TIG Weld with Stick Welder

How to Tig weld with stick welder 

If you already have a DC stick welder like the one shown in the video above, All you need is a cylinder of argon, a flowmeter, and a tig torch with a valve...and you can do scratch start tig welding.

It used to be that scratch start tig was the cheapest way to get started tig welding.

and it still can be provided you already own a DC stick welder.

But now that there are affordable tig welders available that have high frequency start along with AC DC capability, scratch start tig is not necessarily the cheapest or best way to get started tig welding.

One of the most affordable tig welders available that comes with a nice torch and foot pedal is the PrimeWeld TIG225x

Learn more about the bonus deals we have on the PrimeWeld TIG 225 at weldmonger.com

Almost any Stick Welder can be Turned into a Scratch Start TIG Welder

Part # 105z57 is what you need along witha single hose air cooled tig torch with valve

Scratch Start TIG is still used quite a lot for pipe welding because it is so portable.

As long as you have enough welding lead and argon hose, you can be welding 100 feet or more from your welding machine.

Scratch start is almost always strictly a DC tig process because you have to touch the tungsten to the metal in order to start the arc and that just doesn't work out well for tig welding aluminum.

While Scratch Start TIG welding may have certain advantages in specific situations, it is important to note that dedicated TIG welding machines generally offer superior performance, control, and ease of use. Nonetheless, here are a few potential benefits of Scratch Start TIG welding:

1. Cost-effectiveness: Scratch Start TIG welding can be a more affordable option for individuals or small-scale operations that don't have access to a dedicated TIG welding machine. It requires fewer specialized equipment and can be accomplished with basic welding equipment.
2. Portability: Scratch Start TIG welding can be performed using a conventional stick welding machine, making it a viable option for remote or on-site welding applications where dedicated TIG equipment might not be available or practical to transport.
3. Versatility: Scratch Start TIG welding allows you to switch between different welding processes, such as TIG welding and stick welding, without the need for separate machines. This flexibility can be useful in situations where different welding techniques are required for various materials or joint configurations. A perfect example is a tig root and hot pass in a pipe with 7018 stick fill and cap.
4. Simplicity: The setup and operation of Scratch Start TIG welding can be simpler compared to dedicated TIG welding machines. It involves fewer controls and adjustments, making it more bullet proof for field conditions.
5. Maintenance: Scratch Start TIG welding generally involves fewer complex components, which can result in reduced maintenance requirements. Dedicated TIG welding machines often have additional features and electronic components that might act up if left out in the elements.
6. It is worth noting that dedicated TIG welding machines provide significant advantages in terms of arc stability, control over welding parameters, and weld quality. They offer features such as high-frequency starts, pulse welding, adjustable current settings, and better shielding gas controls like pre flow post flow, which for certain applications like stainless steel sanitary welding, can greatly improve the welding process and the quality of the welds produced.