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10 Best TIG Welders of 2024

Updated
Get the best TIG welder if you want the best results.

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.

Our Top Picks

We independently evaluate, assess and research all recommended products and services. If you purchase through the links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the PrimeWeld TIG 225X AC/DC TIG Welder
Best Inverter TIG Welder
PrimeWeld TIG 225X AC/DC TIG Welder
  • Inverter technology
  • Accessories galore
  • 40 percent duty cycle
Product Image of the Eastwood TIG 200 AC/DC Welder
Best for Automotive Fabrication
Eastwood TIG 200 AC/DC Welder
  • Pre and post weld metering
  • 60 percent duty cycle
  • AC/DC welding capabilities
Product Image of the Alpha TIG 200X 200-Amp Welder
Best for Stainless Steel
Alpha TIG 200X 200-Amp Welder
  • Weighs 69 pounds
  • High-frequency start
  • Pulse width modulation
Product Image of the Amico ARC-160DC TIG Combo Welder
Best Duty Cycle TIG Welder
Amico ARC-160DC TIG Combo Welder
  • Amazing price
  • Weighs 16 pounds
  • 80 percent duty cycle
Product Image of the Tooliom TIG Welder
Best Budget TIG Welder
Tooliom TIG Welder
  • Very budget-friendly
  • Inverter technology
  • Compact and lightweight
Product Image of the YesWelder Dual Voltage TIG Welder
Best Dual Voltage TIG Welder
YesWelder Dual Voltage TIG Welder
  • Dual voltage
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Automatic voltage protection
Product Image of the Lotos TIG AC/DC Aluminum Welder
Best for Aluminum
Lotos TIG AC/DC Aluminum Welder
  • Ideal for welding aluminum
  • Wide amperage range
  • Ideal home or industrial welder
Product Image of the Mophorn TIG Welder 160 Amps
Best for Home Use
Mophorn TIG Welder 160 Amps
  • Compact and portable
  • Protection circuitry
  • Super-affordable
Product Image of the ESAB Rebel
Best AC/DC TIG Welder
ESAB Rebel
  • Smart MIG technology
  • TFT multilingual display
  • Portable
Product Image of the Power Arc 140ST TIG Welder
Best for Beginners
Power Arc 140ST TIG Welder
  • Mid-priced welder
  • Easy to use
  • Compact and portable

Review Methodology: At Sensible Digs, we pride ourselves on our hands-on evaluation and thorough analysis of the best TIG welders in the market. With years of professional experience, we benchmark and compare products, focusing on key decision-making factors such as performance, design choices, and user experience. Our reviews are backed by quantitative measurements and real-world testing to ensure accuracy. We delve deep into the product’s features, assessing their impact on the user, setting a standard that helps you understand what sets each welder apart from its competitors. Our data-driven approach ensures you get the facts, helping you make an informed decision.



The Best TIG Welders of 2024

Here are our 10 favorite TIG welders to consider.

PrimeWeld TIG 225X AC/DC TIG Welder

Best Inverter 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.

What We Like

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.

What We Don't Like

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.

Product Specs

Weight (pounds) 90
Dimensions (inches) 24 x 19 x 12
Voltage 110/220
Amps 225
Duty cycle 40 percent
Price $$$
Warranty 3-year

Our Ratings

Power
4.5 / 5
Design
4.5 / 5
Weld Quality
5 / 5
Durability
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.5 / 5

User Experience

This welder is a real gem! With years of professional welding under my belt, I was amazed by the quality and affordability of this piece. It's given me the freedom to tinker and work without breaking the bank. For those new to welding, or veterans like myself, these welders are easy to use, reliable, and perfect for anyone trying to hone their skills or accomplish a project.

Eastwood TIG 200 AC/DC Welder

Best TIG Welder for Automotive Fabrication

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 110/240 output, a maximum of 200 amps, and a 60 percent duty cycle at 190 amps. This is an AC/DC welder, and it comes with an industry-standard WP-17 torch setup.

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.

What We Like

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 190 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 flexibility.

What We Don't Like

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.

Product Specs

Weight (pounds) 18
Dimensions (inches) 16.9 x 7.3 x 12
Voltage 110/240
Amps 200
Duty cycle 60 percent
Price $$$
Warranty Not specified

Our Ratings

Power
4.5 / 5
Design
4.5 / 5
Weld Quality
5 / 5
Durability
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.5 / 5

Personal Perspective

As someone who values domestic manufacturing, I was initially impressed with the speedy delivery of this product. However, after a couple of months, the gauges started showing signs of wear and tear, which was quite disappointing. Despite these early warning signs, I chose to persist with the product, hoping it would outlast its initial issues. Unfortunately, it didn't and ended up breaking the seal. While it's commendable that the product made it this far, the durability aspect leaves room for improvement. It's a reminder that fast delivery doesn't always equate to lasting quality.

Alpha TIG 200X 200-Amp Welder

Best TIG Welder for Stainless Steel

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.

What We Like

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.

What We Don't Like

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.

Product Specs

Weight (pounds) 69
Dimensions (inches) 19 x 23 x 12
Voltage 110/220
Amps 200
Duty cycle 60 percent
Price $$$
Warranty 3-year

Our Ratings

Power
4.5 / 5
Design
4 / 5
Weld Quality
5 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Community Feedback

Great welding machine that I've been using since late 2017. From my experience with it, the stick mode in this unit is impressively smooth, making it easy to strike an arc and manipulate it, even for someone like me who isn't a professional welder. I've used different rods with it and they all work perfectly. However, it's worth noting that the digital readout and the knob readout don't match when operating on 120v, so you'll need to get a feel for the heat.

Amico ARC-160DC TIG Combo Welder

Best Duty Cycle TIG 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.

What We Like

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 16 Pounds

This welding machine weighs just 16 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.

What We Don't Like

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.

Product Specs

Weight (pounds) 16
Dimensions (inches) 17 x 7.5 x 12
Voltage 100 to 250
Amps 160
Duty cycle 80 percent
Price $
Warranty 1-year

Our Ratings

Power
4 / 5
Design
3.5 / 5
Weld Quality
4.5 / 5
Durability
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

First-Hand Impression

This welding machine offers impressive control for arc welding, which is a big plus for me. I'm looking forward to testing out the Tig welding capabilities as well. The probe holder, however, was a major letdown, falling apart in three places while it was still new. Despite this, finding a decent replacement wasn't a major issue and didn't cost a lot. Despite the issue with the probe holder, this machine offers solid welding options for both arc and, hopefully, Tig welding.

Tooliom TIG Welder

Best Budget TIG Welder

This budget option from Tooliom 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 bulit in anti-stick as well as arc force to make welding electrode smooth but sturdy.

It also has an adjustable shoulder strap 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.

What We Like

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 Tooliom 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.

What We Don't Like

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 Tooliom can save on the manufacturing overheads to produce such a low priced product.

Product Specs

Weight (pounds) 5.07
Dimensions (inches) ‎12.36 x 11.18 x 8.15
Voltage 110/220
Amps 135
Duty cycle 60 percent
Price $
Warranty Not specified

Our Ratings

Power
3.5 / 5
Design
3.5 / 5
Weld Quality
4.5 / 5
Durability
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

User Experience

Bought this welder and was pleasantly surprised by its performance. As a novice, I found it to be the ideal tool for learning and practicing welding, with my welds improving significantly with each use. This welder proved to be excellent for light work, and it provided consistent results when using 3/32 rods. It has both a 220 and 110 plug, with the 220 plug providing a bit more power. One minor setback was that the leads may occasionally back out, which can be slightly frustrating. Despite this, the welder's lightweight design, reasonable price, and user-friendly features make it a valuable tool for beginners and those seeking to do light welding projects.

YesWelder 205-Amp Dual Voltage TIG Welder

Best 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.

What We Like

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.

What We Don't Like

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.

Product 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

Our Ratings

Power
3 / 5
Design
4.5 / 5
Weld Quality
3.5 / 5
Durability
3 / 5
Total Rating
3.5 / 5

Personal Perspective

Excellent, this TIG 205P welder is a worthy addition to my workshop. It's a multi process welder, capable of both TIG and stick welding. While the electrode holder and TIG gun come with the package, keep in mind that you'll need to buy the tungsten and amperage control foot pedal separately. The welder performs well for hobbyist work, but it might not stand up to daily, heavy-duty use. Although it lacks an AC/DC switch for welding aluminum, it handles stainless steel just fine.

Lotos TIG 200-Amp AC/DC Aluminum Welder

Best TIG Welder for Aluminum

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.

What We Like

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.

What We Don't Like

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.

Product Specs

Weight (pounds) 58
Dimensions (inches) 28 x 13 x 17
Voltage 110/220
Amps 200
Duty cycle 60 percent
Price $$$
Warranty 1-year

Our Ratings

Power
4 / 5
Design
4 / 5
Weld Quality
4.5 / 5
Durability
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Community Feedback

My experience with the Lotos TIG 200 AC/DC PULSE model welder has been a mixed bag of impressions. On the positive side, the welder's performance is commendable, running 6011 and 7018 rod without any hiccups. I've used both the tig and stick features, and the ground clamp and stinger for stick welding are reasonable in quality. However, I faced challenges with the oddball make-up fittings and connection points, specifically the Tig torch/argon connection input. Additionally, the process of finding a compatible foot pedal was notably tricky. The user interface is smooth and user-friendly though the instruction manual could be improved. From a durability perspective, this welder has been able to handle heavy usage, delivering consistent quality. Albeit a decent welder, my journey with it was marked by some difficulties, in part due to the lack of clear instructions and compatible accessories.

Mophorn TIG Welder 160 Amps

Best TIG Welder for Home Use

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.

What We Like

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.

What We Don't Like

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.

Product Specs

Weight (pounds) 21
Dimensions (inches) 18 x 14 x 10
Voltage 110/220
Amps 160
Duty cycle 60 percent
Price $
Warranty 3-year

Our Ratings

Power
3.5 / 5
Design
4.5 / 5
Weld Quality
3.5 / 5
Durability
3 / 5
Total Rating
3.5 / 5

First-Hand Impression

I've found this welder definitely worth the investment and impressively robust for its price range. It was a bit of a bummer that it didn't come with a gas hose or tungsten, requiring a quick trip to my local welding supply store before I could get started. This welder has been easy to use, particularly for a beginner like me, and despite some minor hiccups like a leaky regulator and occasional erratic weld current, it's been a reliable tool for both stick and tig welding.

ESAB Rebel Multi-Process Welder

Best AC/DC TIG Welder

This welder gives you both AC and DC controls which allows you to control any metal you’re working with. This professional TIG model has high frequency starts in both modes, allowing you the ultimate control when adjusting the settings, balance, and pulse.

It’s pretty versatile, too. It works beautifully on MIG, STICK, DC TIG, AC TIG, and Flux-Cored. So you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck.

We also think you’ll like how portable this is. Weighing only 49 pounds and equipped with a roll cage, you can take this with you wherever you need to go.

What We Like

sMIG Technology

sMIG means “smart MIG”. You can expect the machine to learn and adapt to your specific welding techniques. This allows the machine to work with you and give you incredible results. For the experienced welder, this will speed up your welding time so you can do more in less time. For new welders, this cuts down on training times so you can learn much quicker.

TFT Multilingual Display

This comes with a super awesome display screen that works in a variety of languages. You can use the display to select the different modes, use the memory location, adjust the trim, and much more. Overall, it will provide you with everything you need to fully customize your settings.

49 Pounds — Portable

Weighing 49 pounds, this is a portable option. If you think that sounds heavy, then you’ll enjoy the five-handle roll cage it comes with, so you can take transport it easily. Plus, it’s very durable, so you can worry less about it getting ruined on a job site.

What We Don't Like

No Plasma Cutting Torch

A few customers have noted that this is without a plasma cutting torch. That would be just the thing to make this the perfect welder!

Super Expensive

Compared to some of the other options on this list, this can be up to 10 times the price! So keep in mind this is a significant investment.

Product Specs

Weight (pounds) 49
Dimensions (inches) ‎34 x 20 x 12
Voltage Not specified
Amps Not specified
Duty cycle Not specified
Price $$$$$
Warranty 1-year

Our Ratings

Power
4.5 / 5
Design
4.5 / 5
Weld Quality
5 / 5
Durability
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.5 / 5

User Experience

Got this welder and it's been a dream. This machine has helped me do some fantastic work, whether I'm a pro or just starting out. I appreciate the intuitive display and glove-friendly jog dial, and the work clamp is top-notch. Despite the hefty price tag, this welder feels well worth it, especially with its ability to handle stick, mig, or tig, and its unique feature of welding aluminum.

Power Arc 140ST 40-Amp TIG Welder

Best TIG Welder for Beginners

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.

What We Like

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.

What We Don't Like

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.

Product 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

Our Ratings

Power
2.5 / 5
Design
4 / 5
Weld Quality
3.5 / 5
Durability
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.25 / 5

Personal Perspective

My experience with this welder has been mostly positive. Despite its small size, it packs a powerful punch and I was pleasantly surprised by how well it performed, even on a 110-volt outlet. The digital display and quick connect terminals are nice touches, and I've found the ability to switch between 110 and 220 volts to be extremely handy for various projects. I've been using this welder for over five years now and it's still going strong. However, I was disappointed that it didn't come with a carrying case, as I feel that's a major component that should be included.

Product Comparison Chart

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 18 lbs 16.9 x 7.3 x 12″ 110/240 200 60% Not specified
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 16 lbs 17 x 7.5 x 12″ 100 to 250 160 80% 1-year
Tooliom TIG Welder Budget Pick 5.07 lbs ‎12.36 x 11.18 x 8.15″ 110/220 135 60% N/A
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
ESAB Rebel AC/DC 49 lbs ‎34 x 20 x 12″ N/A N/A N/A 1-year
Power Arc 140ST TIG Welder Beginners 24.8 lbs 20 x 12.5 x 13.5″ 120/220 100 35% 5-year

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.


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.

Are TIG Welds Stronger Than Stick?

TIG welding, or tungsten inert gas welding, creates strong and reliable welds compared to traditional stick welding. The TIG process utilizes a non-consumable tungsten electrode shielded by an inert gas, which helps reduce the levels of oxides within the weld.

This can assist in producing stronger welds that are more resilient to environmental factors such as corrosion. Plus, using a filler rod also adds to the strength and integrity of the weld.

TIG welding produces welds with higher tensile strengths than stick welding, although both processes have their own pros and cons, depending on the application.

Can You Use a TIG Welder for Everything?

The short answer is no: you cannot use a TIG welder for everything. While TIG welders are versatile and can be used in many different applications, they have some limitations.

For example, they are unsuitable for working with thicker materials or welding in difficult-to-reach areas.

They also require more time and practice to master than other welding processes, such as MIG or Stick welding.

Ultimately, it depends on the job and the type of material that needs to be welded to determine which type of welder should be used. A professional welder or fabricator will advise you on which process best suits your application and the materials being worked with.

What Should You Not Do When TIG Welding?

When TIG welding, take certain safety precautions to ensure a successful weld. Some of the things to avoid when TIG welding include:

  • Don’t weld in windy conditions.
  • Never exceed the amperage or voltage of your machine.
  • Don’t look directly at the arc while welding.
  • Avoid using too much heat or moving too slowly when welding.
  • Don’t work without properly grounded materials.
  • Never touch any part of the operator’s body or clothing near the arc.
  • Do not allow any combustible material near the welding area.

What Is the Easiest TIG Welder to Use?

The Everlast TIG welder is great if you want an easy-to-use welding product. With its compact and portable size and carrying case, you can take it anywhere.

The welder features a convenient dual-voltage design to be used on 120V and 240V outlets.

Also, they have auto adaptive hot starts, which enhances efficiency while cutting down noise levels and also helps to extend the life of welding accessories.

Which TIG Welder Is Best?

The YESWELDER TIG-205DS offers so many benefits that make it stand out among other TIG welders. Its foot pedal design gives more precise control than the traditional torch control of the start and end of a welding cycle.

It also features high-frequency arc starting, which creates more consistent arcs and improved performance.

Plus, IGBT Inverter technology ensures efficient use of power, making it energy efficient while still delivering powerful current to achieve high-quality welds.

The intuitive operation makes it easy to learn how to use, and its reasonable price tag makes it attractive to both hobbyists and professionals.


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.

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About the Author

Mark Weir

Mark spent 24 years working in real estate, so he knows his way around a home. He also worked with contractors and experts, advising them on issues of planning, investments, and renovations. Mark is no stranger to hands-on experience, having renovated his own home and many properties for resale. He likes nothing better than seeing a project through to completion.