TIG Welding Materials & Consumables.

New to TIG welding and not sure where to start looking for supplies? Check out the list below to get started.

First up though, what are some of the materials and consumables you will need on a regular or occasional basis from your chosen suppliers?

TOOLS AND MATERIALS/CONSUMABLES

Regular Consumables

These are items that generally see use or wear and tear every time you use your TIG. With that in mind, how often you need to replace these does depend on how often you weld.

Tungsten Electrodes – Types include 2% lanthanated (blue), ceriated (gray), thoriated (red), and pure tungsten. Sizes commonly range from 1/16" to 1/8".

Filler Rods – Selected based on base material:

- ER70S-2 or ER70S-6 for carbon steels

- 308L for 304 Stainless

- 316L for 316 Stainless

- 4043 or 5356 for aluminium alloys

- Grade 2 ErTi-2, Grade 3 ErTi-3, Ti6Al4V/Grade 5 ErTi-5 for titanium

Shielding Gas – Typically pure argon; argon-helium mixtures are used for specific applications.

Weld Cleaning Supplies – Such as wire brushes and chemical cleaners for post-weld finishing.

Collets & Collet Bodies – Secure the tungsten electrode within the torch noting the collets are something you will replace more often (according to use) than the collet bodies themselves.

Occasional Consumables

These are things that generally wear out a lot slower over time, or are commonly damaged (or lost 😅) items.

Welding PPE – Includes gloves, helmets, jackets, and safety glasses.

Gas Lenses – Enhance shielding gas coverage, improving weld quality. (What size lens should you use? - https://www.hpacademy.com/blog/choosing-a-gas-cup-or-gas-lens-tig-welding/)

Ceramic or Pyrex Cups – Direct the shielding gas to the weld area.

O-Rings & Insulators – Ensure proper sealing and electrical insulation within the torch.

Back Caps – Seal the rear of the torch and hold the tungsten in place.

Tungsten Grinders – For sharpening tungsten electrodes to the desired point.

Foot Pedals & Switches – Control welding current during operation.

Power Cables & Adapters – Connect the torch to the power source.

Gas Hoses & Flow Meters – Regulate and deliver shielding gas to the torch.

Purge Plugs - Used for back purging. (What is back purging? - https://www.hpacademy.com/blog/purging-tig-welds-heres-why-and-how/)

SUPPLIERS

When using a list like this note the BEST retailer for you can also depend on your location. There’s no point paying extra on shipping and taxes if you can get the same things locally.

If you’re buying a TIG welder, check this out for some tips: https://www.hpacademy.com/blog/welder-buying-basics/

Don't see your favourite supplier here? Recommend them below to have them added.

US:

TIG Asthetics | Cups, purge accessories, hoses and some fabrication tools - https://www.tigaesthetics.com/

Furick - Cups, torch parts, purge plugs, helmets and more https://furickcup.com/

UK:

R-Tech Welding Equipment | Everything, although range limited in some areas (like purging accessories) - https://www.r-techwelding.co.uk/

TEC Products | Torch parts, welding cups and more - https://www.tecproducts.co.uk/

Australasia:

Fab Supply & Co | Lenses, cups, pedals, you name it along with some fabrication gear as well - https://www.fabsupply.co.nz/

KO Welding | Cups, lenses, necks and more - https://kowelding.com.au/