One of the more important steps in the bronze casting process is tig welding. Tig welding is a delicate welding technique (compared with mig welding) that uses a long bronze welding rod held in one hand while you create an electric arc with the tungsten electrode torch held in the other hand. Argon gas is used as the shielding gas that helps to transfer the heat from the electrode to the bronze as well as protects the welded area from oxygen which can cause problems.
While there are many technical details that one can learn about welding, I don’t think it is really necessary to know to be a good welder of ones own work. The main thing is that the welds are good and strong (especially for larger monumental works) and you use the right welding rod for the metal you are welding.
Below are some examples of my monuments being welded together:
 |
| Paganini by Sutton Betti |
 |
| Master Swimmer by Sutton Betti |
 |
| Master Swimmer by Sutton Betti |
 |
| Visionary by Sutton Betti and Dan Glanz |
 |
| Founding Father by Sutton Betti |