Best TIG Welders
Best Tig Welders for 2024- Reviews & Buyer’s Guide
TIG welders provide unmatched heat control and the finest welds. But besides mastering the demanding art of TIG welding, welders need to invest in a great TIG welder. However, there are a lot of TIG welding machines in the market, and choosing one that will suit your needs could be an uphill task.
The good news is that we have examined a variety of TIG welders on your behalf. Our objective is to help you make an informed decision before settling on a particular TIG welding machine. These are our top picks
Our Top Ranked TIG Welders
1. PrimeWeld TIG225X Tig/Stick Welder - Our Top Pick
Our top pick for the best TIG welder is the PrimeWeld TIG225X which is great for small and medium-sized workshops. It’s also a good fit for welding hobbyists who seek to try their hand at TIG welding.
The PrimeWeld TIG225X welder is both an AC/DC TIG and Stick welder and runs on both 110V and on 220V supplies. You can use this machine on various projects, including making metal furniture, vehicle bodies, and sculpting.
You’ll also love the quality control mechanisms when welding aluminum. The machine’s adjustments let you adjust the power levels and Pulse Width Modulation to control how wide and deep you penetrate.
If controls are your main concern, this high-performing machine provides the best. It comes with an AC balance setting that allows you to set the time you want to spend on any side of the AC cycle. When you are welding at low temperatures, you can turn on the DC welding feature. The DC option is ideal for sheet metal and car parts.
If you don’t require the TIG machination, this welder lets you use shielded gas. Welders of all levels can use this TIG welding machine, but beginners could struggle to get started.
Features
- A precise foot pedal and HF torch start hand torch control
- Modern inverter technology with Pulse Width Modulation
- CK worldwide 17 series Superflex TIG torch with the USA made CK Dinse connector and a CK Superflex code
- Electrode holder with 12 ft cable
- 220 V to 110V power cable
- Gas regulator
Pros
- Runs on both 240V and a 120V power input
- Offers AC and DC Tig welding
- It has an accessible rocker style peddle
- Offers High/Low/Off pulse setting
- It has a finger switch on the torch
- A stick weld with a stinger
- A water cooler option
- Base current control
Cons
- It doesn’t have a screen or color display for settings
- Welders need to practice to get their desired parameters right
2. Lincoln Electric Square Wave TIG 200 Welder - Best Professional Model
If you are getting into serious TIG welding, you need one of the best TIG welders on the market.
The Square Wave TIG 200 is a high-end portable stick and Tig welding machine that is robust, compact, and long-lasting. What the Lincoln Tig 200 offers is not available in many single welders; that is why it’s a premium model that makes it one of the best aluminum welders.
One of its outstanding features is the multi-purpose stick and TIG capabilities. When welding thin aluminum work pieces, you can count on its spool gun to produce precise and tiny bead finishes. The stick welding option comes in handy when welding outdoors and for thick materials.
The Lincoln TIG 200 comes with both AC and DC power voltage options. When welding on aluminum worksheets, you should switch to AC. The DC is better suited for chrome-moly and stainless steel. For heavy welding, this welder gives you a 230V output. If you want to work on small household projects, you can turn to the 120V output option.
Another notable feature of this TIG welder is its well-organized controls. Welders can work around various settings with the utmost ease. The labeling on the buttons is clear for users to switch to AC, DC, or stick-welding.
With the AC balance, you can adjust this machine to your preferred range. For example, you can reduce its electrode negativity to weld a thin work piece. If your target is to get a cleaner and finer weld, you can increase the electrode negativity.
When it comes to pulse mode, the Lincoln TIG 200 offers 1-20 pulses per second. To work on projects that need more filler material, you should set it at a higher frequency. The lower frequency is for lesser filler materials.
The Lincoln TIG 200 welder weighs about 46lbs. Users can move it around easily when working in various locations. What’s more, is that you can power it easily. And you can even connect it to a small generator. While this TIG welder is user-friendly, it requires users to have reasonable welding experience.
Features
- Stick and Tig from a single power source
- Advanced easy to use features
- Plugs into 120 v and 240 v circuit
- LED display with indicator lights
- Output Range: 120V Tig (10-125A), Stick (10-110A)
- 1-20 pulses per second
Pros
- lightweight and occupies less space
- A multi-process machine that handles a variety of projects
- user-friendly due to its well-organized controls
- Versatile due to its Tig and stick welding options
Cons
- The torch has no trigger switch
- Expensive
3. LOTOS LTPDC2000D Non-Touch Pilot Arc Plasma Cutter TIG Welder
If you have about $500 to spend on a TIG welder that comes with everything a beginner needs in a welder, the LOTOS LTPDC2000D is our recommendation. It is a 3-in-1 combo that offers a 200 Amp stick welder, a 50 Amp pilot arc plasma cutter, and a 200 Amp Tig welder.
Since 2007, Lotos technology has been making quality welding and cutting equipment for Do-it-yourself buyers and small to medium-sized businesses. The LotosLTPDC2000D Non-Touch Pilot Arc Plasma Cutter Tig welder is no exception.
The machine comes with a Non-Touch plasma cutter with 10-50AMP current output. It can cut through up to ½ inch thickness and a max severance of up to ¾ inch. On top of that, it effortlessly cuts through rusty, painted, and rough metals. Also, it is portable and utilizes non-hazardous compressed air to cut through copper, aluminum, alloy steel, and mild steel. The best part is that you needn’t touch the tip of the metal you intend to cut, thanks to the non-touch arc technology.
The welder runs on a 15-200AMP DC Tig electric current welding machine. This 15-200A @110/220V welder produces quality welds on stainless and steel workpieces. This could be a great option if you intend to work on thin materials.
You also benefit from its automatic dual voltage/dual frequency (100v/220v 50/60Hz). The Lotos LTPDC200 is ideal for small and medium sized shop owners and hobbyists who require a 3-in-1 combo.
Features
- 50Amp IGBT Inverter pilot arc plasma cutter.
- 200Amp DC TIG welder and DC stick welder
- Automatic dual voltage/ dual frequency (100/220Volt 50/60Hz).
- Suitable for cutting and welding Stainless Steel, Mild Steel, Aluminum (cut only), and other metal materials.
Pros
- Features a carrying handle for portability
- Affordable welding and plasma cutter combo
- Pilot arc for a precise quality cut
- Easy set and connection to external compressors
Cons
- The foot pedal is sold separately.
- Not ideal for commercial or industrial applications.
4. S7 Tig Welder, HF TIG/Stick/Arc TIG Welder
The S7 Tig Welder is our recommendation for the best TIG welder under $200. Like other welders in this price range, this S7 TIG welder is a great entry-level and beginner-friendly TIG welder.
The S7 Tig welder is a user-friendly AC/DC 200A TIG and Stick welder. It welds a wide array of metals including steel and alloys. It welds at high speeds without compromising on quality. With this welder, you get an electrode holder and clamp, a TIG torch, and an earth clamp.
The S7 Tig welder impresses with an automatic gas flow on/off, and posts flow settings. Despite its small size, it is a high-frequency Tig welding machine. This allows you to produce fine and clean welds. Its small size and lightweight profile make it quite portable. Apart from that, its makers designed it to save energy. You can work on many projects with this machine without worrying about its power consumption.
Due to its size and features, it is best suited for repair works on small projects by hobbyists and beginners. It’s also ideal for beginners to learn the basics and gain control skills.
Features
- Weighs 22.2 lbs
- Supports 110/220 v
- Tig Arc and Stick welder
Pros
- Economic model
- Dual voltage
- TIG and Stick welder
- Welds metal that is 15-42 mm
- 80% duty cycle (Very high)
Cons
- Only Ideal for small welding projects
5. Weldpro Digital TIG 200GD
Weldpro Digital TIG 200GD is a moderately priced inverter welder that can match the performance of some commercial-grade welders. The welder uses both DC and AC, enabling you to choose between the two depending on the metal you are welding. For instance, you use AC for welding aluminum and its alloys, then use DC for welding carbon, steel, and other mild metals.
We also love that this TIG and Stick welder has one of the best control panels. There is a digital display of the flow rates and amperage. For the other settings, it utilizes LED lights and buttons. The welder also features 2T and 4T modes and has a foot pedal. The 4T mode is something those who weld for long periods will appreciate.
You don’t have to worry about your workshop’s electricity output because you can choose between 120V and 240V, and you also get the adapters. In addition, the power adapter regulates the voltage to suit your needs. For convenience, the finger switch on the torch allows flawless welding even in confined places. There is also a durable hose protector to shield the hose from sparks, sharp objects, etc.
Features
- Pre and Post Flow Control
- 2T/4T modes
- High-quality Superflex CK TIG welding torch
- Rocker style foot pedal
- Rigid and strong ground clamp
- 3-year warranty
- Stick electrode holder
Pros.
- Easy to use digital display
- Compact and light design that’s easy to carry around
- The hand switch makes it easy to control the torch in confined areas
- TIG power output ranging between 5 and 200A
- Durable parts with three years warranty
Cons
- The manual isn’t comprehensive
6. ESAB Rebel EMP 205ic AC/DC Multi-Process MIG/Stick/ TIG Welder
If you are looking for a professional all-purpose welder that supports MIG, Stick, and TIG welding techniques, then ESAB Rebel EMP 205ic AC/DC is our recommendation. Though the price is on the high side, this is one of the best multi-purpose welders on the market and comes with everything you will need to start welding.
Notable features of this model include a large TFT display for easy controls, the ability to save settings, multi-language support, dual gas inlets, the option to modify bead profile, and the sMIG Technology.
If you want a cheaper option from the same brand, check out the ESAB EMP215IC 120/230-Volt Dual Voltage Professional Grade MIG/TIG/Stick Welder.
Features:
- MIG/STICK/TIG model
- High-Frequency (HF) and amplitude offset
- Wide frequency ranges
- DC TIG Pulse
- Smart MIG (sMIG) technology for stable arcs and superior welds
- TIG torch and gun
- Foot control
- Multilingual LCD display
- USB stick
- 200A electrode holder and 13 ft. cable
- 200A Earth clamp with a 10 ft. cable
Pros
- High-end welder machine
- All-purpose welder for MIG, TIG, and Stick welding
- Easy to use TFT LCD display with multiple settings and functions
- One of the few welders that can weld a flux arc ore
- Durable machine with a three-year warranty
Cons
- Quite expensive
Features to Consider When Choosing the Best TIG Welding Machine
1. Power AC or DC
When looking at the power, ask yourself whether you need an AC/DC or DC-only Tig welder. The AC/DC machines are versatile. Users only need to switch to either DC or AC options depending on the metal they are welding. DC-only Tig welders are only ideal for working on stainless steel or mild steel. If you intend to weld on aluminum, an AC/DC Tig welding machine will come in handy.
A Tig machine with high amperage will allow you to take on a wide array of projects. It is the kind of welder you can use in a welding shop. On the other hand, a Tig welder with low amperage is well-suited for DIY projects at home.
2. Pulse Welding
Pulse welding is another important feature to look at when purchasing a Tig welder. Tig welding hinges on heat control. Pulse welding provides you with the control you need to weld on a work-piece, no matter how thin it might be, without perforating it.
Good pulse setting features allows you to attain reasonable welding penetration with less heat and power. High heat may lead to warping of your work piece. This is important when you are working on a metal sheet.
3. Portability of Welder
A small TIG welding machine weighs about 40 lbs to 50 lbs. Welders can easily move these TIG welders to any location. Bigger TIG welders can weigh over 100 lbs; these are much harder to move. You need a cart to take them from one location to the other.
Portability is a massive factor when deciding which TIG welder is ideal. The question to ask yourself is whether you will work from the same location or you will want to move around. A small TIG welder will be more versatile while a larger TIG welder will allow you to work on more demanding projects.
4. Controls on the Welder
Good controls will snap back to their positions easily. While this might look like a detail worth overlooking, bumping on control when welding could lead to ruining a project. To prevent this from happening, check to confirm the controls of your select TIG welder easily snap back to their original position. Well-organized controls will make your work easy.
5. Foot pedals on Welders
You can liken the foot pedal in a Tig welding machine to the gas pedal in a vehicle. It allows you to control the amperage by using your foot. A good pedal provides the much-needed precision while working on delicate projects. You have to look for a Tig welding machine that’s easy to use. Part of it should include an easily accessible foot pedal.