Can we Push Or Pull Tig Welder? The fun fact about welding is that you can use different techniques to fulfill your welding task. But some structural welding projects might need one specific welding technique or even another welding machine too. So far, there are two types of welders we have, TIG (Tungsten inert gas) and MIG (Metal Inert Gas).
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Push Or Pull Tig Welder - Comparison
To get you started, let us first talk about the two methods of welding: the push and the pull. There are special machines for both types of welding, but this is not it. A person must know the basics of everything he must have. Then we have the techniques that can be used for practical welding.
Structural welding might need a specific direction and technique like push or pull tig welder, but if you have precision, a steady hand, and opt to get just the welding part done, then you can use either. But a little follow back is which welder you are using. Let us dig deep into these techniques.
| Push TIG Welders | Pull TIG Welders |
| Does not penetrate deeply | Penetrates deeply |
| Quality arcs | Offers stronger attachment |
| Ensure weld puddle is away from gun | Excellent and durable finishing |
| Smooth and flat puddles | Allows you to see the beads quickly |
Pull Welding
As the name suggests, you can easily visualize what you will be doing with your welder tip. But to be specific, this technique calls for dragging the electrode or welding tip away from the metal you are depositing over the surface. Thus, the rod is now pointing back at the puddle.
This technique is also called backhand because of the motion of the hand it causes during welding. If you were getting a chance to ask a welder if they will use the Pull or Push TIG welding technique, they would say Pull. The reason is that it has deeper penetration and forms narrower beads that seem to be clean.
When to use Pull Welding?
If you have a TIG welder, you might be disappointed to know that Pull welding is not for TIG. It can be used with a MIG welder, and you will see the notable difference from the push technique because of the even and narrow beads.
Since we are talking about Pull welding and MIG welding, knowing the difference between the WIG and TIG is essential. WIG is faster than TIG and ideal for thicker metal. But do keep in mind that the result might not be as clean as you think, and setting up a MIG welder is a bit different as well than the TIG.
Now the only question stands when to use Pull welding? The answer is simple: You can do Pull welding for everything WIG welder is used for because it is restricted. Here is a list to give you an idea of what projects you can create with Pull welding:
- Metal joints and component repairs
- Trailering hitches and joints
- Metal Pipe welding
- Construction welding
- Automobile repairs and manufacturing
- Underwater welding projects
- Railway track repair
- Shipbuilding
Advantages of Pull welding
- Deeper penetration of the material
- Stronger attachment
- More durable finish
Disadvantages of Pull welding
- The welding mark is unappealing
- Pull welding is often needs grinding to smooth the surface out
Push or Drag Welding
The push welding technique is also known as forehand or drag welding. The name suggests that welding involves pushing the electrode away from the puddle to many a line stroke. Thus, the strokes will look as if the plates of metal are stitched together. The result of push welding is relatively clean and has wide flat beads of welding. Most people often say that its penetration is a bit less than what you get in pull welding. The reason for low penetration is that we are making arc-like stitches for welding.
But the plus point is that Push welding is used for both TIG and MIG. Even though it is the only welding technique for TIG and flux core welding, it still works impressively for small metal welding.
Are you enthusiastic about welding, read the article Mig or Tig Welder for Beginner in detail?
Push welding in TIG
For a TIG welder, you must need a metal wire and the TIG welding tip. With your working hand, hold the TIG welding pin, and with the other hand, have the metal wire. With a slow and careful stroke, start connecting the metal plates. Try to make an even stitch, but honestly, it needs practice.
The problem with the push welding is that the TIG welding pin is so cross to the welding area that it is hard to see and work through. Here you may lose precision and might even have it hard to look where to weld.
Push welding in MIG
The MIG welding pin can be thicker than the TIG pin, so you might not need a metal wire for welding. The process is the same for the push technique in MIG, steady strokes in welding, and you are good to go.
Other than that, many people may say push welding is complex in MIG because of the motion of the hand during welding. It needs to seal both ends of the joint. We recommend using up and down motion for a perfect and firm weld. Many people may see how uneven the welding can get with the welding strokes. It is okay to use this welded piece for internal structures; otherwise, it may be pretty bad-looking for sure. But you can continuously perfect it with practice, and honestly, if you have perfected it, it can be used for many things.
Advantages of Pull welding
- Flat and smoother puddles
- If done with perfection, it looks very good looking
Disadvantages of Pull welding
- Not deep penetration
- Not ideal for high-stress or weighted objects, the welding might break
Conclusion
Both welding techniques are essential to know for different structural use. The use of pull or push welding also depends on what kind of welder machine you have. If you are not worried about the appearance of the welding and have a MIG, then go for Pull welding. Otherwise, Push welding can work for you with both TIG and WIG. The only thing that is standing between these techniques and your practice. Experiment yourself, and let us know what you think! Read more