"Electrodes" are employed in welding to provide an end point for a current of electricity. The power drawn through an electrode forms an arc of live electricity at the tip of the electrode where welds are formed. Only the proper electrode should be used for any welding application.
Welders traditionally employ one of two different methods of welding to weld pipes, either "MIG" welding or "TIG" welding. MIG welding indicates "gas metal arc welding," while TIG welding indicates "gas tungsten arc welding."
"Shielding gases" refer to the gas that flows around the outside of an electrode while welding is taking place. The shielding gas stabilizes the arc and keeps the weld free of contaminating materials. Argon gas is used as a shielding gas in all methods of welding.