Troubleshooting TIG welding: fixing slag inclusions comes up a lot on real calls across Edmonton and surrounding communities. This guide explains what usually causes the issue, what a durable fix looks like, and how to prep for a mobile welding visit. Welding is hot work and should be performed by trained professionals with proper PPE and site controls.
Spring melt in Edmonton can turn access into mud and standing water. That is why prep, fit-up, reinforcement, and finishing are part of doing the job properly.
Likely causes
Most weld defects come from a few root causes: contamination, poor grounding, incorrect technique, or settings that do not match thickness. Fix the basics first, then adjust one variable at a time.
In most cases, the strongest repairs are not the ones with the most weld metal. They are the ones with clean prep, correct fit-up, and reinforcement that stops movement. If the base metal is thin from rust, replacement can be the safer option.
Quick checks before changing settings
- Clamp ground on clean bare metal, close to the work
- Inspect consumables and replace worn parts
- Verify gas flow and protect from wind if using shielding gas
- Confirm polarity and correct wire or rod type for the job
- Remove paint, rust, oil, and galvanizing from the weld zone
Adjustments that typically help
- Keep stickout and travel speed consistent
- Match heat to thickness and joint fit-up
- Use proper torch or electrode angle for clean tie-ins
- Control starts and restarts to avoid craters and cold laps
- If conditions are windy, change shielding or process
After the repair, finishing matters. Clean edges, sealed gaps, and a basic primer and paint plan can extend the life of an outdoor repair in Alberta weather.
For property managers, batching small repairs into one visit can reduce downtime and cost. A simple list with photos makes quoting and scheduling easier.
Good photos and clear access save time. If you can safely measure the part and describe how it is used, it helps a welder plan the right approach and bring the right tools.
After the repair, finishing matters. Clean edges, sealed gaps, and a basic primer and paint plan can extend the life of an outdoor repair in Alberta weather.
If the issue involves structural support or life safety, replacement can be safer than patching. A professional will explain what was found and what options make sense.
Most repeat failures are not because the weld was weak. They happen because the surrounding steel was thin, the part was still moving, or water and salt kept getting into the joint. Durable repairs often include reinforcement and corrosion protection.
For property managers, batching small repairs into one visit can reduce downtime and cost. A simple list with photos makes quoting and scheduling easier.
If the issue involves structural support or life safety, replacement can be safer than patching. A professional will explain what was found and what options make sense.
If the issue involves structural support or life safety, replacement can be safer than patching. A professional will explain what was found and what options make sense.
Good photos and clear access save time. If you can safely measure the part and describe how it is used, it helps a welder plan the right approach and bring the right tools.
Get a quote
YEGWELD provides mobile welding, fabrication, and repairs across Edmonton and within about 100 km, including Sherwood Park, St. Albert, Spruce Grove, Leduc, Fort Saskatchewan, Beaumont, and surrounding acreages. We use MIG, TIG, and stick depending on the material and site conditions, with 24/7 availability for emergencies.
Call: 780-233-8285 or contact us here.
Note: For structural or safety-critical items, site requirements may vary. Ask before work starts.
This article is for informational purposes only and may contain inaccuracies. Always consult a certified welding professional before starting any project.
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