TIG freehand ?

admin

Hi - Got a dumb question for the tig welders - more specifically the free handers.  Getting pretty versed with walking the cup in the root and in the groove of pipe but want to learn free hand as well.  I can do a decent job on plate but I run into a prob with the torch on pipe.  The torches we have at school are the standard angled head ones - dont know how else to describe them.  This angle makes it hard for me to prop my hand on the pipe for some stability as I weld as the angle points the tungsten at the far bevel edge - cant direct the tungsten straight into the weld - hope that made sense - now I realize that a flex head torch would allow me to adjust the angle of the torch head but I dont have one at our lab and I dont want to just rely on a specialized piece of equipment I may or may  not get on the job.  SO my question is are you freehanders able to weld on pipe with out a flex head and should I just relook at how I hold my torch and figure it out?  Hope that all made sense - thanks Dave
Reply:Get a tig finger, helps for bracing your hand.
Reply:Originally Posted by Old SkoolGet a tig finger, helps for bracing your hand.
Reply:thanks for tips - have a tig finger and palm pads - will just have to play with it a bit - the stubby idea is good too thanks - I dont have huge hands but not small either and by posting with my pinky it  still seems a stretch to get the tungsten pointed straight - smaller width wise coupons dont help either - good to hear though that a flexi head is not critical
Reply:are you all able to do this with size 17 torches? thanks - Dave
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