How should you feed the filler rod during TIG welding?

• A. Rest it on the tungsten until the puddle forms
• B. Dip it into the center of the puddle
• C. Lay it across the edge of the puddle
• D. Dip it gently into the front edge of the puddle, not the tungsten

Answer: (D)

Feeding the filler rod into the front edge of the molten puddle is the right approach. This allows the filler metal to wet and fuse with the base metal as the weld forms, creating a smooth, well-penetrated bead while keeping the tungsten electrode clean. dipping into the center can disrupt the pool and dilute the bead, and resting on the tungsten risks contaminating the electrode and causing inclusions. Laying the rod across the edge can lead to poor wetting and an uneven bead. By gently dipping into the front edge, you maintain proper heat direction, ensure good shielding, and achieve consistent weld quality. Keep the rod at a light angle and feed steadily as you travel.