TIG welding

Push or pull: which technique for tig welding?

Quick answer

Mostly neutral to a slight push (10–15°). The rule that matters more: keep the tungsten 2–3 mm off the work and feed rod into the pool's leading edge — never let filler touch the tungsten.

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Why the angle matters

Angle directs the arc force and the shield. Pushing pre-heats the path and gives a wider, flatter bead; dragging focuses heat into the metal for penetration but risks slag trapping on fluxed processes. Pick per process and stay consistent — wandering angles make wandering beads.