Tungsten spitting cause?

• A. Using too much filler metal
• B. Low welding current
• C. Overheating or touching the puddle with the tungsten
• D. Using a gas lens

Answer: (C)

Tungsten spitting happens when the tungsten electrode overheats or is dipped into the molten puddle. When the tip gets too hot for the current or the electrode actually touches the puddle, small pieces of tungsten melt off and get expelled into the weld. This not only leaves tungsten in the weld but can also contaminate the weld and disturb the arc.

To prevent it, use the right size tungsten for the current, keep the tip sharp but not melted, maintain a short arc length, and avoid touching the electrode to the puddle. If needed, reduce current or adjust technique rather than relying on the filler metal or shielding changes.

The other options don’t address the root cause of tungsten spitting. Using more filler metal changes the weld metal amount, not the electrode behavior. Low current reduces heat but isn’t the primary cause of spitting, and a gas lens affects shielding quality rather than preventing tungsten fragments from entering the weld.