Choosing the right TIG welder is a challenging task. So, we did some research and analyzed which factors to consider. Some of them are mentioned below…
Input Power: There are mainly two types of electric currents that include AC and DC. While some TIG welders can work with both AC and DC, some are only supported by DC only. And this ability limits the supported metals that you can weld using a TIG welder. If you don’t have any idea of power source, then choose a model with both inputs. Amperage: One of the most important things to check while buying an electric welder is its amp rating or power consumption. As you would expect, it simply tells you the amount of current used by a welder. And you can find welders that draw anywhere between 160A to 250A.
Other factors are mentioned clearly in the “Buying Guide”. Go through the information thoroughly to choose the best TIG welder for your requirements. Based on the same information, we have gathered a list of some of the Best TIG Welders.
Best TIG Welder: List
Top TIG Welders 2023 Reviews
1. PRIMEWELD TIG / Stick Welder
Best stick welders Best multi-process welders Best spool gun welder Best stud welder Best mig welders
PrimeWeld is one of the top rated brands of electric welders available out there. And it even makes various TIG welders, including the one present in this article. The PrimeWeld TIG225X TIG Welder is the 1st product in this article and it is one of the most powerful options present in the list. This is due to the fact that it offers a high peak power consumption or an amp rating of 225A. Highly customizable AC and DC TIG Welder with settings for AC Frequency. Pulse Frequency and Duty, Starting Current, Welding Current and many more. As a result, you can use this TIG welder for welding ¼ inch aluminum and ⅜ inch mild steel as well as 7018 and 6013 without any issues. Another great thing about this is that it works with both 110V as well as 220V supply without any problems. You get all of this in this PrimeWeld TIG welder, along with a 3-year warranty. Highlights
225A TIG welder Option for both DC and AC Supports 110V and 220V supply Comes with a 3-year warranty Welds ¼ inch aluminum and ⅜ inch mild steel Advanced inverter technology with PWM HF start hand torch control Precise foot pedal welding heat control
Components
CK17 flex head torch CK flex tubing CK Dinse Connector TIG welder User manual Warranty card
2. AHP AlphaTIG 200X 200 Amp IGBT AC DC Tig/Stick Welder
AHP is another great option if you are looking for reputable brands of electric welders. We have mentioned a decently powerful TIG welder from AHP in this article. The AHP AlphaTIG 200X TIG Welder is the 2nd product in this article and it offers a decent welding performance. This 200A TIG welder provides the support for both AC as well as DC modes. And as you would expect, this allows you to weld ¼ inch aluminum as well as ⅜ inch mild steel without any issues. Just like the previous TIG welder, this one also comes with advanced inverter technology with PWM using IGBT technology. You can even precisely weld thinner gauge metals using this TIG welder. It comes with HF start along with a foot pedal for precise control of the welding heat. And this TIG welder comes with a 3-year warranty to its users. Highlights
200A TIG welder Has both DC and AC modes Supports 110V and 220V supply Comes with a 3-year warranty Welds ¼ inch aluminum and ⅜ inch mild steel Advanced inverter technology with PWM HF start Precise foot pedal welding heat control
Components
Foot pedal TIG welder User manual Warranty card
3. Lotos TIG200ACDC 200A AC/DC Aluminum Tig Welder
Unlike the previous two options, Lotos is a comparatively affordable brand of electric welders. And this is also true with this Lotos TIG welder. The Lotos TIG200ACDC TIG Welder is the 3rd product in this article and it offers great performance at a decent price. Just like the previous option, this is also a 200A welder that has both DC as well as AC modes of welding. And you can even use it with 110V or 220V supply as per your needs and requirements. Unfortunately, you only get a 1-year warranty even with its high price tag. Thankfully, you get other useful features like a foot pedal and argon regulator in this TIG welder for high precision. You even get an inbuilt square wave inverter that is quite useful for welding aluminum. Highlights
200A TIG welder Support for both DC and AC Modes Works on 110V and 220V supply Comes with a 1-year warranty Inbuilt foot pedal for heat control Argon regulator for precision Square wave inverter for aluminum welding
Components
Stick clamp Foot pedal Argon regulator TIG welder User manual Warranty card
4. S7 Dual Voltage Welding Machine
Though S7 is relatively a small brand, it is well-known for providing high-quality welding machines and other power tools. Their dual voltage welding machine is specially optimized for providing a flawless weld. And moreover, it doesn’t lead to any spatter or post-weld cleanup. It has a rated input frequency of 50/60Hz and duty cycle of 85% which ensures high performance. It has a thickness of 0.3 to 4.8mm which makes it powerful and portable. It This welding machine is light in weight and convenient to carry around. Highlights
200A TIG welder 100KHz frequency Quick and mess-free welding 15-42 welding thickness Easy to operate Light in weight Overload protection Under voltage protection
Components
TIG machine professional TIG torch gun Electrode holder Electrode clamp 220V plug 110V and 220V transfer plug Instruction manual 13 As pictures
5. YESWELDER TIG-205DS HF Welding Machine
YESWELDER is a popular brand that specializes in providing high-quality welding machines, protective gear, tools and accessories. Their TIG-205DS has made to our list because of its quality and durability. It is equipped with IGBT soft switch technology which increases the duty cycle. This TIG welder is efficient enough in running a 5/32” rod with tungsten electrode. It is adjustable from 10-205A as it produces flawless TIG results. This welding machine ensures non-contact arc initiation which reduces tungsten. It weighs around 13 lbs that features a convenient handle. It can be easily transported from one place to another. It is also equipped with several safety features including voltage fluctuation, under voltage protection, overload protection, over-voltage protection, and over current protection. Highlights:
Automatic temperature control Amperage adjustment Safety features Simple to operate LCD display Efficient and reliable
Components:
Operating instructions are poor Customer service not good
6. Weldpro Digital TIG 200GD ACDC Welder
Weldpro is another excellent option if you are looking for reputable electric welder brands. And we have mentioned a decent performing TIG welder from Weldpro here. Just like various other TIG welders in this article, this one also comes with a 200A rating. And it can work with both 110V as well as 220V supply as per your requirements. As you would expect, it has both AC as well as DC modes that allows you to use it with aluminum as well as steel without any issues. It is a digitally designed TIG welder that comes with various digital features that are useful for welding. You get fully adjustable pulse, AC balance, start and end amps, upslope, downslope, and various other useful features in this TIG welder. This TIG Welder comes with a 3 year warranty. Highlights
200A TIG welder Support for both DC and AC Modes Works on 110V and 220V Supply Comes with a 3-year warranty Welds both aluminum as well as steel Offers various digital features Small and compact
Components
Foot pedal Clamps Argon regulator TIG welder User manual Warranty card
7. Lincoln Electric Square Wave TIG 200 TIG Welder
Lincoln Electric is a leading global manufacturer of robotic arc-welding systems, oxy fuel cutting tools, plasma cutting equipment, and soldering and brazing equipment. The brand uses an advanced manufacturing process to develop reliable products that offer value for your money. The reason that Lincoln Electric Square Wave TIG Welder makes it to our list is because of its advanced yet easy to use features. This makes the TIG welder perfect for DIY projects, hobbyists, small fabricators, and commercial craftsmen. This TIG Welder draws 125A current on 115V to generate enough heat to weld a wide range of materials. If you want more power, you can connect the welder to a 230V that increases the amp rating to 200A. The TIG welder is packed with a lot of advanced features that you can take advantage of, once you get a hang of it. While ideally suited for welding aluminum, you can use this for welding other metals as well. It is portable which allows you to carry it easily to your workplace or anywhere you want and plug it. Welder and the stick are powered using a single source. Lincoln Electric offers a 3 years warranty on this TIG welder from the date of purchase. Highlights
200A TIG welder Supports 115V and 230V Supply Comes with a 3 years warranty Perfect for welding aluminum Advanced and easy to use features Portable and easy to carry
Components
TIG welder User manual Warranty card
What is a TIG Welder and what is it used for?
There are several welding processes of joining metals. Difference between these methods is heat, type of pressure and equipment used. Among these methods, TIG welding is the most popular one. As it produces high quality welds, only professional welders with high skill level use this process. TIG welding is also referred as Tungsten Inert Gas Welding or Gas Tungsten Arc Welding. It is mostly used in spacecraft and airplane construction. Auto manufacturer companies use this process for its anti-corrosion capabilities. It is also widely used in auto body repair shops. Some artists that deal with metal artworks also use TIG welding process for sculpture welding for their high quality finish.
How does a TIG Welder work?
Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) represents the method of using electrode for welding. Sometimes, it is also referred as Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW). It uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode as a weld for joining two metals. With constant supply of current, an electric arc between the electrode and work piece metal will weld them. Using the heat, the welder will connect the two metals. An inert shielding gas or cover gas is used to protect the welded area from any surrounding elements or external contamination. Gases that are generally used for this are Helium, Argon or combination of them. The finished product will be slag-free with corrosion resistant properties. Unlike other methods, TIG welders can be operated without any other filler materials. However, certain welding works may require wire or filler just as reinforcement.
What are the uses of TIG Welder?
Being a versatile method, TIG welding can be used for rendering several metals. Some of them are mentioned below…
Mild steel, carbon steel and stainless steel Copper and alloys Titanium and alloys Nickel and alloys Magnesium and alloys Aluminum and alloys
How to choose the Best TIG Welder?
There are several models of TIG welders available in the market. Every model is different from other. To choose the best perfect TIG welder, you have to consider certain aspects. Below, we have provided a detail buying guide which helps you choose the best option that suits your requirements. Make sure to read it thoroughly so that you can make an informed choice.
1. Input Type
As TIG welders are electrical machines, each machine has a designated input standard. First, you should understand what type of input you will be able to provide and then take a look at the input level required for the machine. There are 2 different electrical inlet types available on a TIG welder that are AC and DC. There are a few TIG welders that have both of the inlet options available, so you won’t have to worry about the current type. So, if you are unsure about the input source available at your end, you should get the TIG welder that supports both. For example, AC welding is suitable for soft metals that have self-oxidizing properties like aluminum and magnesium. DC welds are suitable for hard metals like stainless steel, copper, and steel. In AC input type models, existing cycle will alternate between negative and positive halves. In aluminum welding, oxides will be cleaned during the AC cycle. And in the negative phase, base metal penetration will happen. To say in simple terms, positive phase is for cleaning and negative phase is for welds. So, while analyzing the input power, you have to consider material type you are welding.
2. Amp Rating
While purchasing a TIG welder, it is important to check the amperage range. You have to choose a model that provide widest range of amperage. If you choose a TIG welder with less amperage range, then it can limit your welding works as well. A wielding machine that has 5 to 230A range will provide enough flexibility to weld thin materials like over ¼ inch aluminum and 24 gauge stainless steel. Aluminum usually requires higher amperage than for stainless steel. If you go for a welder that is not capable of reaching 200A range, then the possibility of working on some welding tasks is not possible. So, never purchase them or use those welding machines. Apart from broad amperage range, you should also consider arc stability as well. This factor has to under 10A, so it will be easier to start and comes with better heat control. TIG welding is used mostly for welding thin materials, which states that you will not have hot start or high frequency when you start welding.
3. Thickness of Metal
If you are wielding metal that are delicate and thin, then you should consider choosing a model that provides very good performance at low amperage. Actually, TIG is best suited for welding thinner metals. However, if you mostly work with metals that are ½” or thicker, then we recommend to go for stick welding or MIG. TIG welding is mostly used for metals like alloy steel, nonferrous metals, stainless steel, magnesium, and copper. It can weld most of the metals, including titanium. Usually, welding steel with TIG requires one amp per 0.001 inch thickness. Based on the same, we have provided common welding types with metal thickness and amps required to weld. Note: Entry-level TIG welders usually max out at 200 to 225A. If you want to deal with heavy materials, fix farm equipment or build trailers or fences, then they may not work. TIG welding is also not suitable for dirty and rusty metals. However, if you are welding greasy engine parts or building a fence, then arc welders are best suited for the job.
4. Power Input
Talking about the input current intensity, you will find a voltage rating on each machine that represents its current requirement. As the voltage rating on the machine increases, its capacity also increases. In simpler words, you can weld various different metals with a high voltage machine. But you should also consider the voltage available at the source of your workshop. The source voltage must be greater than or equal to the voltage rating of the TIG welder to power the welder properly. Hence, you need to consider the voltage rating along with the current type before buying a TIG welder. To say in simple terms, light TIG welders come with 110V to 115V which make them suitable for welding light materials only. So, you should not use for welding thick materials. However, some welders work at higher voltage levels up to 250V which makes them suitable for thick metals. Welders that usually run at lower voltages are suitable for DIY projects and residential purpose. They can be easily powered using the electrical outlets present in home. If you don’t know how much power is required for your project, then some welders have the ability to operate at both high and low voltages.
4. Ignition Type
TIG welders require an ignition before you can start the welding process. There are different types of ignition methods that are required for different TIG welders. The most common ignition types are the high-frequency start and lift start.
In the case of the lift start, you need to make contact between the electrode and metal first to start the welding flame. It can cause improper welding in the beginning if you lift start via on the main work piece. Or, you will need a spare metal part always by your side to lift start the welding. On the other hand, a high-frequency ignition type allows a much cleaner and faster ignition. In the case of high-frequency start, you do not have to provide any metal contact whatsoever. As the name suggests, a high-frequency current is passed through the electrode at the beginning that creates the spark. Because of this, the welding flame is created, and the welder can be directly used on the work piece to get much better welding results.
5. Adjustment Settings
Similar to other electrical welders, TIG welders also provide you with the option to control various aspects of the welding. These adjustment settings must include precise control over many important functions such as current frequency, current ampere, pulse time, etc. By managing these settings according to your requirement, you can make sure that you don’t run into any trouble while welding different materials. These settings can be present in an analog fashion with the help of certain knobs having permanent markings over the knobs. Or, you can also get a TIG welder that has a digital display that will show these properties on a digital screen for better understanding. In some special TIG welder, you will also find the automation function that can manage these options automatically according to your application. Such a feature can reduce your workload while increasing your speed of operation.
6. Duty Cycle
It represents the time duration the machine can work continuously. It is usually measured in percentage ratio of active time. While using a welding machine for long duration, you can experience some side effects like overcurrent, overheating and improper output. These issues can decrease the performance and even damage the welder if you keep on using it in the same way. To resolve this issue, each TIG welder is provided specific duty cycle which states how much the welder can be run continuously. The standard-duty cycle for an electric welder is around 10 minutes. But you can get a higher duty cycle in some of the best TIG welders in the market. A higher duty cycle will allow you to work for a longer time without needing a break. This will allow you to get the job done much quicker. The duty cycle is represented in percentage. For example, a TIG welder with a 30% duty cycle TIG welder can be used for 3 minutes straight. But it will require a 7 minute cooldown period afterward. On the other hand, a 60% duty cycle TIG welder can be used for around 6 minutes at once, while the cooldown period will be about 4 minutes long. If you are using the welder for commercial purposes or dense metal operations, then you should choose DC machines. This will reduce the time duration you have to wait until for the welder to cool down. For light-duty tasks like DIY projects, you can choose TIG welders with low duty cycle as they can work without any issues. If your place has power surge regularly, then it can decrease the duty cycle. Because the surge power input can increase the overworking on motor. Cheaper tig welders come with 20% of duty cycle making them suitable for light tasks and soft metals. High quality TIG welders have 60% duty cycle. However, they are expensive.
7. Weight
This is another crucial factor when it comes to TIG welders. A TIG welding machine cannot be kept stationary at all times as the welding cable cannot reach everywhere. Especially when you are welding a large, immovable job. In such a case, the weight and form factor of the machine plays an important role. If your TIG welder is comparatively lightweight and compact in size, you can easily move the welder around for many complicated jobs. But, a compact and lightweight TIG welder will also have comparatively less power output. Therefore, make sure you consider the application of the TIG welder before making your selection and choose the one that fits your job the best.
8. Digital Control
Most of the welders come with digital controls which makes them easy to use and safe to operate. The screen will display information like voltage, power and others. Using this information, a professional or beginner will operate the welding task safely. This will make the welding task more perfect and accurate. Safety features of the welder are also important and probably come quite handy many times. One of safety features is thermal overload protection. If the welder is working continuously for a while, then it becomes overheated which can damage it. Thermal overload protection will switch off the welder once it gets overheated. This automatic safety feature will make handling the welder much easier. Some of the tig welders also come with automatic high-temperature balance as well.
9. High Quality Arc
TIG welders that come with cheap quality have arc stability problems. If arc of the welder is unstable, then it can lead to several issues with welding finish. This can lead to a very big problem as most of the welders require to provide high quality and neat finish. So, make sure to choose a tig welder with high quality arc.
10. Pulsed Welding
Pulsed welding is usually helpful for welding thin metal pieces that may break up if normal welders are used. They reduce the heat which touches the metal and keeps it from breaking up. But TIG welders have higher pulse rating that produces stronger weld and more control. If you are using TIG for pulsed welding, then it is important to check out the pulse rate of the welder. Older machines usually have 4,000 to 4,500 pulses per second. New modern versions have up to 5,000 pulses per second. Higher pulsing rate means stronger weld so you will have more control over the weld puddle. Higher pulsing focus means constricted arc and limited heat.
11. Foot Pedal
For proper TIG welding, a reliable foot pedal is one of the important factors. Projects that need TIG welding are sometimes performed in some awkward position which needs both hands to work on it – like one for the torch and other for filler rod. Usually, the pedals enable the welders to manage the heat so that weld puddle doesn’t get too bulky. Ideal foot pedals usually have natural angle to ground which cases discomfort or pain in your foot. And you should also check for responsiveness and foot adjustment.
12. Portability
If you have to transport the TIG welder from one place to another, then portability is one of the important factors to check out. Usually, small TIG welders weigh 40 to 50 pounds which makes them easy to move around. Larger TIG welders usually weight around 100 pounds or more. so, the only way to move them is to use a moving cart with wheels. As smaller TIG welders weigh less, they are versatile and powerful enough to handle small welding tasks that usually don’t have longer duty cycle.
13. High Frequency Settings
A TIG welder which has higher frequency settings will be easy to control the arc than the one with low settings. This factor is very important to analyze for TIG welding.
14. Plasma Cutter and Stick Welding
If you are looking for versatility and extra features, then you should choose a TIG welder that has both plasma cutting and stick welding capabilities. These features will let you save time on projects like metal cutting. And you can also expand the range of projects to work on as TIG with stick ability will let you work on anything.
15. Air-Cooler Torch Vs Water Cooler Torch
Water cooled or air coolers are some of the special features available in some TIG welders. They represent how the welder will cool down when it reaches high temperature. Air cooled models usually use surrounding air and run hot, making it uncomfortable to work in tight spaces. Using a water-cooled TIG welder, it is very easy to handle extreme temperatures. They come with a tiny head that can easily get into small spaces. People who purchase air cooled welders wish they had invested in water-cooled models. You can manage with air-cooled torch but sometimes you wish to have invested in a water cooled one. At a higher power output, the torch will get warmer and most welders may not be ok with that. Though a water-cooled torch has small head, it can complete finer tasks at even tighter spots. Most of the welders use water-cooled torches to prevent extreme heat when the air is cooled down.
16. Budget
The price range of TIG welders can range from few hundreds to tens of thousands. It usually depends on packages, equipment, features and brands. The ideal cost range is somewhere in the middle. For professional works, $1000 range is suitable but for hobbyist welder, it is better to choose TIG welders under $500. Just for information, expensive models can be purchased, if you work mostly with titanium metals.
17. Warranty
Last but not least, warranty is one of the important factors to consider while purchasing a TIG welder. Most of the TIG welders come with 2 to 5 years warranty. Longer the warranty duration, reliable the product is.
Benefits of using a TIG Welder
There are several advantages of using a TIG welder. We have mentioned some of them below for your reference.
Welders can use their thumb or foot for total control on heat, amperage and accuracy. They work best on thin materials as they use low amperage. Heat control and amperage let you weld quickly from thin materials to larger ones which makes them a versatile option. It can be used on several kinds of materials that include aluminum, stainless steel, copper and other dissimilar metals. If used properly, then they can provide high quality and top quality results than other types. It provides clean welding finish with minimum spatters, fumes and sparks. TIG welder is capable of performing in any position to provide beautiful and accurate weld. It can also be used without metals and filler wire. They generally use non-consumable electrode. They are used in projects that require minimal distortion and more detailing like for curves, designs and artistry. As no fluxes are required, welder can use low-profile weld bead which is clean. TIG welder is the perfect solution for welding critical joints where precision is key. They also provide strong and clean beads.
Drawbacks of using a TIG Welder
One of the main disadvantages of using a TIG welder is that only professionals with high skill levels can handle it. Apart from that, there are other disadvantages as well. We have mentioned them below for your reference.
The process of using TIG welder is complex and a challenge to master the skill set. Welders using this process should work with both hands and foot which can be quite undesirable. And moreover, it also requires very good hand-eye coordination and high focus level. GTAW can be easily performed on several metal types. But some metals cannot be used for this process that include metal thickness over 5mm. For high quality results, it can be performed on only clean materials. This can be a trouble for some people. It also takes up more energy and time. Though TIG welding is known to produce best welds, they have low deposition rate. This means they cannot weld quickly. They have low tolerance for contamination of metal based and filler. As the process has to be done only by a qualified technician which usually results in higher labor costs. In case of improper welding, unbalanced heating, the cost can be increased.
Conclusion
TIG Welders are one of the best options out there if you are looking for electric welders that can be used with different kinds of metal. Therefore, we have mentioned some of the best TIG welders in this article. Some packages usually have user’s instructional manual which will elaborate how you have to connect or use the machine. While purchasing a TIG welder, it is very important to consider the expertise level as some of these machines are very complicate to use.
Technique – This is one of the main differences between these two welding types. In the MIG welding process, wire electrode will be fed continuously through spool gun for creating the weld. When it comes to TIG welding, the welder is will feed filler material onto the weld with single hand and operating the torch with another. Difficulty – The process of feeding wire continuously makes the MIG easier than TIG. While using the TIG, you have to hold the welding with one hand and filler material with another. This is obviously very difficult and only professionals can handle it. Object Thickness – Compared to TIG welding model, MIG can weld much thicker metals. If the metal you use are thin, then TIG is the suitable option. Material Range – MIG works with most of the metal types like stainless steel, mild steel and aluminum. TIG welding is suitable metals that have thinner gauge. Speed – MIG welding process is much faster making it suitable for tasks that require higher production rates. However, TIG has slower method which is suitable for detail and finesse works. Project Size – It is one of the best ways to determine which welding form is suitable. MIG welds are suitable for large projects, thick metals and continuous runs. TIG welds are suitable for small projects and thinner metals as they provide clean and precise welds. Control – MIG is much easier to control which makes it best for beginners. TIG welders require high skill level and expertise for balancing materials and timing using both hands. Price – TIG welders are costlier than MIG welders.Appearance – Because of beautiful and clean finish, TIG welding is the most preferred option. They are often used for ornamental and artistic purposes.
You can even find a detailed buying guide for these TIG welders in this article. It offers all of the information regarding these welders that can be quite useful for easily picking one for yourself. Although, if you are still not able to choose one, we are here with some of our own recommendations:
If you want one of the most powerful TIG welders out there, then you can go with the Primeweld TIG225X. As per its name, it is a 225A welder that supports both AC and DC modes. Due to this, you can use it with ¼ inch aluminum and ⅜ inch mild steel without any issues. You even get a 3-year warranty with this TIG welder. The Lotos 200A AC/DC Aluminum Tig Welder can be a great pick if you want the cheapest TIG welder present in this article. While it works only with DC current, it is quite lightweight and portable, with a rating of 200A. And despite its comparatively affordable price tag, you get a 1-year warranty with it that makes it highly reliable. You can also go with the AHP AlphaTIG 200X as it comes with a 3-year warranty. And as per its name, it is a 200A TIG welder. But the great thing about this one is that it works with both AC and DC current that allows you to use it with various kinds of metals, including ¼ inch aluminum and ⅜ inch mild steel without any issues.
Make sure to share your thoughts in the comments section. You can also post any questions down there if you have any! Comment * Name * Email * Website
Δ
