Which part of the GTAW setup holds the tungsten electrode?

The torch is the component of the Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) setup that holds the tungsten electrode. The torch provides the necessary housing for the electrode, allowing it to extend out far enough to create the arc needed for welding. It also enables the operator to control the position and angle of the electrode during the welding process.

In addition to holding the tungsten, the torch includes features for delivering shielding gas to protect the weld area from contamination, as well as controls for adjusting parameters like the gas flow and sometimes even the current. This makes the torch a crucial piece of equipment in ensuring a clean and efficient welding operation.

The other components mentioned serve different functions: for instance, the welding table provides a stable surface to work on, the power supply generates the electrical energy needed for the welding process, and the ground clamp ensures that the circuit is complete by connecting the workpiece to the power supply. Each of these components plays an important role in the overall welding process, but it is the torch specifically that is responsible for holding the tungsten electrode.