Troubleshooting
Why is my tig welding cracking?
Quick answer
Cracking in tig welding usually means high restraint, hydrogen from damp consumables, or fast cooling on thick sections. For this process, fill the crater — always taper out before touching anything else.
The specific fix
Fill the crater — always taper out. The general rule: preheat, dry rods in a rod oven, fill craters, use low-hydrogen rods on structural work.
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