Insider’s Guide to TIG Welders: Money-Saving Reviews and Secrets Revealed

Fed up with the welding machine that performs like a toy? I know how it feels when you can’t achieve quality weld finish. You gave a lot of effort, and the result is a big zero.

Don’t give up! All you need is the right tool. Just a tig welder can give a magical experience for a perfectionist welder like you.

What will be best tig welder for the money? Don’t panic. I drew up a list of tig welder comparisons which may help you to find the right one. So let’s get started with table of contents.

• Best TIG welders for aluminum: AlphaTIG 200X
• Best value tig welder: Lotos Tig 200 Ac/Dc Tig Welder
• Best TIG welder for beginner: Miller Electric Maxstar 150 STL
• Best home tig welder: Hobart EZ-TIG 165i Welder
• Best budget TIG welder: Everlast PowerTIG 250EX
• Best hobby tig welder: Primeweld tig225x 225 amp
• Best multipurpose TIG welder: Amico Power TIG 185
• Best 200-amp tig welder: Weldpro Digital TIG 200gd
• Best small tig welder: YESWELDER TIG-205DS
• Best TIG combo welder: Mts-205 205 AMP

What is TIG welding used for?

TIG welding, known as gas tungsten arc welding, is a welding process that works to join metals by heating them with a non-consumable electrode and the workpiece.

Why do you use Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding?

• To join almost all weld metals, with free of defects and with superior weld quality.
• It offers to weld Free from spattering.
• It provides great control of the root pass.
• You could be used with or without filler metal if it required for the specific application.
• It can be used to produce autogenous welds with good penetration.
• Provides for separate control over filler metal additions.

We have reviewed the best welding helmet for tig welding. Read in detail & keep your head and eyes safe.

How do TIG welders work?

Look:

Before you use a TIG welding machine, won’t it be cool to be familiar with each part of the welder and the principle of tig welding?

Sound’s logical? The work lead also referred to as a ground cable must be attached to the metal surface. Besides, the welding lead has an electric TIG torch at the very end.

Now let’s talk about the technical part.

Along with the cable, there is a small line for carrying the argon gas. In plain words, this inert gas is more like the flux coating that protects the weld from any airborne contaminants. But yes, you will need a regulator and a gas bottle.

10 Best TIG Welders Reviewed

I have welded most of my life, especially TIG. Now I have a fabrication shop. I have MIG welded a hundred sets of headers, and literally the grinding drives me crazy.

Here is my handpicked list of tig welders that you can grab your hands on.

1. Best TIG Welders For Aluminum Welding – 2018 AHP AC DC AlphaTIG 200X

This welder is crazy good! Yes, you heard that right, thoroughly satisfied with the welder so far.

Powerful AC/DC tig welder comes with tig and stick function gives both the professional as well as hobby welder a vast range of welding opportunities with this AHP welder. Now let’s get to it:

My impression

Can’t be beaten for its price! Yes, testing it I have to admit it. You can do 1/4″ aluminum/ 3/8″ mild steel. The best part is you can run it with 110/220 volts as well as capable of welding 6013, 7018.

Sounds GREAT? Apart from this, it’s advanced technology with pulse width modulation to ensure precise welding. It offers professional quality at reasonable pricing.

What about the ahp alpha tig 200x problems?

Well, let’s be honest, the knobs don’t look to perfectly line up with the background markings. However, high standard metal foot pedal control is applied for ease of use.

Wow features

It comes with pulse freq and ac frequency control along with a new torch.

What’s included in the box?

• Alpha TIG 200.
• Stick holder.
• Ground clamp (6ft).
• Foot Pedal.
• Regulator.
• Adapter.

2. Best Value TIG Welder – Lotos 200A Dual Voltage

Are you a beginner in the welding industry?

Or perhaps a part-time user who wants to take the chance to own a trustworthy welder within an affordable budget tig welder?

This is the Lotos welder that you are looking for!

So PAY attention…

My impression

I literally fall in love with this Lotos tig welder. This compact, versatile TIG200 offers you a simple array of controls to perfectly set the welder to weld under a wide variety of situations.

What about frequency and voltage? The GOOD news is it has automatic dual voltage and dual-frequency. Meanwhile, Dual voltage capability allows the welder to run on 220 V 50/60 Hz power, or even on 110 V 50/60 Hz.

And another thing….

HF start hand torch gives you the control and precise foot pedal heat control. That’s why it is considered as one of the best starter tig welders.

Wait, wait, and wait!

If you think that it is just the cheapest aluminum welder, you are in fool’s paradise, dear. It comes with an amazing feature like TIG200‘s square-wave inverter. Ignore the ugliest box.

Welding thickness is 3/8″ (9.5mm) for aluminum, stainless steel, mild steel.

Wow features

Its compact package includes a TIG torch, Power supply, MMA/Stick welder clamp, Argon Regulator, Foot Pedal, Converter Pigtail, Consumable Set, Ground clamp, Instruction Manual.

What’s included in the box?

• Lotos TIG200A welder.
• Power supply.
• Ground clamp.
• Foot Pedal.
• Tig torch.
• Adapter.
• 220V/110V converter pigtail.
• Consumable set.
• Instruction manual.

3. Best TIG Welder For Beginner – Miller Maxstar DC 150 STL

Hi, weekend, enthusiast! introducing the industrial quality features a machine in an affordable range.

Can this really be true? Yes, The Miller MaxStar 150 is a lightweight, DC (direct current) output tool that utilizes lift-Arc technology. Hence, Lift-Arc technology presents the TIG arc starting without the presence of a high-frequency start.

Want to know more about this machine? Check this out:

My impression

Awesome little machine!

Its compact design has great portability. This lightweight, little inverter-based machine can be carried and taken anywhere. Its dc inverter makes it suitable for both Stick and TIG applications.

Astonishing, isn’t it?

By utilizing an effective inverter-based power source, a superior arc starts. As a result, Stick and TIG settings are in a small, portable package.

Wow feature of Miller 150 welder

With the built-in gas solenoid, the Miller 150 eliminates the need for a heavyweight TIG torch with the gas valve.

4. Best Home TIG Welder – Hobart 500551 EZ TIG 165i

What is the biggest struggle when using tig welding?

It’s an annoying user interface, right?

Admit it. But the good news is Hobart presents an awesome machine with a super easy-to-use interface. And all you need to do is just power it up, pick your material, and then set the material thickness range.

And you are ready. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I see this. So let’s get down to it:

My impression

The Hobart 500551 EZ tig 165i is a complete AC (Alternative current), DC (Direct current) welding machine that offers a distinct single knob control. This knob makes it welder the quickest and easiest TIG welder to use.

Too GOOD!

This Hobart EZ tig 165i review won’t be complete without mentioning its superior performance from .81 mm to 4.8 mm in both AC and DC. Besides, it includes Fan-On-Demand for reducing debris.

But wait, there is more.

Infinite amperage controls the vast operating range. However, Inverter-based power offers consistent performance while utilizing less power.

Weld thickness Steel: 22.00 ga. – 3/16 in.

Wow features

Auto-post-flow provides optimum shielding without wastage or adjustment.

What included in the box?

1. Welder power source
2. Primary cord
3. Gas hose and regulator
4. Work cable with clamp
5. Tig welders torch
6. Food padel

5. Best Budget TIG Welder – Everlast AC/DC 250EX

Sleek, compact, and portable, the Everlast 250ex power tig delivers an impressive amount of welding for stick welding—you’ll never have to take any hassle on welding for TIG.

Not only is a versatile, putting out 250 amps of stick/TIG welding power, with a 60% duty cycle.

Let’s jump right in.

My impression

Equally great for both the professional and the welding enthusiast that needs a well-designed AC-DC TIG welder, the Everlast welders are a versatile solution.

See the difference?

For those needing to do thin gauge material, the machine features a low amp in both AC and DC modes.  The IGBT inverter reduces the size of the tools and keeps them portable. Meanwhile, the welder will operate handy on both 240V single phase, as well as 240V 3 phase power.

What does it include?

• 12 ft. Everlast TIG torch
• 35 series DINSE connectors
• Torch switch
• 2T/4T operation electrode holder
• 10 ft. cable
• Billet brass consumable starter kit 
• 6 ft power input cable.

6. Best Hobby TIG Welder – Primeweld 225 AMP Welder

This heavy-duty machine is most probably what you are yearning for a while.

You bet it is! The Primeweld Tig225x ac dc welder is the appropriate choice for those who wish to clean weld multiple metals with a single machine. Now let’s get to Primeweld tig225x.

My Impression

I have to admit, the primeweld Tig225x ac dc welder got the versatility to fulfill the needs of not only hobbyists but also pro welders alike. Just look at the primeweld tig 225 dimensions. 

Quite impressive, isn’t it?

Featuring 200HRTZ on pulse freq, it is capable of welding 6013, 7018. This unit support AC/DC Tig along with stick welding.

The coolest thing, it allows a wide range of uses, including stainless steel, aluminum, and thinner weld metals. You will find the recommended ac dc freq in the primeweld tig 225 manual.

And get this:

Though it’s a compact package, this is a 225A welder that needs accessories like arc voltage control, oscillator, a tracking device for the seam, electrode positioning system, etc.

What does it include?

• Pulse CK17 Flex Torch
• Cable 3 Year Warranty
• CK Dinse connector

Wow features

No matter whether it’s 110v and on 220v, this beast gonna give High performance with a full range of pulse. Much needed consistency you can ask for!

7. Best Multipurpose TIG Welder – Amico Power TIG 185/180 AMP

When you take to count all the welding types, TIG seems easier, but the harsh reality is you need a hell of amount of practice to get the piece done.

But more than that, you need a handy machine to clean and build quality welds.

Meet the most beloved TIG welder, Amico power atig185201. This machine is perfect for high-frequency start TIG torch as well as hf arc starting. However, it does a good job of improving tungsten’s life.

My impression

Amico TIG-185 multi-process welder is a product equipped with the most updated inverter technology. As a result, it can weld not only steel but also various metals and steel like Stainless, Alloy steel, Mild, Nickel alloys.

But wait – there’s more.

 It works great with Brass, Bronze, Copper, Cast Iron, and Chrome also. The quality of the machine seems pretty ok to me. And the company claims that all of the machines are tested in the USA.

Worried about arc stability?

No worries, Advanced IGBT Inverter technology provides way more arc stability than your expectation. 15-180 amps are more than enough to weld thin materials and thick workpieces. 

It includes some excellent control features like Automatic temperature and steeples amperage. This dual voltage input machine supports both 115V and 230V.

What does it include?

• TIG-185
• A 13 Feet TIG Torch Gun, 
• A 10 Feet Electrode Holder and Cable
• Work Clamp and Cable
• Argon Gas Hose
• Power Cord Adapter

Wow features

Automatic compensation gives protection on over-voltage, under-voltage over current, overload protection. Plus, it controls voltage fluctuation.

8. Best Small TIG Welder – Weldpro Digital AC/DC 200 AMP

This machine is the best cost/benefit tool from the TIG welder list by far.

Yes, you heard that right. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I see; this stuff is a digitally designed machine equipped with all the handy TIG welding jobs. 

Why do I say this? It’s quite astonishing how they manage to offer such features in this affordable price range.

My Impression

This tool simply goes beyond welding aluminum and steel.

First of all, let’s talk about design. The TIGACDC200 is an inverter-based machine specially designed for TIG welding jobs. However, it utilizes tremendous inverter technology. Plus, IGBT circuits have a greater impact on reducing size and weight.

See the difference?

Excellent Professional design foot pedal is decent and will allow you to use without intermediate amperage control. 

What does it include?

• Pulse CK 17 superflex torch.
• Trigger Switch.

Wow features

This powerful welder to not only efficient by 30% but also the electronic circuitry makes it far more user-friendly for each specific weld.

9. Best Starter TIG Welder – Yeswelder 200 AMP TIG Welder

If you are looking for a machine that is simple to operate, this welder is the right fit for you. It’s not only the DC (direct current) TIG machine; it could be a handy tool for MMA, STICK, ARC welding also.

My Impression

Before we go any further, let’s talk about voltage and input. I am also a welder and know how important this part is.

Dual Voltage Input support both 110V and 220V. The compact and lightweight design makes it ideal for a beginning TIG welder.

And guess what?

It comes with advanced technology like IGBT soft switch, which makes it suitable for the thin workpiece.

What does it include?

• Yeswelder TIG-205DS machine.
• Professional Torch Gun along with Assembly.
• Work clamp with cable Electrode Holder.
• Transfer Plug (110V and 220V).
• One set consumables(Collet, Alumina Ceramic Cup, Short Back Cap, Long Back Cap).

Wow features

The lightness of its components not only gives the strength but also makes this stuff a reliable work beast for personal use.

10. Best TIG Combo Welder – MTS 205 AMP Combo Welder

Don’t get fooled with the cute little machine by thinking that Mts-205 could be a great choice for the upcoming DIY project.

Yes, you read that right.

 It’s actually way more than that. This beast is capable of welding alloy steel, mild steel, stainless steel, copper, and cast iron and even steel.

My Impression

Such a great 3-in-1 combo welder!

This MTS machine fits easily with solid wire, flux cord wire or even with aluminum wire. As it includes TIG Torch, this makes it a compact package.

What about the output range?

The output range is 10-205 amps. But it needs standard flux-core wire or 0.6-1.0mm wire for steel, and aluminum wire.

Sound’s cool, right?

Using high-quality wire which provides smooth wire feed. That feature makes it perfect for aluminum wire welding. And it’s a big plus for a welder. However, you don’t need to get worried about the installation. The control gas solenoid valve had automatically installed inside the tool.

Wow features

The settings are designed in such a brilliant way that easily adjust your output, even count the thickness and the polarity.

What’s included in the box?

• 250A pro. MIG gun with cable assembly
• TIG Torch gun 
• 500A electrode holder with cable assembly 
• 630A work clamp 
• Power plug adapter
• 1 spool
• Air hose 
• Argon connect 
• Owners Manual

But first a warning: do not try to use the same gas you used in a MIG welder.

How To Use A TIG Welder?

Step 1: Choose The Electrode

When it comes to the tig machine, choosing the Electrode is crucial. And For aluminum, the best option is a pure tungsten rod.

Step 2: Grind the Electrode

Secondly, grind that tungsten rod to a point. In the meantime, insert the electrode into the collet.

Step 3: Choose the Settings

Allow me to inform you, the typical TIG rig usually has three main electricity options –

• DCEP
• AC
• DCEN

AC is for only for aluminum – so choose “AC” if you have the plan to weld aluminum.

DCEP refers to “DC, Electrode Positive” mostly used for stick welding. And lastly, DCEN refers to “DC, Electrode Negative,” and for welding steel.

Step 4: Turn on the Gas

Undoubtedly, gas is a vital fact to keep the weld from corroded and protects at the high temperatures.

• For aluminum: pure argon.
• For steel: argon/carbon dioxide mixture

Step 5: Prepare the Metal and Welding Table

Prepare your welding table, in the meantime, Get Dressed Up. Don’t forget for one last check.

Step 6: Weld !

How Much Is A TIG Welder?

You will find various brands that are able to gain consumer trust. Some of these are:

• Miller tig welder   
• Lincoln tig welder   
• Everlast tig welder   
• Eastwood tig welder   
• Aluminum tig welder   
• Hobart tig welder

What about the price? Well, there is a different range actually.

What Are The Limitations Of TIG Welding?

• Travel speed is low.
• High weld cost.
• Deposition rates are low.
• It requires a high degree of operator welding skills to produce quality better welds.
• The process is not so easily automated.

Things To Consider Before Buying Budget TIG Welders

Probably you have already known, tig welders machine are relatively high power consumer. That’s why you should consider some crucial things before buying a tig machine.

1. Duty cycle

The duty cycle refers to the ability of the machine to operate continuously. This will help prevent unnecessary time wastage from cooling down.

2. Input power

In short, the input voltage power measures the kind of tasks your device can perform. So if you are looking for heavy duties, look for a welder that has an impressive input power. Meanwhile, most TIG welders machines come with an automatic AC/ DC adjustability.

3. Automation and Digital Display

As I mention earlier, TIG tools are engaging machines. As a result, Automation and digitization make the work easier. That’s why you should pay extra attention to these two.

4. Weight and Size

No wonder, everyone likes light machines. And this factor is so important because it indicates the portability of your device. Meanwhile, we think the machine less than 100lbs is good enough for portability.

Wrapping Up

Before wrapping up this tig welder reviews, I want to remind some important issues. It’s better to spend some extra bucks for good quality rather than throwing it to the river by purchasing a cheap tool. So be wise.

Meanwhile, all the machines have entered on my best tig welder for their superior quality.

But let’s be ultra-honest.

I fall in love with the 2018 AHP AlphaTIG 200X tig welder for its super-smooth performance. So I highly recommend this amazing machine. On the other hand, if the best budget tig welder is your concern then try Miller welders Maxstar 150 STL.