When TIG welding, Lift Arc ignition is done by touching the tungsten electrode to the workpiece and lifting it up to start the arc. Lift Arc ignition stops the tungsten tip from sticking to the workpiece and breaking the tungsten electrode.

Lift Arc TIG

Lift Arc TIG torches, or valve torches, are designed for DC welding, not AC welding. To weld aluminium, you’ll need a high-frequency AC TIG welder.

 Before starting your weld, make sure you have opened the valve on your torch, and the gas is on. You don’t want to accidentally start a weld that is instantly contaminated because the gas wasn’t flowing.

The best and easiest way to start a Lift Arc is to hold your torch at a 45° angle, with the gas shroud resting on the workpiece while you line your tungsten up where you want to weld. Don’t touch the metal while lining up your tungsten.

Once you’re ready, in one motion, move the torch up to a 90° angle as the tungsten electrode touches the metal, and then lift it off the workpiece roughly 3mm to initiate the arc.

If something goes wrong or your tungsten does get stuck, you can be left with a tungsten inclusion. You’ll need to re-sharpen your tungsten and grind back the metal before starting again. If you don’t, you’ll be left with a weld defect at the start of your weld.