Filler rod angle from the workpiece?

• A. 15-20° from the workpiece
• B. 0°
• C. 45°
• D. 90°

Answer: (A)

In GTAW, how you hold the filler rod matters for directing the added metal into the molten pool and achieving a smooth, well-wetted bead. The best practice is to hold the filler rod at a small angle away from the workpiece—about 15 to 20 degrees. This slight tilt lets the filler metal flow into the pool without it skimming along the surface or being forced away by the arc, and it helps keep the tungsten from contaminating the weld bead.

Holding the rod at 0 degrees (flat against the surface) makes it harder to feed metal into the pool evenly, which can lead to inconsistent deposition or underfill. A steep angle, such as 45 degrees or 90 degrees, can misdirect the filler, cause excessive buildup on the surface, and disrupt bead shape and penetration. The 15–20 degree range balances control, precision, and bead quality, making it the most effective choice for adding filler metal.