Unarguably, Tungsten Inert Gas or TIG welding is one of the more difficult types of welding processes. It becomes more challenging without the right welding equipment. A good welding machine ensures a quality weld finish with sufficient structural integrity and enables you to develop your project by industry standards and codes. Unfortunately, market findings reveal that the best TIG welders are pricey and “over the roof” expensive.
However, there are still TIG welders that offer the best quality at a reasonable price – these machines will be the focus of this article. All welders to be reviewed in this post are not only under $1000, but they are suitable for every user: beginners and professionals.
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But before we delve into the main discussion, let’s explore 5 crucial factors to take into account when buying a TIG welder.
Factors To Consider When Buying the Best TIG Welder
When scouring for a TIG welding machine to purchase, it is essential you choose a unit with specifications and performance that align with your needs. The following considerations will enable you to make the right choice:
The Work To Be Done
This is the first and perhaps the most critical factor to consider when in the market for a TIG welder. You must be able to determine what type of welding equipment the project you are working on requires. If you are working on a car welding job, for instance, you’ll be dealing with a considerably small assembly, and the car engine is made from 1/8 aluminum. So a stick welder will be a bad choice as it will lead to poor welding results. While a MIG welding machine will complete the project faster, you’ll need the precision that can only be delivered by a TIG welder.
Quality and appearance of the job
For high-end or precision manufacturing or jobs such as piping, nuclear, and consumer goods where high visibility is involved, and the weld appearance is a priority, TIG welding is the best option. In other words, TIG welders are the best choice if you’re looking for superior-looking quality.
Metal Thickness Being Welded
Another important consideration is the thickness of the metal being welded. TIG welders are suitable for welding thin and delicate metals as they can offer high performance at low amperage. On the other hand, for metals with a thickness of ½” or more, MIG or stick welding works best.
Power Source: DC/AC or a combination of both
If you typically work with magnesium and aluminum, you’ll get the best results with DC output. As far as steel and stainless steel are concerned, the key to optimal performance lies in an AC output power source. For maximum versatility, consider purchasing a combination AC/DC machine.
The Best TIG Welders
If you’ve decided to opt for a TIG welder, these are the best products available:
Eastwood TIG 200 AC/DC Welder
- High-Frequency Start For Precise Arc Control , Square-Wave Inverter For Accurate Aluminum Welding
- TIG Welding AC Duty Cycle (%): 120VAC 60% At 145 Amps , 220VAC 60% At 190 Amps
- WP-17-Type Torch Accepts Common Cups And Collets With Up To 1/8 Electrodes
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The first on our list is the Eastwood TIG 200 AC/DC Welder. As its name implies, it a true AC/DC TIG Welder, which means it is suitable for welding both aluminum and steel and, by extension, great for restoring and repairing engine accessory brackets. The machine offers dual 120 and 240-volt input and pulse width modulation, has a 60 percent duty cycle at 90 amps, and consists of an industry-standard WP-17 torch with a 12-foot connection to make reaching your work easier.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It offers a 60 percent duty cycle at 90 amps | Consists of a cheap quality gas regulator |
| Features pre-flow-post flow gas control | Its foot pedal doesn't have smooth control |
| Contains an industry-standard WP-17 torch |
YesWelder TIG 205DS
- IGBT inverter technology, Full 30-205Amp(max) with digital display, reliable quality and stable performance.
- Synergic Control,Automatic change of the voltage & wire feeding speed by adjusting the amperage or choosing different thicknesses
- The MIG-205DS is capable of true lift TIG(need buy extra tig lift torch,not included inside product) welding as well as stick welding.
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The aim of the YesWelder TIG 205DS is to offer higher value at a lower cost. In fact, it the best TIG welder at its price point. This TIG machine is designed to be easy to set up and use and can be applied to almost any type of work, making it perfect for beginners and professionals alike. Besides being an AC and DC TIG welder, it offers various professional features, including upslope and downslope settings, pre and post-flow settings, and it supports a low 5 amp start is crucial for thin metal.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It has AC balance control | It works only on 220 volts |
| Easy to assemble and use | |
| An efficient Aluminum TIG welder | |
| Provides good customer service support |
AHP Alpha TIG 200X 110v 220v IGBT TIG/Stick
- Listing for 2021 203XI MODEL with Fully Controlled LCD Screen WILL BE SHIPPED . 200 HZ on PULSE and AC FREQ, NEW TORCH, 3 YEAR Warranty
- will do 1/4 aluminum and 3/8 mild stee and 110/220 volts and is capable of welding 7018, 6013
- Advanced Inverter Technology with PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) Using IGBT technology
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This welder machine ushers superior inverter technology – when combined with PMW and IGBT inverter technology, the result is a one-of-a-kind welder that can cut metal and aluminum with great success. As a portable machine, AHP Alpha TIG 200X is suitable for jobs that require a lot of movement. Its price is often considered its most attractive benefit. AHP Alphatig 200X TIG welder added technology allows it to can provide unmatched performances. It is also known for its width modulated inverter and AC frequency control.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Offers greater control options than its peers | It's a heavy machine |
| It has the ability to High-Frequency start | |
| The device works on 120 and 220v power source | |
| Offers 3 Year warranty |
Everlast PT-250EX Power TIG, 220 Volt Inverter, Based Pulse Welder
- Low 5 amp Start for TIG in AC and DC modes (+/- 2 amps)
- Pre flow and Post flow control for maximum shielding gas protection before and after
- Arc force control for stick reduces spatter and helps improve arc performance in short arc conditions
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| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Best welder for aluminum | It is heavy, so not very portable |
| Well suited for beginner and professional precision welding jobs | |
| Offers Low 5 amp and high-frequency Start | |
| Consists of adjustable settings from amp start to features like spot weld timer | |
| It comes with a 5-year warranty |
Primeweld TIG225X TIG Welder
- CK Worldwide 17 Series Superflex TIG Torch with Flex Head AND CK SUPERFLEX HOSE, ALSO INCLUDES CK DINSE CONNECTOR USA MADE
- 200HRTZ on PULSE FREQ AND AC FREQ will do 1/4 aluminum and 3/8 mild steel and 110/220 volts and is capable of welding 7018, 6013
- Advanced Inverter Technology with PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) Using IGBT technol
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Inverted-based power, high-frequency arc start, 10/90 pulse ratio to clean the weld with one side of the AC sine wave, and full pulse width modulation for controlling bead width and quality are some of the most prominent features of this TIG welder. Further, as an AC and DC TIG machine, the Primeweld TIG225X TIG Welder can weld aluminum, and the wide power range allows welding sheet metal as thin as 28 gauge as well as metal up to 1/2-inch thick.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It has a metal foot pedal | 6010 or 6011 rod can't be used with this machine |
| Offers 200 HZ pulse width frequency | Its manual is incomprehensible |
| Features additional finger-operated heat control | |
| Comes with a US-made CK17 torch | |
| It also offers a wide range of adjustment options |
Lotos TIG200 Welder
- ALUMINUM WELDING--200A AC Square-wave inverter for accurate aluminum welding.
- PAPST ADVANCED COOLING SYSTEM: ensures the plasma cutter have a stable and durable high performance.
- DUAL VOLTAGE INPUT: Automatic Dual Voltage / Dual Frequency (110/120 V 220/240 V 50/60Hz).
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The Lotos TIG200 is a dual 120/240-volt input machine that offers several advanced and vital features. Its no-touch high-frequency arc start saves your tungsten electrode from contamination, while its settings memory lets you save up to 10 different profiles, handy when switching between different processes or working on different pieces to assemble a project. However, there have been some complaints about the TIGmachine’ss quality.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It has high-frequency no-touch arc starts | Quality control is inconsistent |
| A foot pedal with heat control is included | Its manual is incomprehensible |
| It features a 24 gauge sheet to 3/8-inch plate | |
| Pre-flow/post-flow components allow for cleaner welds |
Miller Electric Maxstar 150
- It has dc inverter with lift arc features
- Stick, TIG application
- Welded material: steel
- Type: DC
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
This TIG welder is the right solution for you if you are searching for a light and easy move-around device that facilitates precision welding. The Maxstar 150 from Miller Electric has an amperage range of 5A to 150A, allowing you to weld metal as thin as 0.020″ and a duty cycle of 30% at 150A. At 100A, the duty cycle of the machine goes to 100%, which means that you get a prolonged performance.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Miller Electric Maxstar 150 is light and portable | Not ideal for heavy-duty use |
| It can weld a wide variety of metal thickness | Not suitable for welding aluminum |
| It offers high power delivery at low amperage | |
| High-quality and durability |
Conclusion
We hope this helps you in your search for the best TIG welders. The options provided above are guaranteed to simplify the welding process; they are easy to use, allow for optimal performance and quality results, and helps users save costs. Remember to consider the type of work to be undertaken, metal thickness, level of quality and appearance required, and the power source when looking for a TIG welder to purchase. If a MIG welder might be something more suitable check out our Best MIG Welders article.
