TIG welding is undoubtedly one of the most convenient and highest quality welding processes. Not only will it result in a better looking end product, it will also allow you to weld thinner metals with more precision. Additionally, they do not require excessive filler material. This makes them suitable for welding almost all metals.
Seeking for the best budget tig welder? We got you covered with all the details you need. Recently, we have received a fair amount of emails from our readers inquiring about what are the essential aspects to consider when choosing a TIG welder. Apparently, choosing a TIG welder is now more difficult than ever, especially when the market is flooded with hundreds of models of TIG Welders.
That’s why we have put some effort into our best TIG welder reviews to help with your decision during your TIG welders hunt. In this article, we cover how TIG welding works, the crucial aspects to consider when choosing one, and a few TIG welders we really liked after testing them out.
Without further ado, let’s begin.
What is Tig Welder?
The term TIG is an abbreviation of Tungsten Inert Gas, which is also referred to as heliarc welding by others. This melting technique uses an electrode made out of Tungsten, which has an extremely high melting point. As such, it is called a non-consumable electrode due to its non-melting properties.
Though, just to clarify, the term non-consumable is not equivalent to forever-lasting. Instead, it means the electrode won’t melt and becomes filler metal as part of the weld. An arc of electricity is generated between the base metal and the electrode, heating the base and allowing for material fusion during the cooling down process.
Advantages of TIG welding
If you are somewhat familiar with welding, you probably have already noticed the sort of benefits that TIG welding has over other welding techniques.
The non-consumable electrode significantly boosts accuracy in any welding process that requires sophisticated handling and great attention to detail. Despite the capability to produce high-quality welding products, welding services that utilize TIG are also surprisingly known for their affordability (depending on the particular tasks).
The last and most notable advantage of TIG welding is the metal purity of the welding result. As mentioned, the TIG welder uses an electrode with an extremely high melting point, and it does not melt and become part of the metal base. As a result, the joint metal base would only comprise of the metal components of the original metal bases.
Disadvantages of TIG welding
Now onto some disadvantages of the TIG welding technique, there are three of them that you should be aware of. Once the metal bases have been melted and joined, it is almost impossible to separate them. The worst-case scenario is when you have to pick them apart. It would require a couple of very experienced welders to get the job done without completely damaging the product.
Quality usually comes with the requirement for long working hours, and it cannot be more accurate with the TIG welding process. To produce a quality result with a TIG welder, you must avoid rushing it at all costs, or it will ruin the entire process.
Incremental expenses are perhaps the final challenge you might face with TIG welding. Yes, affordability is what TIG is known for, and it is also mentioned in the advantages section too. TIG welding is considered affordable due to the low cost of most TIG welders, equipment, and materials required for the job. However, as the process is long and meticulous, it is usually performed by professionals and incurs additional expenses through long labor hours.
Of course, such expenses can be minimized if you ensure optimal working efficiency is achieved, thus limiting the long labor hours.
How To Choose The Best Tig Welder?
When we are asked which TIG welder to choose and how much money should be invested, our answer is always the same: What is your intended use, and what is your budget?
If cash is not a problem for you, then without any further question, you should go and simply buy the most expensive industrial TIG welder out there in the market. Otherwise, you should first consider the intended use for the TIG welder and the budget available to achieve said goal. Once these two are clear, determining which criteria are more crucial and which can be sacrificed during the decision-making process becomes exponentially easier. Below are several of the most important aspects to be considered for any goal you may have:
- Power output and working space: If the project you are working on does not require a huge power output, and you only have a small shed as a working space, then the 120V welders would be your ideal choice (or 240V for power demanding projects).
- The thickness of the material: The thicker the metal base is, the more amperage you would want your welder to have. Working on a thick piece of metal with a TIG welder and undesirable amperage would drastically delay your work as well as risk ruining the metal base.
- Foot pedal: This is often regarded as trivial by most welders, but we think it is also quite crucial in the long run. It is even more so if you are looking to purchase a TIG welder for a project that requires both hands and long hours of gas control using your feet. The inappropriate inclination of the foot pedal might cause severe fatigue or even minor nerve damage in your ankle.
- Torch cooling type: Generally, there are two types of torches, air-cooled and water-cooled. Some welders wouldn’t mind the heat and opt for air-cooled torches for various reasons. However, with a unit that gives off a huge amount of heat, you might want to consider a water-cooled torch. It provides significant relief in terms of heat endurance.
- Pulses per second: A dominant factor that has a significant impact on your ability to control your welding accuracy is the number of pulses per second. Most TIG welders on the market have a rate of about 4500 ~ 5000 pulses per second. If you are looking to minimize welding hours and material wastage, it is recommendable to prioritize a TIG welder with higher pulses per second.
- Portability: Being able to roll around the working space might not be as relevant for a small shed owner, but it might be crucial for a larger working station. Having a portable TIG welder could fix a huge chunk of issues if the project you are working on involves big and heavy metal bases that are mounted or placed in a fixed location.
Best Tig Welder Reviews 2023
Now, onto the best TIG welder reviews, we will be reviewing products grouped by general price tags.
Best Tig Welder Under $300
The Amico TIG 160 Amp Torch ARC Stick DC Welder performs far beyond its price range. That’s why it won the award for the best TIG Welder Under $300. It operates extremely well on 120V, and has a wide range of amperage to cover both thin and thick metal bases. However, it does require a bit of skill and practice to handle it efficiently.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Decent performance
- Runs well on 120V
- Affordable
- Dual voltage
- Wide range of amperage
Cons
- It requires a bit of skill and practice to get used to handling it
While it may appeal to beginners as a challenge, it is actually the semi-veteran welders who would benefit most from the TIG-160. Still, it can get the job done with quality that far exceeds its cost.
The Amico TIG-225, 220 Amp High Frequency TIG performs on par with the TIG welder mentioned above. It also has a dual voltage feature and is easier to control when running on 240V. It comes with user-friendliness and ease of use. However, some users have reported a delivery issue leading to a dead-on-arrival product.
Pros
- Decent performance
- Affordable
- IGBT technology
- Dual voltage
- High-frequency start-up system
Cons
- Packages might emit an odor
- Minor delivery issue leading to dead-on-arrival issue
Perfect for beginners looking to start welding as a hobby or for introductory purposes. Being easy to control, with decent performance, a superb dual voltage feature, and a low budget, it is ideal for almost any household use.
The Mophorn Tig Welder 160 Amp Tig Stick Welder is a 2-in-1 combo welding machine that can be used as both a TIG welder and arc welder. It is perfect for both professional and household uses. However, it does not come with a regulator, and the manual is a bit unclear on some parts.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Dual voltage
- 160 amp
- 2-in-1 combo
- IGBT technology
Cons
- Does not come with a regulator
- Manual is a bit unclear on some parts
Another perfect choice for hobbyist welders or if you are just starting to learn to weld. Though, I do recommend talking to the manufacturer to find out how to “swap the plug” exactly if you foresee that you might not be able to obtain a 230VAC outlet.
The S7 Tig Welder, HF TIG/Stick/Arc TIG Welder, 200 Amp 110 & 220V is another budget TIG welder with decent performance. It can handle the highest amp setting consistently, making it suitable for precision works. However, it is only recommended for precision works and not other types of welding.
Pros
- 2-in-1 combo
- Dual voltage
- Can weld metal thickness from 15-42mm
- Duty cycle 80%
Cons
- For precision works only
Ideal for repair works of smaller units or precision works. Though, it may also be able to handle heavy-duty units for experienced welders.
Best Tig Welder Under $500
Everlast PowerARC 140 140amp Lift Start TIG Welder
The Everlast PowerARC 140 140amp Lift Start TIG Welder has enough power for any non-heavy-duty works you need it for. It has a smooth arc for easy control and comes with a handheld face mask. However, it does not have a foot pedal and the seller only accepts returns, not sending parts for self-repair.
Pros
- Very decent performance
- Dual voltage
- 5-year warranty
- Very decent arc control
- Portable
Cons
- No foot pedal
- Sellers only accept returns
Being the best TIG Welder under $500, it is an extremely well-built unit that offers quality welding that exceeds most products on the market.
Everlast PowerCool W300
The Everlast PowerCool W300 is a water cooler that provides significant heat relief while welding. It is easy to set up and offers relief from the heat during long hours of welding. However, it might need some manual effort to kick-start the machine, and it is not dual voltage.
Pros
- Water-cooled torch
- 250A
- Easy setup
- Fairly quiet
- Longer-lasting tungsten
Cons
- Might need to turn the motor to kick-start the machine manually
- Not dual voltage
Perfect for welders who can’t endure heat and are looking for a budget TIG welder that can still get the welding job done well.
Reboot TIG Welder, 110/220V Pulse Tig Welding Machine
The Reboot TIG Welder 200A is another budget option with decent performance. The arc control and pulses are satisfactory, and it comes with a digital panel for easy adjustment. However, the cables are bulky and may require some effort for cable management.
Pros
- Digital panel
- Various adjustment options
- High-frequency soft switch
- Good power grid function
- Wide amperage range
Cons
- Bulky cables
Decent performance overall and perfect for any sort of household uses. Though, you might want to invest a bit of effort in cable management to avoid getting tangled in your workshop.
Best Tig Welder Under $1000
PRIMEWELD TIG225X 225 Amp IGBT AC DC Tig/Stick Welder
The PRIMEWELD TIG225X 225 Amp IGBT AC DC Tig/Stick Welder packs all necessary accessories and offers great performance. It has a durable construction and comes with a solid steel construction foot pedal. However, it is not the most budget-friendly option.
Pros
- Tightly packed and high-quality delivery
- Comes with high-quality accessories
- Equipment is designed with very favorable small details
- Real CK worldwide number 17 Flex head
- Very decent performance
Cons
- Not a very quiet machine
- Not the most budget-friendly
If you can spare a bit more money, the PRIMEWELD TIG225X 225 Amp IGBT AC DC Tig/Stick Welder is an extremely well-built unit that can handle any quality or household needs you may have.
AHP AlphaTIG 200X 200 Amp IGBT AC DC Tig/Stick Welder
The AHP AlphaTIG 200X 200 Amp IGBT AC DC Tig/Stick Welder offers great flexibility with TIG and stick welding modes. It is easy to set up and has a decent arc. However, the fans can be noisy and the control panel may be confusing for beginners.
Pros
- Straightforward to use
- TIG and stick weld
- Weld with most common rods
- Duty cycle of 60%
- Great performance
Cons
- Noisy fans
- Confusing panel
AHP is an ideal choice for anyone looking to weld as a hobby but doesn’t want to sacrifice quality. Beginners might have a bit of difficulty with the panel, but the manual should be able to help to some extent.
Weldpro Digital TIG ACDC 200GD – I Highly Recommended
The Weldpro Digital TIG ACDC 200GD offers consistent quality and welds almost anything. It has a great pedal for precision works and offers various adjustable options. However, it needs a Dinse 13 and has a duty cycle of only 40%.
Pros
- Durable
- Great performance
- High-frequency start-up
- Great pulse control
- VRD function
- Great pedal
Cons
- Dinse 13 not available
- Only 40% duty cycle
Consistent quality and weld-anything capability are what you can get out of this welder. It is designed for household purposes and is great for commercial uses as well.
Best Tig Welder Around $2000
Everlast PowerTIG 200DV 200amp 110/220 Dual Voltage
The Everlast PowerTIG 200DV 200amp 110/220 Dual Voltage is a high-quality welder that can handle any project. It offers multiple features and comes with high-quality accessories. However, it is not the most budget-friendly option.
Pros
- Automatically detects voltage
- Soft-touch buttons
- Comes with high-quality accessories
- Proper flow meter
- Stoutly built
- Solid steel construction foot pedal
- Many adjustable options
Cons
- Not the most budget-friendly
If you could spare a bit more money, the Everlast PowerTIG 200DV is yours to bring home. It can accompany any quality or household needs you may have, and even commercial uses are not much of a problem for it.
Miller 951674 Multimatic 215 Multiprocess Welder
The Miller 951674 Multimatic 215 Multiprocess Welder offers a smooth arc and ease of use. It has multiple processes and comes with an auto-set function for easy setup. However, a spool gun needs to be purchased separately for welding aluminum.
Pros
- Reliable
- Triple processes (TIG, MIG, and stick)
- Auto-set function
- Easy setup and ready to use
- Welds up to ⅜ steel
- Portable
- Easy to use
- Decent arc
Cons
- Spool gun needs to be purchased separately for welding aluminum
If you find manual configuration challenging but can’t always rely on auto-setting, the Miller 951674 Multimatic 215 Multiprocess Welder is for you. It is designed for easy adaptability, and a comprehensive guide sheet is provided.
In conclusion, the best budget TIG welder is the perfect tool for anyone who wants to do some welding without spending a lot of money. It’s simple to use and very affordable, making it a great option for beginners. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional, there’s a budget TIG welder out there that will suit your needs. Just remember to consider factors like power output, portability, and user-friendly controls when making your decision. Happy welding!