There are several reputable companies manufacturing Tig Welders. But with so many companies offering different models, it is extremely difficult for one to get the right tig welder. In our quest to get the best tig welders in the world, we evaluated 20 different tig welders for 78 hours and consulted 3 experts. After conducting several tests, we came up with our top five tig welder list. You can navigate down to the section that describes our testing process to know more.
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Best Tig Welder
Product Name | Process | Power Supply | Duty Cycle | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
AHP Alpha TIG 200DX Welder | TIG and Stick | AC/DC | 60% at 200A | Check Price |
Forney 324 Multipurpose TIG Welder | MIG, TIG and stick | AC/DC | 20% at 190amp | Check Price |
Everlast Power 250 TIG Welder | TIG and Stick | AC/DC | 60% at 250A | Check Price |
Hobart 500551 | TIG Stick IGBT | 26A 240V | 35%@ 160 Amps | No products found. |
Lincoln Square Wave 200 | MIG/Flux Cored | 115V input | 35% @ 90A | Check Price |
1. AHP Alpha TIG 200DX Welder – Cheap TIG Welder For Aluminum
The AHP tig welder will offer quality welding not only on the aluminum but also on steel and stainless. It is an excellent choice for the thinner gauge material with the capability of welding up to ¼” aluminum and 3/8” of mild steel thickness.
Pulse frequency, pulse time, and post flow are the other important control features of the tight welder. The torch finger control, power width regulation with the modern IGBT technology makes it an excellent choice for the perennial welding experts and beginners. Being suitable for both 220V and 110V, AHP Alpha TIG 200DX Welder offers a dependable power source.
- Very easy to Install using voice or text guided installation procedure.
- The design blends with the interior and makes it invisible.
- It is affordable.
- It is easy to use.
- Has AC balance control.
- Its arc stability is excellent.
- It has dual voltage.
- Have issues with the display.
- Its foot pedal requires a rubber foot.
Bottom Line
This together with other several features makes AHP Alpha TIG 200DX Welder, the best tig welder for a beginner who is ready to spend a fortune on welding machines and experts who are interested in upgrading their welders.
2. Forney 324 Multipurpose TIG Welder – Budget-Friendly TIG Welder
Forney is known to produce some of the best welding machines currently available in the market with Forney 324 Multipurpose TIG Welder is no exception. Just like any other product, this tig welder is powerful, extra versatile, and capable of handling several welding tasks and delivers quite higher amperage when compared to the other types of welders in this class.
The euro-connect MIG gun does eliminate most of the welder’s torch issues. This makes it possible for one to remove the torch in seconds. Other standout features include the inverter technology, flow meter, drive system, and gas hose.
- Very easy to Install using voice or text guided installation procedure.
- The design blends with the interior and makes it invisible.
- It is powerful.
- It is multipurpose and versatile.
- Has cast aluminum wire drive system.
- Comprises of regulator and gas hose.
- Has a digital readout.
- It is Pricey.
Bottom Line
Its digital readout feature makes it possible for welders to read from the display screen the arc voltage and output current. This provides precise management of data and functions.
3. Everlast Power 250 TIG Welder – Best TIG Welder Under 2000
Everlast Power 250 TIG Welder does deliver a wide variety of features with raw power output and consistent reliability for an excellent welding experience.
Below are some of the main Everlast Power 250 TIG Welder intriguing features:
- Extended AC range– The welder’s regulated AC range makes it possible for the welder to regulate the power when handling thicker metals and oxidation aluminum layers. It does make the machine high performer and adjustable.
- Arc Control– The machines voltage control and automatic amperage makes it possible for the machine to compensate for the automatically dropped voltage.
- Different start options– One can choose between the high-frequency start of lift start options.
- Exceptional duty cycle– It features 250A 60% and 200A 100%.
- It is lightweight.
- Has arc stability.
- It is reliable.
- It comes with a five-year warranty.
- Has over the current indicator.
- It has a high power requirement.
- It is quite expensive.
Bottom Line
It is feature-packed which makes it an excellent TIG welder choice for starters and seasoned experts.
4. Hobart 500551 EZ TIG Welder – Best TIG Welder for Hobbyist
No products found.
Hobart 500551 EZ TIG Welder’s excellent performance together with its advanced features makes it a great welding machine for any hobbyist having several projects. Ranging from the industry level weld to low profile body repair, this welder is an ideal machine of choice.
The welder offers an option of selection between DC and AC hence perfect for both aluminum and steel. For sure, you will be impressed by the ability of the welder to automatically switch off the fan whenever there is no need. This helps reduce the dust amount that gets stuck onto the machine thereby prolonging the welder’s lifespan.
- It is portable.
- Has stick and TIG welding capabilities.
- Has a high frequency start.
- It comes with a gas hose and a regulator.
- It is not good for heavier tasks.
Bottom Line
The auto-post-flow feature of the welder offers automatic shielding from the amperage without making any adjustments. Like the other high-end welders, the high-frequency start offers a non-contact arc start to help avoid contamination.
5. Lincoln Electric Square Wave 200 TIG Welder – Most Portable TIG Welder
Lincoln Electric Square Wave 200 TIG Welder is an easily movable TIG welder that is excellent for craftsmen, small fabricators, seasoned welders, and welding hobbyists to explore their creativity. It weighs 46 lbs only.
It also offers a smooth 200A power which is perfect for welding on chrome-moly, aluminum, and steel. Its user-friendly interface and advanced features like pulse systems make it easy to use. Adding its aluminum welding effectiveness is the high-frequency feature. Cleaning solutions and wider arc configurations are the other features.
- It comes with a gas hose and a regulator.
- Has stick and TIG welding capabilities.
- Has a high frequency start.
- It is portable.
- It is not good for heavier tasks..
Bottom Line
Its user-friendly interface and advanced features like pulse systems make it easy to use. Adding its aluminum welding effectiveness is the high-frequency feature.
Buyer’s Guide – What To Consider While Buying The Best Home Security System?
It is never a secret that the TIG welders are a bit complicated pieces of tools. It is therefore important for one to carry out some basic research before purchasing the TIG welder. This will be of great help when it comes to understanding the various specifications and features. Our buyer’s guide below breaks down the most confusing welding languages that involve some of the best features one needs to look for in a TIG welder.
1.Power
One of the most important aspects to consider whenever you are shopping for TIG welder is the power requirements. When you go for a weak welder, it will just but leave you stuck on several projects. It is therefore important that you understand the type of welding tasks you plan to undertake and the power requirements.
There are two main parameters you need to consider when it comes to power. They include:
Power Output– This is usually measured in amps. You need to get a TIG welder that has the widest range within your budget. Any welder with too narrow output will limit the variety and type of materials you can weld. In case your welding activities do involve thin materials, then you have to consider getting a rig that goes for as low as 5 amps. Aluminum does require more power, therefore, you will need a machine with a minimum of 200 amps.
Power Input- It is important that you ensure the TIG welder you are going to buy is able to work on your home power supply. Most of the best TIG welders are known to work between 230V AND 115V.
2. Amperage Stability
Apart from the welder’s power, you need to consider a machine that has low amperage stability, especially if you’ll regularly weld thin materials. This provides for an easier starting, efficient control, and improved crater fill capacity. Any welder that has high amperage ability is capable of spiking amperage at the start thereby likely to burn a hole through the metal you are working on.
3. Duty Cycle
The duty cycle does refer to the total amount of time one can weld at a particular power output without any overheating worries. The duty cycle is usually based on the 10-minute interval. Hence, in case it is indicated that the TIG welder is rated 200 amps per 40% duty cycle, it basically implies that one is capable of welding at 200 amps for 4 minutes at most with a 6-minute rest.
The duty cycle of any typical hobbyist machine should be approximately 20% while the more expensive machines can have duty cycles ranging 40%-60% while the industrial TIG welders do boast of 100%. You need to remember that you need to take breaks to help prolong the lifespan of the welder.
4.The DC/AC support
There are different welding metals that do need different effective currents. For example, in case you will be working on metals other than steel, it is important that you consider TIG welder has both the AC and DC. The self oxidizing metals like aluminum and magnesium are best suited for AC. Other metals like steel, copper and stainless are better with DC.
The main reason is that DC does heat up the metals and fuse them together. AC has to switch between the negative and positive currents to weld. The positive current will clear the oxide layers while the negative current penetrates the base metal for a stronger weld.
5.The AC Balance Control
The best TIG welder you should use when in need of effective welding is one that has simple and easy AC balance controls. The controls will allow its users to set the amount of time when it comes to using the AC cycle. This comprises of adjusting from the 50/50 standard negative and positive settings. It will also allow one to set the penetration vs. cleaning level keeping in mind what the negative and the positive currents do.
Other controls include those of gas and heat. It is important to note that TIG welding is of higher focus and dexterity. It is therefore important to have effective controls. Right control of heat is of greater benefits to help reduce the warping especially when thin metals are involved.
In regard to the gas, there are TIG welders that have a built-in gas solenoid that controls gas flow. There are also controls for the pulsed TIG welding which is also an option. The pulsed controls will let the TIG welder switch between the low and high current.
6.Arc Starting Method
The welders with lots of experience can attest to several ways to start an arc especially when they are welding TIG. However, all the methods do have their pros and cons although there are some which don’t work on some metals. It is advisable that you always use the correct starting method. Here are some of the popular arc starting methods:
Scratch – this cratch arguably one of the most popular methods, it sounds like starting a match. The welder does drag the tungsten together with the metal until when the arc will start. It is an important method for the thick metals which are capable of withstanding higher amps on the initial strike.
Lift – just like the scratch, the lift method involves momentarily touching the metal.
High frequency– The best arc starting method, its high frequency helps ionize the air, helps in bridging the gap between the metal and tungsten. It produces no contamination and is touchless. It does work well when it is working with aluminum.
7.Ease of Use
TIG welding does have a very complicated process. One last thing you would want to struggle with is trying to figure out the fancy settings and features which come with the welder. It is important that you go for a friendly machine with easy to use controls. Other great features that you can include in the checklist include the presence of extra features like arc starting technology, quick release torch, price, warranty, adaptability, and water cooling ability.
FAQs
1.What Are TIG Welders?
The Tungsten Inert Gas welders refer to machines that do use non consumable tungsten electrode to help in heating the material, melt it down and thereafter create a welding puddle. Thereafter, an inert gas, argon in most cases will then be used to help cool and protect both the weld puddle and the tungsten.
2.How does TIG Welding work?
The TIG welding is almost similar to the oxy-acetylene torch welding. A TIG welder does have a welding lead which is an electrical conductor for welding current and has an electric torch attached on one of its ends. The TIG welding process does use his torch to make possible filler rod feeding into the molten puddle. The tiny tungsten rod is its electrode and it is available in different sizes. One significant distinction is that it never burns up like the filler wire.
The TIG machines do have a foot-operated amperage control which makes it possible for one to vary the amperage. This can make one to slowly initiate the heat and when the weld is done, start reducing the heat. The functionality is popularly referred to as the soft stop and soft start. It also helps in preventing the temperatures from shocking the metal. It is highly beneficial since some of the alloys like the one’s which have been used in race cars are very sensitive to thermal shock.
3. Is it possible for the TIG welders to Weld Aluminum?
Yes. Although there are several metals which can be TIG welded, the Aluminum metal is the one which is often associated with TIG welding. It is important you note that irrespective of the metal, the TIG welding is never ideal for the thicker metals. In fact, it is ideal for the thinner metals.
4. What is the difference between TIG and MIG welding?
Both TIG and MIG doe use electrical arc when making weld. However, MIG welding does make use of the continuously feeding wire as the TIG makes used of the uses rods. The MIG welder will continue feeding a spool of welding wire which will in turn burn, melt and fuse both the parent and base metal.
A range of material thicknesses in MIG welding from the thin sheet gauge way up to the heavier structure plates can be welded. However, as it has been indicated, TIG welding can be used for thin gauge sheet materials. Another standout difference is that learning MIG welding is easy while TIG welding is not. The types of gases that are used in both TIG and MIG are different and one can never change one for another. The TIG welders do use helium or argon as MIG welders use carbon dioxide.
5. What Type of Welding is the Strongest?
From the four welding types, only Arc welding and stick welding are the strongest welds. These two types of welds are also known to be the best welding types that are ideal for harsher conditions welding does produce the majority of aesthetically pleasing welds. MIG welding as it has been indicated above is also the easiest to learn. In case you will be going for beauty, the TIG welders should always be your first priority.
6. What are the main advantages of TIG welding?
TIG welding does have four main advantages. The first one is that it is very precise. The second one if that it is ideal for car bodies,, motorcycles and sculptures since it can deal with sensitive metals thanks to their great amperage control feature. The third advantage is that it does produce excellent welds and the last advantage is that it is a much cleaner welding type with minimal splatter.
How Do We Conduct The Tests?
Our team headed to the store for selecting the best TIG Welder. We considered the top 20 models, undergone 96 hours of testing, and interviewed five experts to sort out the top TIG Welder.
We went to the brand manager to get a complete idea of how the TIG Welder works, what technology, it is using, and what features it has. Additionally, we consulted five electrical engineers who are already in this testing field to understand power consumption.
Further, we were fortunate enough our team members already had two of these models at their home. So, it helped us to get personalized testing and accurate results. We evaluated all the models on three prime factors Arc Starting method, durability, and ease of use. For the same, we have come up with a table analyzing the overall performance of each product in percentage.
Product Name | DC/AC support | Arc Starting | Score | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
AHP Alpha TIG 200DX Welder | 99.0 | 98.5 | 98.7 | Check Price |
Forney 324 Multipurpose TIG Welder | 98.4 | 97.9 | 98.1 | Check Price |
Everlast Power 250 TIG Welder | 98.1 | 97.6 | 97.7 | Check Price |
Hobart 500551 EZ TIG Welder | 96.0 | 96.3 | 96.2 | No products found. |
Lincoln Electric Square Wave 200 | 97.1 | 95.3 | 96.5 | Check Price |
Final Thought
The above list has the best TIG Welders on Amazon. You can purchase any one of them with a close eye. Nevertheless, we suggest you jot down your requirements to go through all the products and our buying guide before choosing your favorite one. Nonetheless, don’t get confused which is most perfect. Judge as per your requirements like budget and need. We assure you, you won’t get disappointed after purchasing one of our selected products. The TIG Welder will last you for years and will let you enjoy a toasty bath every morning.
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