Troubleshooting
Why is my tig welding tungsten contamination?
Quick answer
Tungsten contamination in tig welding usually means dipping the electrode in the pool or touching filler to the tip. For this process, regrind and restart before touching anything else.
The specific fix
Regrind and restart. The general rule: regrind the tungsten; hold 2–3 mm stand-off and feed the rod into the leading edge of the pool.
Process checklist
- Dipping the tungsten into the pool — contaminating the electrode and the weld
- Too much torch angle: 10–15° from vertical is plenty
- Forgetten post-flow gas: tungsten oxidises and turns black as it cools