What's the Best Way to TIG weld?

What is the best way to tig weld?

Is it...

Scratch Start TIG?

Lift Arc?

High Frequency Start with Foot Pedal?

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For TIG welding in the shop...an AC DC TIG welder with high frequency start and a foot pedal amperage control is my preference

Its hard to beat the control you get with a foot pedal. Especially for precision tig work.

this video shows how 2t and 4t settings work with a torch switch as compared to a foot pedal amperage control.

Lift Arc TIG

Lift arc tig is similar to scratch start tig except that true lift arc machines have a built in safety feature to limit open circuit voltage.

that makes is less likely to shock you and makes for easier arc starts that don't dull the tungsten tip as easily as scratch start.

Lift arc tig is great for field work like stainless sanitary tubing.

Here are some of the advantages of lift arc TIG welding:

1. Ease of use: Lift arc TIG welding is relatively easy to learn and operate, especially for beginners. The process involves touching the tungsten electrode to the workpiece to initiate the arc, eliminating the need for a foot pedal or high-frequency start.
2. Cost-effective: Lift arc TIG welding is typically more affordable compared to other TIG welding methods that require additional equipment like high-frequency units. The simplicity of the process translates into cost savings, making it an attractive option for small-scale welding operations.
3. Enhanced safety: Lift arc TIG welding eliminates the need for high-frequency starts, which can interfere with sensitive electronics and cause electromagnetic interference (EMI). This makes it a safer option for welding in proximity to electronic equipment or in areas where EMI could be a concern.
4. Reduced tungsten contamination: Lift arc TIG welding minimizes the risk of tungsten contamination. By initiating the arc without high-frequency starts, there is less likelihood of tungsten particles breaking off and contaminating the weld pool. This is particularly important when working with reactive metals like titanium or aluminum.
5. Improved control and precision: Lift arc TIG welding provides better control over the arc initiation process, allowing for precise control of the heat input. The welder can easily position the tungsten electrode and initiate the arc exactly where desired, resulting in accurate and controlled weld starts.
6. Versatility: Lift arc TIG welding can be used for a wide range of materials, including steel, stainless steel, copper, and their alloys. The process offers excellent weld quality and is particularly well-suited for thin materials, providing clean, aesthetically pleasing welds.
7. Reduced spatter and cleanup: Lift arc TIG welding produces minimal spatter compared to other welding processes like MIG welding. This reduces the time and effort required for post-weld cleanup, making it ideal for applications where a clean appearance is important.

For Certain jobs, the best way to tig weld is still Scratch Start TIG

The great thing about scratch start tig is that all you need is a DC stick welder, argon, flowmeter, a 105z57 power cable adapter, and an air cooled tig torch with a valve.

See this full article and video on scratch start tig and how to tig with a stick welder

Scratch start TIG is still used quite a bit on for pipe welding and a few other types of jobs where portability and simplicity are important.