- Software Controlled Square Wave AC/DC TIG inverter welder(Foot pedal is not included inside product)
- Digital set of Pre Gas Time, Start Current, Up Slope and Down Slope Time, Finish Current Level and Post Gas
- Time with the choice of 2T or 4T trigger function allows control of the welding process at a professional level from start to finish.
- 10-200 Amp Welding Range , Pulse Feature On Ac And Dc , Welds Steel And Aluminum
- Easy To Use Controls And A Digital Display
- Rocker Style Foot Pedal And Gas Flow Meter
- Wp-17 Flex Head Torch
- Unit Dimensions: 18.5″ Long X 13″ Tall X 8.5″ Wide
- Advanced features yet easy to use
- A great TIG machine for aluminum
- TIG and stick from one power source
- Take it Everywhere, Plug in Anywhere.
- Autosaving of welding parameters while power off.
- Auto recovery of last time’s welding parameters.
Unique air channel design increases the heat dissipation of the power device
25 Models
Considered
118 Hours of Research
20 Experts Interviewed
240 Articles
Analyzed
Winner: With most bang for the buck and designed with professionals in mind, we believe the Miller MaxStar STR is the best TIG welder on the market.
Runner Up: The YesWelder TIG-250P is great if you are not a professional, however, the newly-updated Eastwood TIG200 is geared towards automotive work and offers AC/DC TIG, stick welding, and a nice selection of features, quality, and power at an affordable price for people who are not professionals.
Whenever aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, or thin sheets need to be welded, heat control is crucial, and no welding process can control heat and produce fine welds like TIG.
This process is top-of-the-line and can be called TIG, Heli-Arc, or GTAW.
As well as being the most rewarding method to master, the two-handed TIG method is also the most difficult. You may not need a TIG machine if you’re not sure what you really need.
Here’s the 10 best TIG welders we found after wading through a crowd of machines.
Best TIG Welders For the Money – Our Reviews
Weldpro Digital TIG 200GD AC / DC TIG Welding Machine – Best TIG Welder Under $800
The Weldpro Digital TIG 200GD is an AC / DC TIG and rod welder with a pulse width modulation of 200 Hertz for an adjustable focus of the weld bead width. It is operated with twice the input power of 120/240 volts.
This device has a wide AC TIG range from 10 to 200 amps when used with 240 volts input voltage and up to 140 amps with 120 volts. The company has developed the TIG 200GD with a non-contact high-frequency arc to prevent the tungsten electrode’s contamination.
It comes with the popular CK17 Superflex burner, which uses US standard parts and includes an optional burner heat control. This is a nice touch, as the included thermal control pedal has some lousy quality reports.
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There is also a 2T / 4T switch that acts as a torch lockout, so you can perform long welding jobs without holding down the torch switch in MIG mode. Undoubtedly, it is one of the best TIG welders on the market.
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Eastwood TIG 200 AC / DC welding machine
Eastwood knows what a TIG welder is looking for with a decades-long reputation in the auto repair industry. The Eastwood TIG 200 AC / DC welder offers two 120 and 240-volt input and pulse width modulations. This is a real AC / DC TIG. AC welding can weld aluminum, ideal for restoring and repairing motorcycle accessories.
The Eastwood TIG 200 AC / DC welding machine has a duty cycle of 60 percent at 90 amps. The flashlight is an industry-standard WP-17 and has a 3-meter connection to make your job easier.
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Some users didn’t like the included foot pedal heat control, but there is finger control, and the foot pedal is industry-standard too so that you can replace it later. Certainly, it is one of the best TIG welders for the money.
This machine has pre and posts flow gas controls to ensure the shield is in place before making an arc, and the weld is still covered with gas after stopping for clean and robust results.
The Eastwood TIG 200 AC / DC also has a 2T / 4T trigger lock, so you can run long beads without holding the trigger.
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Forney 322 multi-process welder – Best TIG Welder Under $2000
The Forney 322 is a versatile and affordable welder that is widely recognized as the best starter welder. This welder is suitable for all processes, including TIG, core wire, MIG, and stick.
This 140 amp welder is incredible value for money. It has an input voltage of 120 V, making it ideal for general maintenance, light repairs, automobiles, and home improvement projects.
The Forney 322 is compatible with a flush gun, TIG torch, and a foot pedal to control amperage. Surely, it is one of the best TIG welders on the market.
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Almost all individual welders who have been using the Forney 322 for a long time consider it a high-end home and light industrial welder. One downside is that this is not a welder who specializes in TIG applications. However, this just means that you are not limited to, metal type and thickness.
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Lotus CT520D – Best TIG Welder Under 1500
This Lotos product has many attractive features, the most important of which is the price. Although it is a TIG welder, it also has an electrode welding process so that you can use it for a wide variety of applications.
This device gives you a 15 to 200A current output range that is low enough for a stable arc, deep weld pool, and clean finish. If you’re working with steel, stainless steel, or thinner materials, the Lotos CT520D will do the job.
You can also use this device for plasma cutting. Compressed air cuts through alloy steel, stainless steel, mild steel, copper, and aluminum. The additional cutting function makes this a worthy addition to the home workshop.
Many professionals and hobbyists who use the Lotos CT520D regularly agree that it is good value for money. Although this combination unit has only one DC output, it is ideal for cutting and welding thicker materials.
Relevant Read : MIG vs. TIG Welding
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CONS
Miller Electric Maxstar 150 – Best Miller TIG Welder
If you are looking for something lightweight and easy to move around, this is the way to go. Weighing just 3.5 kg, the Miller Electric Maxstar 150 is your answer to precision welding. The current is between 5A and 150A, and you can weld metal up to 0.020 inches.
This advanced TIG welder has a 30% duty cycle at 150A. However, at 100A, the duty cycle is 100%, which means you will get long-lasting performance. With this machine, you can weld steel up to 3/16 apparatus thick.
The biggest disappointment for most satisfied owners is that you don’t get an AC outlet with this product. It means that the welding of oxidized steel is excluded. However, you get a nice stable arc and a quick start.
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CONS
Hobart 500551 EZ-TIG – Best TIG Welder for Home Shop
This simple, no-nonsense TIG machine provides AC and DC power and allows you to weld oxidized steel. It is also known for being incredibly easy to use.
The Hobart has a current range of 10A to 165A, which means you get relatively stable filling power for arches and craters. A foot pedal is included in the scope of delivery, with which you can optimally regulate your current strength.
While Hobart owners are generally not fond of the limited range of metal thicknesses, they like the convenience of switching between 220V and 110V or AC to DC with a switch.
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CONS
Primeweld TIG225X TIG welding machine – Best TIG Welder for the Money
The Primeweld TIG225X TIG welder offers inverter power and a high-frequency arc start, although this is more of a scratch start than a stroke or non-contact arc start. This machine provides a 10/90 pulse ratio to clean the weld with one side of the AC sine wave. There is also full pulse width modulation to control grain width and quality.
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While talking about the Best TIG Welders , This welder has a power range of 10 to 225 amps, an extensive power range. The Primeweld TIG225X TIG welder offers a 100 percent duty cycle at 108 amps, enough to run continuously on 1/8 inch steel. Rated power 40 percent at full power at 225 amps.
This welding machine is equipped with a thermal regulator with a metal foot pedal, a throttle regulator, and an American CK17 torch with flexible cables. This setup can be upgraded to water cooling. 0
The Primeweld TIG225X TIG welder has different settings. With AC and DC TIG capabilities, this machine can weld aluminum, and the expansive power range allows welding of sheet metal up to 28 gauge and metals up to 1/2-inch thick.
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Everlast PowerTIG 185 TIG welding machine – Best Everlast TIG Welder
The Everlast PowerTIG 185 DV AC / DC TIG welder is another inexpensive machine with remarkable performance. Like the WIGpro Digital TIG200GD TIG Welder, it is located close to the AHP AlphaTIG 200X 200 Amp TIG Welder and the PRIMEWELD TIG225X 225 Amp TIG Welder.
It’s comparable in price and features, but has a lower amperage and not that many features. Most importantly, it is not that user-friendly.
Still, it is popular with many manufacturers, and some consider it the best affordable welder. It creates a smooth, stable arc for fine stainless-steel welding and can also weld fairly thick aluminum cleanly. Everlast PowerTIG 185 is one of the best TIG welders.
The machine itself is lighter than most other machines of this caliber. What we don’t like about the PowerTIG 185 is that it doesn’t have a foot pedal. There is a finger switch, but it isn’t quite as useful as the Everlast foot pedal, which you can buy separately.
Everlast’s customer service is also known for being disappointing. It is not guaranteed that you will be mistreated, but you will certainly not receive the kind of treatment PRIMEWELD gives you. Otherwise, we recommend this welder as a valuable machine for hobbyists and even some workshops.
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Amico TIG-225 TIG welding machine – Best TIG Welder for Beginners
The Amico TIG-225 220 Amp TIG welder is a cheap welder comparable to the 200 Amp HF inverter welder on the welding machine, but with a higher price and a higher amperage. It is aimed at the hobbyist who wants to learn something basic and easy to use with a high current range.
It is not the best machine for TIG welding, except it is simple to use. Most people buy this for bar welding, but it’s on our list because it’s affordable, high quality, and has good high-amp TIG performance in its basic design.
It also comes with a sturdy case that can withstand harsh on-site conditions. However, we do not recommend using it for weak welds requiring high-quality acceptable welds, as it cannot produce clean welds in fine sections. Amico TIG-225 is one of the best TIG welders for the money.
This machine cannot be compared to high-quality TIG welders and does not have many TIG functions. However, it is an affordable machine that is easy to use and can weld thick.
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Lincoln Electric K5126-1 TIG welding machine – Best TIG Welder for Home Use
It is a pity that such a respected welding brand is so low on our list. However, the Lincoln Electric TIG 200 TIG square wave welder is inadequate in many vital areas that we couldn’t raise.
This is a well-designed machine, with smart placement of the various settings and a decent foot pedal and flashlight. It’s also easy to use the machine. The manual is straightforward but a bit redundant as it is very little you need to know to run it correctly.
However, we don’t like the price. It only runs at 200 amperes and has minimal options for adjusting the settings, including the most current that runs continuously at 15 seconds. Some customers who receive the machine are either unable to use it because it arrives broken or stops working, but it breaks a little later.
Lincoln usually replaces it under their warranty system, but they don’t have the best customer service, making the experience less enjoyable. Given the price, this is not acceptable for such a well-known brand. We recommend investing in a more expensive Miller machine that is guaranteed to be reliable.
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Best TIG Welders For the Money – Buying Guide
Before we start our list, it’s essential to talk about things to look for in a TIG machine, primarily if you typically work with thinner metals.
- Always try to go for user-friendly and straightforward designs. For example, accessible controls and a foot pedal to regulate the amperage can make your projects much more straightforward.
- Give priority to a wide range of currents. It increases the choice of materials that you can weld. A TIG welder that supplies both AC and DC power also expands the range of metal types you can weld. Also, try to achieve a high duty cycle.
- This is a TIG welder’s ability to maintain a given performance level over ten minutes. When buying a TIG machine, it is also essential to consider possible pitfalls.
- Spend a little more now to make sure you don’t limit yourself in the future.
- This can be a problem if you haven’t factored in these additional costs. Before purchasing, consider the welder’s cooling needs.
Some TIG welders have AC functions for delicate metalworking. If you are sure that you will never weld metals like magnesium or aluminum, avoid these products and buy cheaper ones.
So make sure that your power infrastructure is compatible with the welding machine you plan to buy. To be on the safe side, only think of welders who work with 110 V and 220 V.
How To Choose An Ideal TIG Welder ?
Before we begin our list, it is essential to talk about the things to look for in a TIG machine, primarily if you usually work with thinner metals.
Always try to choose designs that are simple and easy to use. For example, accessible controls and a foot pedal to control amperage can make your projects a lot easier.
Prioritize a wide range of currents. This expands the range of materials you can weld. The low amperage allows for better arc stability and better crater filling.
A TIG welder that provides both AC and DC power also expands the range of metals you can weld. Also, AC balance control is an important feature that gives you greater application versatility.
Another critical benefit is heat control, which makes working with thinner metals more convenient. Also, try to achieve a high duty cycle.
This is the ability of a TIG welder to maintain a certain level of performance in ten minutes.
When purchasing a TIG machine, it is also essential that you consider all aspects of the purchase.
First of all, you need to think about how to make money from your welder. Avoid buying heavy equipment if you are a hobbyist, but be realistic about your potential electricity needs. Spend a little more now to make sure you don’t limit yourself in the future.
- Industrial TIG welders may require additional cooling equipment to optimize their performance and duty cycle.
- This can be a problem if you haven’t accounted for these additional costs. Before you buy, be sure to consider the cooling needs of the welder.
- Some TIG welders have AC power capability to allow for delicate metalwork. You will never weld metals like magnesium or aluminum; avoid these products, and buy a cheaper one if you are sure.
- Incorrect input voltage can render your device unusable. So, make sure your power infrastructure is compatible with the welder you plan to buy.
For safety reasons, consider only welders that operate on 110V and 220V.
Important points when buying a TIG machine
Whether you are a hobbyist or a professional welder, you need to buy equipment with specifications and performance that meet your needs. To make sure you are buying a machine that is right for you, consider the following:
Quality and appearance of welding work.
When it comes to welding, quality and speed are mutually exclusive. If you like high-end or precision manufacturing of, e.g., silos rather than mass production, an AC capable TIG welder is the best choice.
AC / DC combination
When working with steel and stainless steel, you will get the best performance and DC output results. However, when welding magnesium and aluminum, you must use the AC output of the power supply. Consider purchasing an AC / DC combination machine for maximum versatility.
Metal thickness
When welding thin and delicate metals in general, you must choose a unit that can perform well at low amps. TIG is best for thin metals. However, if you work primarily with metals 1/2 inch or thicker, MIG or stick welding is best.
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The Eastwood TIG 200 and the Primeweld TIG225X are attractive alternatives.
Common mistakes when using a TIG machine
AMPS – AC / DC
The type of material and electrodes you use will determine the current to use. A common mistake people make when using a TIG welder is using the wrong current. For metals with an oxide layer on the surface, such as magnesium, switching to alternating current is vital.
If your equipment does not have AC capability, you will not be able to weld rusty steel. Any other steel can be welded with a DC power supply. If you’re not sure what current to use, cut a piece of metal and test the different settings to ensure your solder has the right level of resistance.
Your current range is also essential when it comes to the thickness of the metal to be welded. If the range starts above 10 A, the thin metal is likely to warp. Likewise, a limited amperage such as 50 amps can make it difficult to weld thick steel.
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Cooling control
A common mistake of welders is not to preheat the weld surface. Preheating prevents cracking as it increases the cooling rate after welding. The type of metal and its thickness determine the preheating.
It’s also essential to manage temperature control, especially when working with thin or delicate materials. As a rule, the welding temperature is controlled by pulse welding. It is an increasingly low peak alternating current that allows a stable arc.
Efficient cooling control ensures that your welding job is neat and has a solid structure. With the controlled welding temperature, you’re less likely to see cracks or disintegration when you’re done.
Portability
Optimal portability can mean tremendous productivity and time savings, especially if you need to weld at height or work on a roof. Your portability requirements will depend on your setup and how your devices are used. However, there are some common mistakes people make when it comes to portability.
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The most common mistake is to bring the soldering iron closer. It can be dangerous and can damage your device. Installing a service cart can make it easier to handle and move the machine.
Another mistake is welding cables that are too short. If you are working in a fixed configuration or on a bench, this is not a problem. However, if you are moving to a different workplace, make sure your cables are as long as possible. Try using beacons and storage solutions to organize your devices and cables.
Final Verdict
We chose the Weldpro 200GD as our pick for the best TIG welder for the money. It has more features than any other device on this list, and user reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. The 3-year guarantee and the AC / DC capability seal the deal for the big yellow AHP machine.