, more worn out wheels for the table surface. Then wipe it down with dry rag or shop towel. If you have access to this kind of tool, give it a whirl :D But don't forget safety glasses and dust mask! I actually prefer a bandana over the nose and mouth (think bandito)and not a dust mask. It keeps my glasses from fogging up.