17 TIG Welder Interview Questions and Answers

TIG welding is a type of welding that uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to produce the weld. TIG welding is often used for thin metal sections, as it provides precise control over the weld pool. TIG welders are in high demand as they are able to weld a variety of metals, including aluminum, stainless steel, and magnesium.

If you’re looking for a job as a TIG welder, you’ll need to be prepared to answer a variety of interview questions. In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of sample TIG welder interview questions and answers to help you prepare for your next interview.

Are you familiar with the proper use of a TIG welder?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of the tools and equipment used in this role. You can answer with a simple list of steps or you can provide more detail about each step.

Example: “The first thing I do when using a TIG welder is make sure it’s set up properly. This includes making sure the gas flow, amperage and voltage are all at the right levels for the job. Next, I connect the ground clamp to my work piece and then attach the torch to the machine. Finally, I turn on the power switch and start welding.”

What are the different types of TIG welds you can perform?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the different types of welds you can perform with TIG welding. You should list all the types of welds you know how to make and explain what each one does.

Example: “There are three main types of TIG welds I can perform. The first is fillet weld, which is used for joining two pieces of metal together. Another type is groove weld, which is used for making long welds that run along an object’s surface. Finally, there’s stitch weld, which is used when you need to connect multiple parts of a single piece of metal.”

How would you troubleshoot a TIG welder if it was not working properly?

Troubleshooting is an important skill for any welder to have. Employers ask this question to make sure you know how to fix a TIG welder if it breaks down. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to figure out the problem and repair it.

Example: “I would first check all of the connections on the machine. If they are secure, I would then test the gas flow by turning on the oxygen valve and watching for a flame. If there is no flame, I would check the gas cylinder pressure. If that’s fine, I would move onto checking the power supply. If everything checks out with the power supply, I would then look at the ground clamp.”

What is the proper procedure for cleaning and storing a TIG welder when you are finished using it for the day?

The interviewer may ask you a question like this to assess your attention to detail and ensure that you are able to follow proper safety procedures. In your answer, provide the steps for cleaning and storing a TIG welder and emphasize how important it is to adhere to these procedures in order to avoid accidents or damage to the equipment.

Example: “I always make sure to clean my TIG welder after each use. I start by disconnecting all of the power sources from the machine and then remove any pieces that need to be cleaned. Next, I wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth and then spray compressed air into the interior to remove any dust or debris. Finally, I store the unit in a safe place where it won’t get damaged.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to use your problem-solving skills to find a solution to a technical issue with a TIG welder.

The interviewer may ask you a question like this to assess your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Use examples from past experiences where you had to use your own ingenuity or creativity to solve a technical issue with a TIG welder.

Example: “In my last position, I was working on a project that required me to weld together two pieces of metal that were both very thin. The challenge was that the metal was so thin that it would burn through before I could complete the weld. So, I used my knowledge of how electricity works to find a solution. I decided to increase the voltage of the machine by 10% to give myself more time to complete the weld.”

If you were working on a project that required you to weld a variety of different metals, what strategies would you use to determine the best settings for each type of metal?

This question can help the interviewer determine your ability to adapt and apply different strategies when working on a variety of projects. Use examples from past experience or explain how you would approach this situation if it’s something you haven’t done before.

Example: “I would first consider what type of metal I’m welding, as each one has its own unique properties that affect the way it responds to heat. For example, aluminum is highly reactive to heat, so I would use lower settings than steel to avoid burning through the material. I also take into account the thickness of the metal, as thicker metals require higher temperatures.”

What would you do if you noticed that the quality of your TIG welds was starting to deteriorate?

This question can help interviewers assess your problem-solving skills and ability to self-evaluate. In your answer, try to explain what you would do to identify the cause of the deterioration and how you would fix it.

Example: “If I noticed that my weld quality was starting to deteriorate, I would first take a step back and look at all of my welding techniques to make sure they were consistent. If everything looked good, then I would start looking for other factors that could be affecting my work. For example, if I noticed that the quality of my TIG welds started to decline when I worked on certain types of metals, I would check the settings on my welder to see if there was something wrong with them.”

How well do you perform under pressure? Are you able to stay focused and meet deadlines when necessary?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your ability to work under pressure. They want to know that you can perform well when the job requires it and that you are able to meet deadlines. When answering, try to show that you have experience working under pressure and how you managed to succeed in those situations.

Example: “I am very comfortable working under pressure. In my previous position as a welder, I was often tasked with completing projects quickly. I learned how to manage my time effectively so that I could complete tasks on time while still maintaining high-quality welds.”

Do you have experience performing quality control checks on your work? If so, what is the most important thing you look for?

This question can help the interviewer determine how much experience you have with quality control checks and what your priorities are when performing them. Use examples from past experiences to highlight your attention to detail, ability to perform quality control checks and commitment to high-quality work.

Example: “I always look for a few things when performing quality control checks on my work. First, I make sure that all of my welds are smooth and free of any defects or inconsistencies. Next, I check that all of my measurements are accurate and consistent. Finally, I inspect the overall appearance of my finished product to ensure it meets the client’s expectations.”

When performing a TIG weld, do you ever have to pause to let the weld cool?

This question can help an interviewer understand how you handle working in a fast-paced environment. You can answer this question by describing the steps you take to ensure your welds are high quality and safe for others to work with.

Example: “Yes, I do have to pause my TIG welding at times. When I’m performing a weld that’s particularly large or when I’m using a higher amperage than usual, I’ll need to let the weld cool before continuing. This is because if I don’t allow the metal to cool enough, it could become brittle and break apart. If I’m working on a smaller project, I may be able to complete the entire weld without pausing.”

We want to be able to quickly switch between different welding projects. How would you adapt to switching between different types of metals and projects?

This question is an opportunity to show your adaptability and flexibility as a welder. It’s important for employers to know that you can quickly adjust to different types of projects, metals and welding conditions. In your answer, explain how you would prepare yourself before switching between projects and the steps you would take during the switch itself.

Example: “I always make sure I have all the necessary tools and materials on hand before starting a project. This way, when it comes time to switch from one project to another, I can do so without having to leave my workspace or interrupting the flow of my work. When switching between different metals, I first clean off any excess metal from my equipment and then recalibrate my settings based on the new material.”

Describe your process for preparing a weld area before you start welding.

This question can help the interviewer understand your attention to detail and how you plan out a project. Use examples from past projects where you had to prepare for welding, such as organizing tools or cleaning up debris.

Example: “I always make sure that I have all of my equipment ready before I start welding. For example, on one project, I was working with a team member who needed me to hold his TIG torch while he prepared another area for welding. While waiting for him, I made sure to organize my work space so I could quickly grab my TIG torch when it was time to begin.”

What makes TIG welding an attractive option for certain applications?

This question helps the interviewer understand your knowledge of TIG welding and how you apply it to various projects. Use examples from your experience to explain why you choose this type of welding over other methods.

Example: “TIG welding is an attractive option for certain applications because it’s a very precise process that allows me to create quality welds without damaging the surrounding material. I’ve used TIG welding in my previous role to repair damaged equipment, such as large-scale machinery, where precision was important. In addition, TIG welding can be done with both AC and DC current, which makes it versatile.”

Which TIG welding settings would you use to weld a stainless steel pipe?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of TIG welding and the different types of metals you can weld. When answering this question, it’s important to list the specific settings for each type of metal you’ve worked with in the past.

Example: “For stainless steel pipe, I would use an AC current at 100 amps, a voltage of 25 volts and a gas flow rate of 30 cubic feet per hour. For the shielding gas, I would use argon or helium. The amperage should be set between 90-100 amps, while the wire speed should be around 5 inches per minute.”

What do you think is the most important skill to have as a TIG welder?

This question is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you have the skills and abilities necessary for this role. You can answer this question by identifying a skill from the job description and explaining how you use it in your daily work.

Example: “The most important skill I think a TIG welder needs is attention to detail. When working with metal, even small mistakes can lead to big problems later on. To ensure my welds are strong and free of errors, I always take time to examine them closely before moving onto the next step.”

How often do you perform maintenance on your TIG welder?

This question can help an interviewer determine your experience with TIG welding machines. It also helps them understand how often you may need to use the company’s equipment for maintenance purposes. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention any specific steps you take when performing maintenance on a TIG welder.

Example: “I perform regular maintenance checks on my own TIG welder at least once every six months. I do this by checking all of the connections and making sure that everything is in good working order. If there are any issues, I make sure to fix them right away so I don’t have to wait until my next scheduled checkup.”

There is a risk of contamination when using a TIG welder. How do you ensure that your work area is properly ventilated?

The interviewer may ask you a question like this to assess your awareness of safety procedures. In your answer, explain how you ensure that the work area is properly ventilated and describe any additional precautions you take to protect yourself from exposure to contaminants.

Example: “I always make sure my welding helmet has an active filter system so I can see clearly while working. I also wear a respirator mask with a HEPA filter when I’m in the process of welding because it’s important to keep airborne particles out of my breathing space. When I’m not actively welding, I remove both filters so they can be cleaned and sanitized.”