If a tungsten electrode is contaminated and the welding pool is molten, which action should be taken before resuming?

If a tungsten electrode is contaminated and the welding pool is molten, which action should be taken before resuming?

• A. Continue welding after a short pause
• B. Tack weld and resume
• C. Clean the weld and tungsten before resuming
• D. Increase amperage and resume

Answer: (C)

Contamination on the tungsten and in the molten pool will transfer impurities into the weld and cause defects, so you should stop and clean both before continuing. Clean the tungsten by grinding it back to a fresh, clean point and wipe away any oxide or contaminants in the weld area, then ensure the shielding gas is flowing properly before you restart. This restores a stable arc and weld quality; simply continuing, tack-welding through the contamination, or increasing amperage can worsen porosity and inclusions.

Contamination on the tungsten and in the molten pool will transfer impurities into the weld and cause defects, so you should stop and clean both before continuing. Clean the tungsten by grinding it back to a fresh, clean point and wipe away any oxide or contaminants in the weld area, then ensure the shielding gas is flowing properly before you restart. This restores a stable arc and weld quality; simply continuing, tack-welding through the contamination, or increasing amperage can worsen porosity and inclusions.