How to Weld an Open Root Pipe Joint on Chrome

Clean the two pipe coupons or pipe pieces using a heavy-duty scouring pad. Clean both the inside, outside and edges of each pipe coupon. Wipe off any residue from the scouring pad and pipe debris with a clean cloth.

Put on a pair of safety glasses and use an electric grinder to grind the pointed end of the Tungsten filler rod. Grind the point until it is completely flat to make welding easier. The filler rod chosen should be 3/32-inch for tubing up to 1/8 inch in thickness or 1/16-inch filler rods for thinner tubing.

Secure both pipe coupons with clamps on a solid, heat-resistant surface. The gap between the pipe coupons should be equal around the entire circumference of the pipe. Use a measuring tape or ruler to ensure spacing.

Set up the TIG welder and set the range to 120 amps. Put the welding cup on the welder and set it at 10 CFH for indoor areas or between 20 and 30 CFH for outdoor, well-ventilated areas. Put on your protective welding gear to include welding helmet, welding apron and welding gloves.

Hold the torch in your dominant hand at a 90-degree angle to the exterior of the tubing. Grasp the tungsten filling rod in your nondominant hand and hold it at a 45-degree angle slightly above the surface of the tubing.

Place the rod at the 9 o'clock position on the pipe. Hold the rod in position, and heat it until a puddle of tungsten forms on the pipe that is approximately twice the diameter of the rod. Check the spacing of the pipe coupons to make sure the spacing has remained constant. Use a hammer and gentle taps to reposition the pieces as necessary.

Place the road at the 3 o'clock position on the pipe. Repeat Step 6 in this position. Place the rod at the 12 o'clock position on the pipe. Repeat Step 6 in this position.

Place the rod at the 12 o'clock position. Heat the tungsten to form a puddle directly underneath the tack weld. Continue creating weld puddles that overlap slightly until the entire circumference of the pipe coupons are welded together.