Simply put, NO, you can’t Tig weld without Gas!
Gas is required to protect both the Tungsten Electrode and the weld pool from Oxygen. Most Tig Welder torches are also cooled by the gas, so not using gas would risk burning out the Torch.
It’s theoretically possible to use a Flux, in the same way as Gas Brazing, but this would leave the Tungsten Electrode unprotected from Oxygen, so it would go black and burn away REALLY quickly. Plus, as previously mentioned, you risk overheating a gas cooled torch.
So sorry, but you need Gas to Tig Weld properly!
For most Tig Welding Applications, Pure Argon Gas is ideal, although more exotic (and expensive), gases are available for specific applications.
View our Disposable Pure Argon Gas Cylinder
You might also find my article Can you use the same Gas for Mig and Tig useful.
Can you Tig Weld without Gas – NO
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Regards
Graham
Can I tig weld a small piece of metal with no gas ?
Hi Andre
Not really!
The Gas prevents oxidisation of the weld and the Tungsten electrode.
Whilst you could, theoretically, use a flux to prevent weld oxidisation, I can’t see how you would protect the Tungsten.
Cheers Graham
my question is can the arc of a tig welder be used to heat a loctited bolt .
Hi Richard
Theoretically, Yes, but It’s not something I would do!
Cheers Graham