Best TIG Welder for the Money: Your Ultimate Buying Guide

Are you currently on the lookout for the ultimate TIG welder that perfectly balances performance and affordability? Look no further; our comprehensive guide is precisely crafted for individuals like you. Whether you’re a hobbyist aiming to master intricate welding projects, a semi-professional handling diverse fabrication tasks, or a seasoned welder requiring precision and reliability, we’ve got you covered.

In our detailed guide, we meticulously explore a curated selection of TIG welders, each excelling in distinct welding scenarios. We understand that every welder has unique requirements, and our guide is tailored to simplify your decision-making process. From budget-friendly options to high-performance machines, we’ve handpicked the best TIG welders that cater to a spectrum of financial plans and welding needs.

For individuals seeking a dependable TIG welding machine tailored for domestic applications with light to moderate workloads, two standout options are the Lincoln POWER MIG 225 MP and the Miller MAX Star 150. Engineered with the casual or home user in mind, both models prioritize ease of use, efficiency, and affordability, making them ideal choices for homeowners in search of a reliable TIG welding solution.

Do you need to weld aluminum, copper, steel, stainless steel, titanium, or thin plates? You should know that controlling heat is essential. Whether you call it TIG, Heli-Arc, or TMAW, this process comes first. Being a two-handed method, it is the most rewarding welding method to master. To take your craft to this level, make sure you have a skilled, high-quality, and best TIG welder on the market.

A TIG machine can be a fair price if you are unsure of what you need. With so many machines, it is also easy to overlook important functions.

Choosing the best tig welder for the money can be challenging when you don’t want to spend more than is necessary. We felt your pain and decided to do some research to find the best TIG welders available on the market.

Best TIG Welder Reviews – Best AC/DC TIG Welder for the Money

We’ve combed through the multitude of machines to find the ten best TIG welders on the market. Let’s start.

Best TIG welder on the market- A Quick Comparison

1. LINCOLN ELECTRIC 225 – Best Aluminum Tig Welder For The Money

The Lincoln POWER MIG 210 MP is engineered with a focus on lightweight construction and ease of handling, ensuring that users can navigate through various welding projects effortlessly. Whether you’re engaged in intricate welding tasks or handling more extensive fabrication projects, this model excels in providing a seamless welding experience.

Designed with user comfort and control in mind, the Lincoln POWER MIG 210 MP is particularly well-suited for individuals who may not use a welding machine regularly. The ergonomic design enhances maneuverability, making it a practical choice for users of varying experience levels.

Investing in the Lincoln POWER MIG 210 MP not only ensures immediate welding efficiency but also proves to be a wise and durable investment. Known for its longevity and robust build, this welding machine is built to withstand the test of time, promising years of reliable performance with proper maintenance. Elevate your welding capabilities with the Lincoln POWER MIG 210 MP a powerhouse in the realm of welding machinery.

MILLER MAX STAR 150 STL – Best TIG Welder For the Money

If you are looking for a TIG welder with great functionality, the Miller Electric Maxstar 150 STL is one of your best choices. Impressive, this TIG machine is designed for versatility and performance. It can be used on a range of metals and has dual functions that allow you to switch between stick and TIG applications.

The most amazing feature of this model is its remarkable portability as it uses DC inverters. The weight is just 13.7 pounds so that you can carry it to different welds with ease. The Miller TIG Welder, DC also comes with a shoulder strap for easy portability.

In addition, the dimensions are 13.2 x 5.5 x 9 inches. Compared to the AHP AlphaTIG 200X, it is very small and can be easily stored for storage in your home workshop.

While talking about the best TIG welders, Another feature that makes this TIG welder a surefire winner is thermal overload protection. It makes the device very durable and inexpensive as the fan automatically reduces power consumption and heat.

You can use this device with 115 V or 230 V, which offers great flexibility for use at home or on location. If you are looking for a portable TIG welder full of power, choose the Maxstar.

2. AHP ALPHA TIG 200X – Best Budget TIG Welder

The AHP AlphaTIG 200X weighs approximately 15 kg, making it a portable welder suitable for a garage, studio, or small shop. AHP includes standard TIG accessories and a torch control switch, as well as a foot pedal to make the TIG torch easier to use.

It can handle strong currents and voltages, which is especially suitable for working with thin metal.

This dual-purpose welder can be used by professionals and inexperienced welders as it is relatively easy to set up.

The thin rod and excellent welding precision of this TIG welder are very useful for precision welding on motorcycles, automobiles, sculptures, bronze castings and other projects where a smooth surface is desired.

The AHP AlphaTIG 200x is a combined TIG welder and rod welder that gives you a wider range of welding projects and even excels in stainless steel and mild steel projects.

The first thing to look for in a good welder is the current range of the machine. The wider the power range of the machine, the more versatile it becomes. You can weld almost anything with a machine with a power range of 5-230 A.

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With a whopping 200 amps and a range of 100-220 V and a range of pulse functions, the AHP AlphaTIG 200X is one of the most flexible on the market.

All AHP welders are guaranteed against breakage, malfunction, or another failure of the device due to manufacturing defects for a period of 3 years from the date of purchase.

The failed unit will be repaired at the AHP weld’s discretion or replaced with a new or factory reconditioned unit.

4. HOBART EZ-TIG 165I AC/DC – Best TIG Welder for Beginner

The 50051 EZ-TIG 165i welder from Hobart is a professional industrial TIG welder that performs TIG AC / DC welding on thinner materials, such as 22-gauge sheet metal on metal plates up to 3/16-inch. It welded aluminum, stainless steel, chrome-moly, titanium, copper, and more.

While talking about the best TIG welders, The name EZ-TIG comes from the Hobart installation system. The user only has to select the material to be welded: steel, stainless steel, aluminum. Then the thickness of the metal and the system ensure that the correct settings have already been selected.

With a high-frequency arc start, you can create an arc by pressing the pedal; we have selected the Hobart EZ-TIG 165i as our Pro Value TIG machine. This HF start function prevents contamination of the tungsten electrode by avoiding any contact with the surface.

Manufactured in Appleton, Wisconsin, the EZ TIG 165i is backed by a 5-year warranty from Hobart. The EZ-TIG has a fan system that only works when cooling is needed to prevent additional dust from being drawn into the machine or wasted electricity.

This 210/220/230 welding machine with input voltage also has a duty cycle of 40 percent at rated power. It is based on inverter power, lightweight, easy to use, and includes a foot pedal, Miller TIG torch, and controller. The Hobart 500551 Ez-TIG is an excellent choice.

5. EASTWOOD TIG 200 AC/DC – Best Ac/Dc TIG Welder For The Money

The Eastwood 200 is a popular resource for auto repair shops. It is known for body and paint tools, metalworking machines, blasting booths, body hammer sets, and high-performance tools for frameless restoration work. Undoubtedly, it is one of the best TIG welders on the market.

While talking about the best TIG welders, The Eastwood TIG 200 welder is heavier than common small business and home improvement equipment. The ability to weld in alternating current gives you the option of welding aluminum.

With twice the input power of 120/240, a digital display, and a duty cycle of 60 per cent at 90 amps, the TIG 200 offers more than most TIG welders in its price class. It is a real AC / DC TIG welder with non-contact high-frequency arc control that can weld up to ¼ inch sheet metal. Easy-to-find replacement parts are used with an industry-standard WP-17 burner setup.

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The users often mentioned pedal controls as something they didn’t like about this welder, although they love the machine’s welding capabilities. It’s a standard part that can easily be swapped out to get the performance you want.

Eastwood was smart enough to allow pre and post flow gas readings to place the shield before and after welding. It ensures higher quality welds without porosity and oxidation. The Eastwood TIG 200 is guaranteed for three years.

6. MOPHORN TIG-200 TIG WELDER

The Mophorn TIG-200 welder is our inexpensive TIG welder in this roundup because there is a lot to do for the money here. The dual input power with 120/240 dual voltage, 60 per cent duty cycle and 200 amps output power on a machine in this price range are simply unbelievable.

It also offers the option of TIG or rod welding, a wide TIG working range from 20 to 200 amps, a warm start, and an infinitely variable analogue current control. A big disadvantage is the lack of pedal control. The TIG-200 uses fingertip controls instead. Unfortunately, it doesn’t accept an available pedal system either. Certainly, it is one of the best TIG welders for the money on the market.

Considering the price, this isn’t a deal-breaker; think about it. The TIG process already requires one hand to use the torch and one hand to guide the pool’s welding wire.

An additional hand control does not make difficult work any easier. The foot pedal has its place in TIG work. With this in mind, users reported a smooth welding process, and many were amazed at the value for money of this TIG machine.

7. AMICO TIG-160DC TIG WELDER

The Amico TIG-160DC is an inexpensive 120/240-volt dual input welding machine connected to a normal power supply. With a nominal output of 160 amperes direct current at 240, it is also suitable for electric stick-stick welding.

The duty cycle of 60 per cent at 220 amps is impressive for every machine in this price range. Another impressive feature of the TIG-160 is the high-frequency arc start.

It is an inverter powered welder that makes a lightweight, powerful package. The Amico TIG-160DC has a forced fan set up to keep things cool longer. It is one of the reasons it has such a good duty cycle at maximum power. Surely, it is one of the best TIG welders on the market.

It is an inverter powered welder that makes a lightweight, powerful package. The Amico TIG-160DC has a forced fan set up to keep things cool longer. It is one of the reasons it has such a good duty cycle at maximum power.

This machine comes with a 13 foo flashlight. The connections of the electrode clamp and the ground clamp are each 3 meters long.

Amico supplies the TIG-160 with an 8-foot argon hose and a 120-volt adapter for connection to a household current of 20 amps. Some users weren’t happy with the lack of a gas regulator, but it’s not uncommon for machines in this price range to come without a gas regulator. The Amico TIG-225 is guaranteed for one year.

8. MILLER SYNCROWAVE 250DX TIG WELDER

You don’t buy the Miller Electric Syncrowave 250DX TIG Welder as a single owner. The Syncrowave 250DX is both a TIG and rod welder with SqLINCOLN ELECTRICuarewave technology. Miller developed Squarewave in 1976. It offers excellent arc stability, especially when welding aluminium. It also prevents arc rectification and easily eliminates tungsten erosion.

This premium Miller Electric TIG welder features a remarkable balance control that allows you to adjust the balance to provide additional oxide removal.

The advantage is less cleaning afterwards. It also features Synchro Start technology, which allows you to choose between soft, hot TIG, or standard starts depending on the required cable length, application, and tungsten size.

Besides, the Miller Electric TIG machine has a digital welding meter that displays both amperage and voltage for a quick display of your preset and actual values. It leads to higher accuracy and repeatability of the welding process. Unconditionally, it is one of the best TIG welders on the market.

The “Last Procedure Recall” function simplifies changes with a single switch of aluminium TIG, stainless steel TIG, and bar welding.

Finally, it has an adaptive warm start that ensures good arcing without getting stuck. This feature allows for deep penetration of E6010 and smooth E7018. You move this 585-pound animal quite easily on its large rollers.

9. EVERLAST POWERPRO 256S – TIG WELDER MACHINE

If you are looking for a feature-packed TIG welder, you should take a look at the Everlast PowerPro 256S. It is very futuristic in design, extremely user friendly, and easy to use and transport. It weighs about 93 pounds and measures 22 x 17 x 9 inches.

You can also set this welding machine from a TIG and pole welding machine to a plasma cutter. The Everlast PowerPro 256S uses inverter-based technology that allows for minimal power consumption. That makes this a very inexpensive model.

The most notable feature, however, is the current overload indicator. This display outputs a signal when the duty cycle exceeds its limits. It also has multiple rows of pulse flow and post-flow readings, making this a real powerhouse. Decisively, it is one of the best TIG welders on the market.

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It also features a stable arc with a smooth arc start and easy to use selector switches. Everlast PowerPro 256S is, without a doubt, a good choice for hobby or professional TIG machines.

10. EVERLAST POWERTIG 255EXT – Best Home TIG Welder

The Everlast PowerTig 255EXT offers a smooth and stable start with its exclusive five-ampere start “Easy Start” for AC and DC low amps. It is lightweight and portable and can be used in most welding environments. It also comes with fully adjustable welding parameters for 2t / 4t remote control.

The Everlast PowerTig 255EXT has a high pulse frequency that can reduce the overall heat input to achieve a high-quality weld without burning or warping. It is also supplied with a 3-meter TIG torch from the Economy WP 18 series with DINSE 35/70 connections and a gas valve with a quick-release coupling for easy installation.

This AC / DC TIG machine also has an integrated 240 V socket specially developed for use with the Everlast PowerCool 300 water cooler.

Compared to other TIG welders, the extensive cleaning area offers greater adjustability, so this device delivers optimum welding performance. It also has a digital display to adjust the amount of current exactly to your needs. The Arc Force Control for use in rod welding also helps reduce spatter and improve both performance and arc quality. Undoubtedly, it is one of the best TIG welders on the market.

Best TIG Welder on the market – BUYING GUIDE

Before we start our list, it’s important to talk about things to look for in the best TIG welding machine, especially if you typically work with thinner metals. Always try to go for user-friendly and simple designs. For example, accessible controls and a foot pedal to control the amperage can greatly simplify your projects.

Wide range of currents

Give priority to a wide range of currents. It increases the choice of materials that you can weld. A low amperage provides better arc stability and improved crater filling. A TIG welder that supplies both AC and DC power also expands the range of metal types you can weld. Controlling AC power balancing is also an important feature that gives you more application flexibility.

Heat control

Heat control is another important benefit that makes working with thinner metals more convenient. Also, try to achieve a high duty cycle. A TIG welder can maintain a given performance level over ten minutes.

When buying the best tig welder on the market, it is also important to consider possible pitfalls.

First of all, it is important to consider how you can make money from your welder. If you are a hobbyist, don’t buy heavy equipment but be realistic about your potential electricity needs. Spend a little more now to make sure you don’t limit yourself in the future.

Cooling

Industrial TIG welders may need additional cooling equipment to optimize their performance and duty cycle. It can be a problem if you haven’t factored in these additional costs.

Before purchasing, consider the welder’s cooling needs. Some TIG welders are equipped with AC power to enable delicate metalworking. If you are sure that you will never weld metals like magnesium or aluminium, avoid these products and buy cheaper ones.

A wrong input voltage can lead to the fact that your machine is no longer functional. So make sure 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.

Frequently Asked Questions – Best TIG Welders

Here are some FAQs about best tig welders;

Are aluminum welds okay to be done with my TIG welder?

Due to its high sensitivity, aluminum requires AC (alternating current). Therefore, if you intend to weld aluminum, ensure that the TIG welder you use supports AC.

What is the best way to use my TIG welder?

TIG welders can be used in different water systems based on voltage, material type, and amperage. Since welders can detect voltage phase and adjust the procedure accordingly, they have lower amperage requirements when welding light metal.

It is very important to consider your expertise level when purchasing a tig welder, as some of these devices are very complicated to use. Some packages come with instructions on how to connect a tig welder.

Do I need to make any adjustments to use a stick and TIG welder with my welder?

Many TIG welders are available in both TIG and stick options. Some do not provide complete packages; nevertheless, they are compatible enough to allow you to add the stick option to their package to get an enhanced experience.

Describe the duty cycle and how it impacts welding.

An average duty cycle is typically expressed in percentage form. The rate indicates how much time a welder can be continuously operated daily.

Should I consider a smaller TIG welder?

It is impossible to provide you with a universal answer to this question. Every welder needs to operate within a given amperage range. If you want a perfect recommendation, consider the following summary. 

With a duty cycle of 20% to 30% and 130 amps, 130 amps is a suitable choice for the lighter repair needs on stainless steel, aluminum, and steel. 

You should utilize at least 200 amps and a 40% duty cycle when working on heavy-duty welding projects, repairs, and manufacturing tasks. Be sure that you have adequate power for good penetration. 

Choose the right option for a profitable decision based on the factors and welding process for the application. 

What’s the difference between TIG and MIG welding?

Thicker metals can be welded more quickly with a MIG welding machine than thin metals can be welded with a TIG welding machine. MIG welding is suitable for most metal types, while TIG welding is also suitable for metals with more delicate gauge materials.

Additional differences are provided below.

• Technique : These two welding methods differ in that the wire electrode is fed with one hand continuously through a spool gun while the welder operates the torch with the other. This is the main difference between MIG welding and TIG welding.
• Difficulty : With MIG, wires are fed continuously, making the process more straightforward compared to TIG. With TIG, you have to hold the workpiece with one hand and the filler material with the other. This isn’t easy to do, and it’s only suitable for professionals.
• Object Thickness : The added thickness of metals through MIG is greater than that of TIG welding, so if your metal is thin, TIG is an appropriate option.
• Material Range: TIG welding is suitable for metals that have thinner gauges. MIG welding works with most metal types, including mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.
• Speed: Due to its faster process, MIG welding is suitable for longer production numbers. However, TIG welding is ideal for detail and finesse work.
• Project Size: Considering the welding process is one of the best ways to know which one of them is suitable. MIG welding is ideal for large projects, thick metals, and continuous runs. TIG welding is ideal for small projects and thinner metals as it provides clean and precise welds.
• Control :  Welders who use IG have an easier time controlling the weld, so it’s better for beginners. TIG welders need a high skill level and expertise for balancing materials and timing while using both hands simultaneously.
• Price :  More expensive than MIG welders are TIG welders.
• Appearance : The most popular method of joining steel due to its clean finish. TIG welding is commonly used for ornamental and artistic purposes.

Conclusion

It is not easy buying a new TIG welder, especially if you are not sure what you want it to do. In order to make the right buying decision, it is important to consider your individual welding needs and your budget as well. There is no sense in incurring the additional costs of buying something that has an AC power output if you are not going to weld any aluminum anytime soon.

Keep accessories like foot pedals and cooling equipment in mind. With the purchase of any of the products listed above, you can expect to receive a superior performing and quality product. In order to choose from this list, you need to take into consideration the type of power infrastructure, setup, welding requirements, and personal preferences that you have.

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