TIG welding practice

[SportPilot]

I am new to TIG welding. Next week, I am getting a #9 torch to use. I recently watched a TIG Welding Basics DVD by Ron Covell, and in it he suggests using a piece of copper or aluminum under the practice piece (my practice piece will probably be a piece of 1/8 or 3/16 mild steel) so that I do not inadvertently weld the piece to my table top. Anybody ever done this? If so, what metal did you use, and how thick was it? Thanks.

[its_34]

With a practice piece that thick, it's unlikely you'll accidentally weld it to the table. Good advice when working with thin sheet metal to help pull out some heat and avoid burning through. I have some small squares of copper sheet (probably 0.040" or so) for just that purpose.

[SportPilot]

Great. After I get the hang of this stuff, I will want to move to 18-20 gauge. I have some .025 copper stock, but I will pick up some thicker stuff to use. I may may have some thinker aluminum plate I can use as well. Thanks for the reply.