Skunk Works

Tig Welding

The constuction of my multiband antenna could not have happened without the use of my tig-welder.

This photo shows the tig-torch that is controlled by a foot-pedal that controls the amperage required to form the aluminum weld bead shown here.
The tungsten protruding from the gas-cup is a non-consumable part of the welding process, and is used to strike the arc, and control the molten puddle of aluminum. The aluminum filler rod that I am holding in my right hand, being that I am left handed and prefer to hold the tig-torch with my left-hand, is used to feed the filler-rod in to the molten puddle and create the bead that is shown in the photo.
This style of weld is described as a stack-of-dimes, and a skilled tig-welder can lay down a bead that is a work of art!

http://www.jerryclement.ca/Electronics/Ham-Radio/i-j3k7w6d/0/L/MG9112-L.jpg