TIG welding is a precise art form that requires skill and patience to master. Unlike MIG welding, which requires a constant feed of weld wire, TIG uses Tungsten Inert Gas to weld the two metal pieces together.
We run down the best TIG welders to see which deserve your attention.
What Is TIG Welding Best Used For?
TIG welding is better suited to thinner metals because it produces more precise and neater welds. While MIG welding is easier to control, this takes skill to master. Once you’ve mastered TIG welding, you can weld copper, titanium, steel, aluminum, even two different metal types.
TIG welding relies on Tungsten Inert Gas to create the bond, melting the surface of the metal to bind two pieces together. It creates less splatter and is better suited to challenging shapes and curves.
How To Choose the Best TIG Welder
Let’s talk about what you should look for in a TIG welder before you go out and splash your cash.
Ease of Use
Try not to over complicate things, and choose a TIG welding machine with easy to use controls and a simple design. Adjustable heat and voltage controls, and a foot pedal to control the amperage, are ideal combinations.
Wide Amperage Range
In welding, the lowest amperage range is as important as the maximum amps. High amps increase your project capabilities, enabling you to undertake bigger, more ambitious tasks.
Low amperage means you can work with delicate metals like sheet steel without the fear of melting the material. Again, this gives you the scope to complete a broader range of jobs.
AC/DC Spectrum
A TIG welder covering both the AC and DC range also increases the different types of metals you can work with. Also, AC balance control allows you more application versatility. If you work with steel, you get the best results with DC.
If you work with aluminum and magnesium, AC is the best type of current to use.
The Duty Cycle
All welders have a duty cycle that determines the length of time you can use it between resting to cool the electrode. Duty cycles are calculated in 10-minute bursts, so if you have a 20 percent cycle, it means you can work for 2 minutes and rest for 8.
Most TIG welders offer 30 to 60 percent duty cycles.
What Type of Projects Are You Planning?
TIG welding works better on sheet material like steel and where a bead weld is visible like on bicycles and farm machinery. MIG welding produces too much heat for thinner metals and melts the material, so the TIG method works the best.
Also, if you are working with aluminum, TIG provides the best penetration and purity of the weld.
Multi-Function Machines
Welding machines that cover all the welding techniques are the best option if you want to avoid added expense. Buying a separate MIG and stick welder isn’t cheap. Try and get a machine covering the entire gamut of welds, from TIG, MIG and stick.
It’s All About the Budget
What you can afford dictates the quality and capabilities of the machine you buy. The cheaper end of the spectrum offers less quality, reliability and precision. At the top-end, you can purchase a welder that will last years, thanks to the increased quality of the components.
Don’t fret too much if you can’t afford the bells and whistles models at this stage. It can always be a goal to strive towards as you save your pennies. Right now, that budget model might be the best option until you can upgrade.
The Best TIG Weldings of 2020
With so many variations and styles of TIG welders, it was challenging to narrow down the search. Here are our 10 favorite picks to help you decide which is the best option.
1. PRIMEWELD TIG 225X AC/DC TIG Welder
This TIG welder uses an advanced inverter with pulse width modulation, which utilizes on/off pulses to control its power and efficiency. PWM technology works well with aluminum, steel and sheet metals.
This PRIMEWELD is an AC/DC unit with 225 amps at its disposal, as well as a dual voltage of 110 volts and 220 volts. It means this welder is versatile and capable of working in a domestic setting or a commercial space.
It comes with a host of accessories, including a welding face mask and foot pedal to increase your accuracy when operating the machine.
Why We Love It
Inverter Technology
Inverters have replaced transformers as the best means of controlling the current and the voltage to make the welder adapt to various tasks.
Accessories Galore
This welding set comes with everything you could need to get working straight out of the box. It has cables, a face mask, floor clamps and replacement tips. All you need to do is supply the gas.
40 Percent Duty Cycle
This unit has a duty cycle of 40 percent at 140 amps, using 120 volts, and 40 percent at 225 amps on the 225-volt setting. At lower amps, that cycle increases to 100 percent.
Keep In Mind
A Pricey Purchase
This is not a budget option. It is costly, therefore, likely to appeal to the serious welder or the semi-professionals. Home enthusiasts are unlikely to pay the hefty price tag for this.
Inverter Technology
Inverter technology has moved on a lot since the early days, but it is still less robust than a welder with transformers. When you take this to the job site, take care that the circuitry doesn’t get knocked as it might lead to a malfunction.
Additional Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 90 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 24 x 19 x 12 |
| Voltage | 110/220 |
| Amps | 225 |
| Duty cycle | 40 percent |
| Price | $$$ |
| Warranty | 3-year |
2. Eastwood TIG 200 AC/DC Welder
This Eastwood is a popular choice for automotive workshops and industrial settings thanks to its powerful and precise abilities. It is the ideal tool for metalwork and body shop repairs. This welder is at home with sheet metal and 0.25-inch thick steel, making it the perfect bit of kit for any self-respecting auto-garage.
It has a dual 120/240 output, a maximum of 225 amps, and a 60 percent duty cycle at 90 amps. This is an AC/DC welder, and it comes with an industry-standard WP-17 torch setup with a 12-foot connection.
This welder comes with a pedal that doesn’t score highly for satisfaction. Luckily, the pedal is an addition you can discard, so it isn’t a deal-breaker. What this welder does well is to protect the weld with a pre and post flow gas meter to stop oxidation and porosity, which can affect the quality of the weld.
Why We Love It
Pre and Post Weld Metering
Protecting the weld for purity and oxidation is the key to preserving the integrity of the joint. The pre and post gas metering prevents damage to the weld even after the welding is active.
60 Percent Duty Cycle
The duty cycle at 90 amps stands at 60 percent, which is double that of the best MIG welders. It means for every 6 minutes spent welding, you only have to rest the torch for 4 minutes. It increases your work rate and gets the job done faster.
AC/DC Welding Capabilities
Thanks to both AC and DC, you can weld various metals from steel and stainless steel to aluminum. Being able to switch between the two currents is vital if you want the flexibility.
Keep In Mind
Steep Purchase Price
Compared to MIG welders, TIG units are vastly more expensive to buy. This one will cost you twice what a comparative MIG welding unit would set you back.
Unsatisfactory Foot Pedal
The foot pedal is not as popular as the welding machine itself. Many opt to use this TIG welder without the pedal to make it easier to control.
Additional Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 61 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 19.1 x 9.8 x 20 |
| Voltage | 110/220 |
| Amps | 200 |
| Duty cycle | 60 percent |
| Price | $$$ |
| Warranty | 3-year |
3. Alpha TIG 200X 200-Amp Welder
Like all quality TIG welders, this is an AC/DC unit, to weld mild steel, stainless steel and sheet steel. Switch to AC, and you can weld aluminum. It has a 200-amp capacity and operates on both 110 and 220 volts for domestic and commercial applications.
Like the PRIMEWELD, this Alpha features the same smart inverter technology with Pulse Width Modulation. It also features a high-frequency TIG start for better accuracy and efficiency.
It also has a 60 percent duty cycle at 200 amps, so you only need to rest the torch for 4 minutes out of every 10. This means you can work faster and get the job done.
Why We Love It
Weighs 69 Pounds
It only weighs 69 pounds, so if you want to maneuver this unit to the job site or the home, you can do so easily without straining your back. It also means this is a versatile tool for repairs as well as bigger welding projects.
High-Frequency Start
Position the TIG torch over the spot where you want to weld and pull the trigger. An arc forms instantly, meaning you get better accuracy and less chance of arc-eye. It also increases your overall control of the equipment, making it safer.
Pulse Width Modulation
Pulse width modulation works by controlling the motor with a series of on/off pulses. It increases the motor output efficiency while preserving the constant frequency and varying the duty cycle by a fraction every time.
Keep In Mind
High Cost
This is turning into a recurring theme so far. These TIG welders are not cheap and will set you back a serious amount of money. You can get cheaper models, but they do seem more expensive than similar MIG welders.
Customer Service Issues
Dissatisfied customers have expressed their frustration with the customer services department. AHP has left a lot to be desired regarding overall customer satisfaction.
Additional Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 69 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 19 x 23 x 12 |
| Voltage | 110/220 |
| Amps | 200 |
| Duty cycle | 60 percent |
| Price | $$$ |
| Warranty | 3-year |
4. Amico ARC-160 TIG Combo Welder
This Amico could so easily have been our first choice for the budget option. It costs so little compared to the others featured so far that you do a double-take when you see the price. It is even more impressive when you realize that the duty cycle for this welder is 80 percent!
That’s 20 percent better than the more expensive models. It’s also a multi-purpose welder with stick welding capabilities. It has a hot-start function, thrust adjustment function and a current intensity control function to deliver the most efficient experience possible.
It even comes with a 230-volt to 115-volt power adaptor.
Why We Love It
Amazing Price
You could buy 4 Amico TIG welder units and still have change for the price of the Alpha welder machine. This is such great value for money; it also makes a fantastic entry-level model for anyone learning the ropes of TIG welding.
Weighs 13 Pounds
This welding machine weighs just 13 pounds, making it one of the lightest models available. It means you can easily transport this to a place of work or from the garage to the garden in your home.
80 Percent Duty Cycle
This unit has a duty cycle of 80 percent at 160 amps, meaning you can operate the welder for 8 minutes straight and only need to rest it for 2 minutes before you can resume your work.
Keep In Mind
Build Quality Issues
It’s this cheap for a reason, and it cannot compete with the quality of the more expensive welders. Savings have to be made somewhere, which typically means the components and materials are cheaper to keep the costs down.
Lacks Adjustable Functions
We know this welder is cheap, but bear in mind that you don’t get the adjustability of more expensive models. It has a lot of auto functions, which removes the human interaction and control, in favor of the machine doing the thinking.
Additional Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 13 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 14.1 x 6.2 x 11.3 |
| Voltage | 100 to 250 |
| Amps | 160 |
| Duty cycle | 80 percent |
| Price | $ |
| Warranty | 1-year |
5. SUNGOLDPOWER TIG Welder 200 Amp
This budget option from SUNGOLDPOWER is priced to attract beginners and the home welder end of the market, rather than the professional user. It has a duty cycle of 60 percent, rivaling some of the premium models, and it has an overload monitor as well as a hot start function to target the arc where it is needed.
It also has a smooth welding adjustment from 20 to 200 amps and inverter technology that allows increased controls and precision of the amps, voltage and temperature.
All in all, this is a cheap welder that punches well above its weight.
Why We Love It
Very Budget-Friendly
As the budget option, it was always going to grab the headlines for the price, but this is more than just a cheap TIG welder. It is an inexpensive welder, ideal for the starter market or the home DIY buff who wants to take on a spot of welding.
Inverter Technology
Inverters give the user greater control over the amperage, voltage and the efficiency of the machine. Inverters replace older transformer technology that in modern machines seems outdated.
Compact and Lightweight
This SUNGOLDPOWER machine has the dimensions of a small suitcase, and it weighs next to nothing. It means that it is portable around the home and workplace, and it won’t break your back lifting it.
Keep In Mind
No TIG Torch Included
While this kit is cheap, it doesn’t include a TIG torch. So when you buy this model, you have to factor in the added cost of purchasing a TIG torch separately.
Feels Cheaply Made
As with all budget models, the costs are low, but so is the build quality. It’s the only way makers like SUNGOLDPOWER can save on the manufacturing overheads to produce such a low priced product.
Additional Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 16.5 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 18.82 x 13.54 x 8.11 |
| Voltage | 110/220 |
| Amps | 200 |
| Duty cycle | 60 percent |
| Price | $ |
| Warranty | 1-year |
6. YESWELDER 205-Amp Dual Voltage TIG Welder
This dual voltage machine utilizes soft switch technology and has an amperage range of 15 to 200, so you can tackle thin sheet projects or more robust repairs. The dual voltage means you can switch from 110 to 220 volts to up your game and increase the welder’s power.
It has a high-frequency start mode, so you can get welding without having to wait for the torch to heat up. It has automatic compensation for voltage fluctuations, over and under-voltage protection, as well as overload protection.
Why We Love It
Dual Voltage
The ability to switch between 110 and 220 volts means this is a domestic unit fit for home and garage repairs, and it is also the perfect tool to use on the job site for more demanding roles.
Lightweight and Portable
This is a compact machine, and it is lightweight. Once you have finished repairing the hinges on your yard gate, you can load it into the car and take it wherever you need it.
Automatic Voltage Protection
This welder thinks for you with automatic voltage fluctuation controls, over and under-voltage protection and overload protection. It makes this one of the safest welders out there.
Keep In Mind
Made in China
This unit is Chinese-made, so don’t expect the best quality components and construction. It is built on a budget and caters to a budget audience. It will not compete for quality with the premium brands.
Under Powered
It seems that this YESWELDER machine is less powerful than the makers would have you believe. It also produces an inconsistent arc when welding.
Additional Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 23.4 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 18.4 x 13.5 x 10.7 |
| Voltage | 110/220 |
| Amps | 205 |
| Duty cycle | 60 percent |
| Price | $$ |
| Warranty | 1-year |
7. Lotos TIG 200-Amp AC/DC Aluminum Welder
When it comes to welding aluminum, this LOTOS welder is pretty hard to beat. It utilizes a 200-amp, square-wave inverter for the most accurate aluminum welding. It has an easy arc start, a stable welding arc, and an adjustable arc current, which significantly improves the starting process.
It also welds stainless steel and mild steel, thanks to the high-frequency start hand-torch control and the foot pedal that gives the user incredible accuracy and control. This machine has a maximum 200-amp output, but it also has a range as low as 15 amps, meaning it is a versatile tool for welding the thinnest sheet material.
Why We Love It
Ideal for Welding Aluminum
While most AC welders will handle aluminum, this has a square wave inverter that converts DC into AC. These inverters are more efficient than sine wave equivalents.
Wide Amperage Range
The amperage range of this welder starts at 15 and goes all the way to 200. It means this TIG welder can handle the thinnest sheet metal, but it also copes well with thicker steel and aluminum.
Ideal Home or Industrial Welder
Thanks to the size, weight and price, this is an ideal home welding kit for simple repairs. But when you need it to perform, it will handle most industrial-type tasks with ease.
Keep In Mind
Quite Expensive
This is not the cheapest option when it comes to TIG welders. It costs almost 5 times the price of the budget option.
Build Quality Issues
You’d expect it to be on top of its game for such a costly machine, but many have reported faults with this welder. The foot pedal shorts the machine, the arc is inconsistent and the torch cable fails frequently.
Additional Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 58 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 28 x 13 x 17 |
| Voltage | 110/220 |
| Amps | 200 |
| Duty cycle | 60 percent |
| Price | $$$ |
| Warranty | 1-year |
8. Mophorn TIG Welder 160 Amps
Sometimes you just need a welder that is lightweight and portable for all those home repair tasks. This Mophorn could be the answer to your dreams. It is affordable, compact, and best of all, it is a 2-in-1 welder. It stick welds and TIG welds, making it a versatile machine around the home and garage.
It has dual voltage so you can plug it into the domestic supply, and the controls are simple to use. It also has all the protection you would expect from a compact welder. Overload, over-voltage, heat protection, adjustable current decay time, adjustable gas delay setting, and a powerful cooling system are just some of the features this welder has to keep you safe.
Why We Love It
Compact and Portable
Nobody wants to lug a heavy welder around the home or yard. This model has a large carry-handle and is lightweight and compact, making it the ideal home or garage-based welder.
Protection Circuitry
This welder has all the protection you could want. It has overload, over-voltage, heat protection, current delay time and gas delay time. These features make this the ideal home welder.
Super-Affordable
When you use a welder at home, it is likely to be for lighter tasks instead of heavy-duty industrial uses. So, why spend hundreds of dollars buying a machine that will rarely reach its full potential? This welder is affordable.
Keep In Mind
Lighter Tasks Only
This is a home welding kit, so don’t expect too much from it. It will repair brackets, gate hinges, and bicycles, but it isn’t intended for more demanding jobs.
Build Quality Issues
It is a cheaply-made welding kit, and that reflects in the price and the reliability of the machine. It will work well on light duties, but it’s frailties are exposed when you try to weld more demanding projects.
Additional Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 21 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 18 x 14 x 10 |
| Voltage | 110/220 |
| Amps | 160 |
| Duty cycle | 60 percent |
| Price | $ |
| Warranty | 3-year |
9. Hobart 500551 EZ-TIG 165i AC/DC TIG Welder
This welder has the easiest control system of almost any machine. Power up and select the AC or DC controls to suit the metal you are working with, and you are ready to go. It’s that simple.
This is an industrial machine with a dual voltage setting and AC/DC controls, so when it comes to welding aluminum or steel, this welder can handle the job. It has a high-frequency start to eliminate non-contact arcing. It preserves the purity by removing material contamination.
The only dark cloud in the blue sky is the price. This machine costs a lot compared to some models featured.
Why We Love It
Robust Welder
This is an industrial-grade welder, designed for use in the most robust situations. It is constructed using the highest quality materials and should last the distance.
Easy To Use Controls
There are so few switches that you can’t fail to be impressed with how easy this unit is to control. It has an on/off switch, a material thickness dial, and an AC/DC selector to adapt to the type of metal you are working with.
Infinite Amperage Control
The infinite amperage control provides a broader operating range with greater accuracy. It means you can cater to different thicknesses and grades of metal with ease.
Keep In Mind
Steep Price
All of this quality comes at a price. You are going to have to delve deep into your pockets if you want to buy this welder. It costs almost 10 times the price of the SUNGOLDPOWER model.
20 Percent Duty Cycle
Other models have duty cycles of 60 percent, but this model has a duty cycle of just 20 percent, which means you have to rest the welder for 8 minutes after 2 minutes of use.
No Dual Voltage
This is a 230-volt welder, so it is better suited to industrial settings rather than domestic properties.
Additional Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 60 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 26.8 x 13.7 x 20.8 |
| Voltage | 230 |
| Amps | 165 |
| Duty cycle | 20 percent |
| Price | $$$$ |
| Warranty | 1-year |
10. Power Arc 140ST 40-Amp TIG Welder
If you are looking for a welder that is easy to use, gives you complete control, and comes with everything you need to get started, this could be the machine for you. If you are a novice welder, you will need all the help you can get, and this Power Arc delivers.
It has auto-adaptive arc control, hot start to avoid the electrode sticking, and it delivers a 35 percent duty cycle. It is a low consumption machine, and it also has a clear LCD to help with current settings and repeat welding.
Why We Love It
Mid-Priced Welder
Ordinarily, this would not be a plus-point, but if you want a reliable and accurate machine to learn the craft of welding, the cheapest option isn’t always the best one. Sometimes, you have to accept that quality costs and less expensive models could hamper your welding education.
Easy To Use
It has an on/off switch and an amperage dial to choose your setting. Other than that, it has no other controls. For a beginner, this is a dream unit. You can always graduate to a more complicated welder later when you get more confidence.
Compact and Portable
You can’t really go wrong with a machine that comes with its own carry case to make it easy to transport. It is lightweight, weighing just over 24 pounds, and thanks to the case, it stores away easily.
5-Year Warranty
When you buy something for the first time, you want peace of mind should it malfunction. This has an industry-leading 5-year warranty, which delivers that reassurance.
Keep In Mind
TIG Torch Is Extra
If you want this unit to TIG weld, you will need to factor in the cost of the TIG torch, because this unit comes with a stick welder.
Additional Specs
| Weight (pounds) | 24.8 |
| Dimensions (inches) | 20 x 12.5 x 13.5 |
| Voltage | 120/220 |
| Amps | 100 |
| Duty cycle | 35 percent |
| Price | $$ |
| Warranty | 5-year |
| Product | Best | Weight | Dimensions | Voltage | Amps | Duty cycle | Warranty |
| PRIMEWELD TIG 225X AC/DC TIG Welder | Inverter | 90 lbs | 24 x 19 x 12″ | 110/220 | 225 | 40% | 3-year |
| Eastwood TIG 200 AC/DC Welder | Automotive Fabrication | 61 lbs | 19.1 x 9.8 x 20″ | 110/220 | 200 | 60% | 3-year |
| Alpha TIG 200X 200-Amp Welder | Stainless Steel | 69 lbs | 19 x 23 x 12″ | 110/220 | 200 | 60% | 3-year |
| Amico ARC-160 TIG Combo Welder | Duty Cycle | 13 lbs | 14.1 x 6.2 x 11.3″ | 100 to 250 | 160 | 80% | 1-year |
| SUNGOLDPOWER TIG Welder 200 Amp | Budget Pick | 17 lbs | 18.82 x 13.54 x 8.11″ | 110/220 | 200 | 60% | 1-year |
| YESWELDER Dual Voltage TIG Welder | Dual Voltage | 23.4 lbs | 18.4 x 13.5 x 10.7″ | 110/220 | 205 | 60% | 1-year |
| Lotos TIG AC/DC Aluminum Welder | Aluminum | 58 lbs | 28 x 13 x 17″ | 110/220 | 200 | 60% | 1-year |
| Mophorn TIG Welder 160 Amps | Home Use | 21 lbs | 18 x 14 x 10″ | 110/220 | 160 | 60% | 3-year |
| Hobart 165i AC/DC TIG Welder | AC/DC | 60 lbs | 26.8 x 13.7 x 20.8″ | 230 | 165 | 20% | 1-year |
| Power Arc 140ST TIG Welder | Beginners | 24.8 lbs | 20 x 12.5 x 13.5″ | 120/220 | 100 | 35% | 5-year |
FAQs
Can You TIG Weld Without Gas?
Typically, TIG welding requires gas shielding to protect the weld and increase the purity, something the TIG method is famous for. TIG stands for Tungsten Inert Gas, so any joint you create will be porous and weak.
Without gas, you risk the tungsten disintegrating completely, negating the welding process.
Can You Teach Yourself To TIG Weld?
TIG is undisputedly the most difficult welding technique to master. We suppose you could teach yourself, but it isn’t recommended. Learning such a skill takes knowledge, research and practice, which would be difficult if you start from the ground up without anyone to learn from.
Can All TIG Welders Weld Aluminum?
All TIG welders can weld aluminum provided they can operate in AC. If your TIG welder does not have dual-currents, you are going to struggle.
TIG Is the Tops
There is no denying that TIG welding is far more challenging to master than MIG welding and that TIG welding machines, on the whole, are more expensive. However, once you discover the art of TIG welding, you will not look back.
The good news is that most welders are multi-functional, so, in most cases, all you have to do is buy the right accessories if you want to get started on TIG welding.
