How should you finish a TIG weld procedure?

• A. Increase amperage to finish quickly
• B. Taper off heat and let post-flow protect the weld
• C. Stop immediately and remove heat
• D. Remove shielding gas early

Answer: (B)

Finishing a TIG weld properly hinges on two things: tapering the heat as you near the end and keeping shielding gas flowing to protect the weld as it cools. Tapering off heat helps avoid crater cracking and creates a smoother, more uniform bead as solidification completes. Continuing shielding gas after you stop ensures the hot weld area isn’t exposed to air, preventing oxidation and contamination during cooling. Pushing heat in to finish faster can cause burn-through or a rough crater; stopping abruptly without post-flow protection can leave oxidation or cracking issues; and removing shielding gas too early invites porosity and oxidation. So, taper the heat and maintain post-flow shielding to protect the weld through cooling and solidification.