You’re in the market for a new welder, but don’t know which one to buy. Let’s take a look at what you might be looking for and figure out the best tig welder for beginners. A great place to start is with your budget because it will help narrow down your search. For example, if you want to purchase an entry-level machine, expect to spend about $1,000 on average.
If you are willing to go up in price range then there are more options available that can provide better quality welds or have additional features like spool guns and wire feeders. So is this blog post helpful? Yes! We hope it helps narrow down your search so that you can find the best tig welder for beginners.
This can help you avoid buying a low-quality model that doesn’t perform well or requires frequent repairs. So how do you choose the best tig welder for beginners? Well, it might be helpful to know what features are important and whether or not you need additional accessories like spool guns and wire feeders before making a purchase.
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TIG Welders
Features
Ratings
Price
Hobart Handler 140
PROCESSES
Flux Cored (FCAW)
Material Thickness Mild Steel 24.00 ga - 1/4 in
Input Voltage 110/115/120 V
Input Phase 1-Phase
Input Hz 60 Hz
Input Voltage 110/115/120 V
220/230/240 V
Current Type DC
Rated Output 160 A @ 30% duty cycle
Max Open Circuit Voltage 91 VDC
Net Width 7.125 in
Net Height 10.5 in
If you’re new to welding and looking for the best tig welder for beginners, this blog post will help guide you in the right direction. We review some of the best tig welders for beginners so that before making your purchase, you can be confident in your choice. There are many different factors when choosing a welder such as a price range, efficiency, durability and ease of use. This article will cover all these factors and more!
Now that you know what features to look out for when buying the best tig welder for beginners, it’s time to make an informed decision!
Material Thickness Mild Steel 24.00 ga – 1/4 in. Weldable Metals Aluminum Stainless Steel, Steel Input Voltage 110/115/120 V Input Phase 1-Phase Input Hz 60 Hz Current Type DC Rated Output 90 A @ 20% duty cycle Max Open Circuit Voltage 28 VDC Amperage Range Amperage Min Max 25 A – 140 A Wire Feed Speed IPM Range 40 IPM – 700 IPM Portability Handle(s)
The Hobart Handler 140 is a welder that is perfect for beginners and offers reliability and durability. The welder has a range of features such as auto-set functions which make it easier to use. Another great feature is the LCD display which allows the user to see the progress of their work. This welder offers protection against short circuits, reverse polarity and overloading.
This welder goes up to 140 amps and offers a wide range of welding capacities and duties. It has capabilities for TIG applications as well as Stick welding processes making it a great all-around welder for beginners. The Hobart Handler 140 is made with excellent materials and built to last!
When choosing a welder, there are many different factors to consider. Some of these factors are important and should be considered as you look for the best tig welder for beginners. One such factor is worthiness, which is where Hobart comes in as a great choice!
Features:
This welder offers many features that make it a well-rounded, solid machine.
It has a 5/8-inch solid state regulator and comes with a standard 10-foot work cable giving the user freedom to move around as they wish.
The welder also has an easy access ground clamp and a 1/4-inch gas connection for added convenience.
If you’re looking for a quality welder that is built to last, then this welder may be a great option!
Pros
Automatic functions make it easy
Comes with a range of features such as auto-set functions which make it easier to use.
Standard 10-foot work cable for freedom in movement
1/4-inch gas connection is convenient
Cons
This welder is not great for heavy-duty welding tasks
Input Voltage: Single-Phase 120vAC or 240vAC @ 50-60Hz Power Cord Receptacle Plug: NEMA 6-50P Input Current TIG: 240v: 23.8 amps | 120v: 20.0 amps Input Current Stick: 240v: 36.2 amps | 120v: 19.2 amps Output Current Adjustment TIG: 240v: 10-190 amps |. 120v: 10-145 amps Output Current Adjustment Stick: 240v: 10-185 amps |. 120v: 10-140 amps Input Voltage TIG: 240v: 10.4v – 17.6v | 120v: 10.4v – 15.8v Input Voltage Stick: 240v: 20.4v – 27.4v | 120v: 20.4v – 25.6v Starting Methoda: High Frequency
The Eastwood TIG 200 offers some unique advantages over other entry-level machines. For example, the company offers one of the best warranties in the industry at 5 years on both internal parts and external wear items. The machine also has a generous duty cycle of 1000 amps – more than enough for most new welders.
The Eastwood TIG 200 is rated to handle AC or DC welding with either solid or flux core wire. Simply adjust the controls to change between gas settings. There are many benefits that come with buying an Eastwood machine, but before making your purchase it’s important to understand what this particular model offers so you don’t miss out on anything. Another great feature is the digital read-out. There are a few things you want to know about a welder before making your purchase and for this particular model, it’s important to note that it has a price point of just under $1000.
Features:
This machine comes with several features such as the digital readout which provides more security in the welding process.
It also comes with a digital amperage control which provides more accurate arc settings.
The Eastwood TIG 200 even has the ability to weld aluminum!
Lastly, this machine offers great versatility in being able to switch between AC and DC modes as well as using either flux core or solid wire so beginners don’t have to worry about getting confused.
Pros
The Eastwood TIG 200 has great versatility in being able to switch between AC and DC modes as well as using either flux core or solid wire.
Along with this, the digital readout provides more security in the welding process.
This machine also offers a generous duty cycle of 1000 amps.
Cons
This machine only offers manual settings which can make it difficult for beginners to understand.
The YesWelder MIG-205DS is a great little welder for those looking for an entry-level machine. It has variable voltage capabilities from 110 to 220 volts which makes it versatile and easy to operate. The welder has enough power with a maximum output of 135 amps.
This is a reliable machine that will serve you well for years to come with its solid-state protection circuitry.
The YesWelder MIG-205DS offers several features that make it worth your while! It can weld any type of metal including steel, stainless steel, aluminum, carbon steel, copper and more.
It features an arc voltage adjustment so you can get the perfect setting to suit your needs no matter what type of metal you’re working with.
This welder also has a voltage range of 120-220 so it can be used anywhere in the world and still operate properly! It comes with solid-state circuitry that offers protection from voltage spikes for added safety and durability. Dual-frequency welding provides fast and efficient welds. Lastly, this machine has a spool gun for easier wire feeding which is great if you are looking to weld larger objects.
Pros
Versatile in being able to use both flux core and solid wire.
Offers great versatility in being able to switch between AC and DC modes.
Provide arc voltage control
Cons
The machine has a duty cycle of 100 amps which can be limiting if you want to do heavy-duty types of welding
Input Voltage 110/115/120 V 220/230/240 V Current Type DC Rated Output 160 A @ 30% duty cycle Max Open Circuit Voltage 91 VDC Net Width 7.125 in Net Height 10.5 in Net Length 13.375 in Net Weight 15 lbs
The Hobart Stickmate 160i is a great beginner tig welder. It’s perfect for someone just starting out in the welding industry who needs an affordable, yet high-quality machine.
Unit Dimensions: 16.75″ (425.45 millimeters) x 8.125″ (206.38 millimeters) x 12″ (304.8 millimeters) Unit Weight: 19 lbs. (8.61 kg) Gasless/flux-core welding only,Portable,Torchwrap,Infinite voltage and wire feed speed control,120-volt input, 140 AMP output,Welds 24-gauge up to 1/4″ (6.35 millimeters)
The Forney Easy Weld 140FC-I is a great welder for beginners. It is a wire feed machine which means that the wire is carried by an extruded metal wire (usually aluminum or copper) and fed through a gun with an electric coil to heat it up. This welder has long arc times which make it perfect for beginners who want to work on large objects without having to stop and start often.
The long arc time also helps when welding thin metals like sheet metal and aluminum bars because it can fill in gaps and save you from having to move the electrode back and forth across the object.
Features:
The Forney Easy Weld 140FC-I offers several features that make it worth your while! It can weld from 30-140 amps so it has a wide range which means that you can get a variety of different types of welds depending on the thickness and material you’re working with.
Comes with flux core wire but there are optional spool gun packages available if you want to switch to solid wire.
Another great thing about this machine is its lightweight and compact design which makes it easy to transport from job site to job site if needed. It has a great duty cycle of 150 amps at 25% duty cycle, but the most important factor is the low price tag!
It is one of the most affordable machines on the market for beginners.
Pros
Lightweight design which is ideal for carrying around
Low price tag which makes it affordable to most people
Wide range of amps and materials that can be welded together
Cons
Doesn’t have a tig welder option or digital screen
Input Voltage 115V / 230V Output Amperage (115V input) MIG: 30 – 120A Stick: 30 – 110A Output Amperage (230V input) MIG: 30 – 155A Stick: 30 – 140A Duty Cycle (115V) MIG: 30% @ 120 A Stick: 30% @ 110A Duty Cycle (230V) MIG: 30% @ 155 A Stick: 30% @ 140A Voltage & Amp Control Infinite (from min. to max.) Wire Feed Speed 78 – 396 IPM (infinite control min. to max.) Wire Spool Size 4 in.
The Weldpro MIG155Gsv with 165-amp wire feed is our top pick. This machine offers a wide range of features that make it an exceptional product. It has an LCD digital panel with preset control for easy setup options with no need for voltage adjustments.
It also includes timer functions, weld speed and arc force functions in addition to digital display with amperage, voltage, and welding time. There are footswitches on this machine that are compatible with most welding helmets so you can easily change settings by simply telling the machine to stop or start.
Features:
This machine boasts a 165-amp capacity which can be used on both thin metals like aluminum sheets and sheet metal as well as thicker metals like steel.
There is no No-Load Speed which means that there is no waiting around for the machine to heat up before use, so you can start welding as soon as you pull the trigger!
It has a smooth start feature which makes it easier on your drive motor because your actual work starts slower.
This machine also comes with a pulse function which offers more control over the wire speed.
Input Voltage: Single-Phase 120vAC or 240vAC @ 50-60Hz Power Cord Receptacle Plug: NEMA 6-50P Input Current TIG: 240v: 23.8 amps | 120v: 20.0 amps Input Current Stick: 240v: 36.2 amps | 120v: 19.2 amps Output Current Adjustment TIG: 240v: 10-190 amps |. 120v: 10-145 amps Output Current Adjustment Stick: 240v: 10-185 amps |. 120v: 10-140 amps Input Voltage TIG: 240v: 10.4v – 17.6v | 120v: 10.4v – 15.8v Input Voltage Stick: 240v: 20.4v – 27.4v | 120v: 20.4v – 25.6v Starting Methoda: High Frequency Post Gas Flow: 2-8 sec. Pre Gas Flow: 0.1-1.0 sec. Remote Foot Pedal And Control: Yes Torch Control: Finger on/off control/Variable foot pedal Cooling Method: Fan Overall Dimensions: 17.8” x 8.4” x 20.20” Weight: 38 lbs.
Eastwood TIG 200 Digital AC/DC is the best tig welder for beginners. It has a low-profile design that makes it easy to carry around which is great if you need to do touch-up welds or other work on different projects around the house.
The machine features a digital control panel that allows you to adjust the settings with just a touch of your finger and does not require any special knowledge. This TIG welder features an AC/DC output so it can be plugged into the wall or used with battery power and comes with a battery and charger so you don’t need to buy them separately.
Features:
This welder is designed to offer maximum portability and ease of use so it can be brought on the job site or used in various workplaces.
It is designed for thin metals like aluminum sheets and steel sheets but it can also be used for thicker materials like steel rods.
The alloy dial has 6 different settings so you can get a variety of metal combinations by easily changing between alloys without having to spend too much time on configuration settings.
The TIG welder also has a water-cooled spool gun and is compatible with most TIG welding helmets which makes it easy to go from one task to another without needing to change settings on your helmet.
This machine features a digital control panel that makes it easier for beginners because there is no need for adjusting dials or looking up charts – the settings are easily adjusted with just a touch of your finger.
Pros
Lightweight, so it’s easy to carry around the workplace
Digital control panel allows you to change settings without needing any special knowledge on how to use a TIG welder.
Compatible with a wide range of helmets and welding apps
Cons
No special features as more expensive machines provide
GBT Type: Module IGBT Inverter Type: Digital/Micro-controlled Output Type: AC/DC TIG, DC Stick Voltage/phase: DUAL VOLTAGE 120/240 1 PHASE Max Rated TIG Amps: 210 A Max Rated Stick Amps: 160A Stick Hot Start Amps: 0-100% Stick Function: Adjustable Arc Force Control Stick Hot Start Type: Adjustable Hot Start Stick Hot Start Time: 0-2 Seconds 6010/Cellulose Capable: Limited to 6011 Minimum Amp DC TIG Start: 5A Minimum Amp AC TIG Start: 5A
The Everlast PowerTIG 200DV is a powerful and efficient machine that has been designed for beginners in the welding industry. It offers a variety of features and benefits to help you get started in this field and offers an affordable solution in comparison to more expensive models.
The welder has a protected trigger, so it can be used with no-load speed which means there’s no waiting around when starting out on your project before the welder heats up to start working.
It comes with a digital timer that helps you keep track of how much time you have spent using the device which is good if you are operating on heavy metals like steel or aluminum.
There is also a pulse function that provides extra control over your weld.
This unit is designed to have a low profile which makes it more portable and it has a long wire so you can keep the welder at a distance from whatever you are welding.
It offers a wide range of output power so it can be used on different types of metals and materials. This model also comes with two-spool guns so you can complete different tasks with just one welder.
Pros
lightweight and portable
can be stored in tight spaces without interfering with other tools and equipment.
WEIGHT 61 lbs DIMENSIONS 33 × 12 × 20 in OUTPUT POWER TYPE DC/AC RATED ELECTRICAL INPUT 110v / 240v 60 Hz TIG AMPS RANGE 5-200A STICK AMPS RANGE (AC/DC) 20-180A PRE-FLOW (S) 0.1-1 UP SLOPE TIME RANGE (S) 0-10 DOWN SLOPE TIME RANGE(S) 0-25 POST FLOW (S) 0-15 PULSE PEAK ON TIME 10-90% adjustable PULSE FREQUENCY 0.5-200 HZ AC BALANCE 30-70% AC FREQUENCY 40-200HZ HOT START Yes HF START TIG Yes 2T/4T TORCH TRIGGER PANEL CONTROL Yes FOOT PEDAL Yes WEIGHT (LB) 31.3 DIMENSIONS (IN) 17.6×7.9×16
The Weldpro 200 Amp LCD Inverter 5 in 1 has been designed to help get beginners started with welding right from the get-go. It offers a variety of features and benefits that make it a good option for anyone getting started in the industry.
This unit is lightweight which makes it easier to transport from one task to another in various environments where you might be welding in different types of materials or metals, plus there’s a long wire in order to keep the welder away from what you are working on.
This machine also comes with two-spool guns, providing an easy way of completing multiple tasks without having to purchase additional units.
The inverter technology used in this machine allows for quick heating, so you can get started with your project right away without having to wait for the machine to heat up before it works.
The LCD display is easy to use and provides all of the information needed in order to keep track of everything from the amount of wire used, time remaining, or set welding output values.
The multi-voltage capability means that this machine can be used in a variety of locations around the world reducing the cost involved with moving your welder from one place to another.
The manual shut-off option is another great feature, which is perfect for times when you need to take a break from using the machine or when it needs time between uses so that the gas can cool down.
Pros
Comes with a long wire
Variety of features and benefits that make it easy to use.
provides all of the information you need in order to get started right away without having to wait for the machine to heat up.
Cons
No backlight on this LCD display which can make it hard to use in areas that are not well lite
Item Weight 69 pounds Product Dimensions 19 x 23 x 12 inches Material Stainless Steel Power Source Ac Height: 22 in. Length: 20 in. Width: 9 in. Duty Cycle: 60% @ 200A (TIG), 35% @ 155A (Stick) Input Voltage: 110/220 V. Process Type: Stick, TIG.
AHP AlphaTIG 200X is the best TIG welder for beginners. This machine comes with an LCD display which provides all of the information you need in order to get started right away without having to wait for the machine to heat up.
This unit is lightweight which makes it easier to transport from one task to another in various environments where you might be welding in different types of materials or metals, plus there’s a long wire in order to keep the welder away from what you are working on. This machine also comes with two-spool guns, providing an easy way of completing multiple tasks without having to purchase additional units.
The inverter technology used in this machine allows for quick heating, so you can get started with your project right away without having to wait for the machine to heat up before it works. The LCD display is easy to use and provides all of the information needed in order to keep track of everything from the amount of wire used, time remaining, or set welding output values.
Features:
Quality TIG welding on aluminum, stainless, or steel and precise welding of thinner-gauge materials
Will do 1/4 in. aluminum and 3/8 in. mild steel
Advanced inverter technology with PWM (pulse width modulation) using IGBT technology
Square-wave inverter for aluminum welding, with pulse frequency, allowing for simple set up and operating
Unit features HF start TIG and includes a foot control pedal for great TIG welding control and operation
Dual voltage input, can either run on 110 or 220-Volt electricity
Input Voltages 110/220V, 1-PH, 50/60Hz Power Efficiency 85% Dimensions with Handle 17” (432mm) L 8” (203mm) H 14” (356mm) W Weight 32lbs ( 14.5kg) Input Power Cable Length 6’ (1.8m)
The Lotos CT520D 50 AMP Air Plasma Cutter has been designed to give quality cuts for a variety of applications. This great machine has been designed to give precise cuts with ease and convenience.
The Lotos CT520D 50 AMP Air Plasma Cutter is a high-frequency air plasma cutter that offers a high-frequency design for maximum efficiency and power, cutting through metals with ease. The air plasma cutter has been designed to have a cutting head that gives great precision without being bulky while remaining discreet and safe all while being lightweight and portable.
Features:
50-amp air plasma cutter;
200-amp DC TIG welder and DC Stick welder (High-Frequency Start);
Automatic dual voltage / dual frequency (110/220-volt 50/60Hz);
Suitable for cutting and welding Stainless Steel, Mild Steel, Aluminum (cut only) and other metal materials
Pros
Can be used on many different types of materials including aluminum, stainless steel, copper, bronze, steel, titanium, brass and cast iron just to name a few.
Lightweight and easy to transport
Five-year warranty, providing you with peace of mind knowing that if anything goes wrong with the machine, you are covered by Lotos Technology.
Cons
This plasma cutter tends to get hot when it is used for extended periods of time.
Manufacturer Win-Win Item Weight 22.4 pounds Package Dimensions 19.76 x 13.94 x 10.79 inches Color Blue Style TIG200 Material Iron Item Package Quantity 1 Batteries Included? No Batteries Required? No
The S7 is the best tig welder for beginners, It’s a portable, lightweight and cost-effective welder that will not disappoint. The Tig welder weighs only 37 pounds and has a standard 115v power supply.
With this machine, you’ll be able to weld up to 1/4-inch material and do not produce any sparks for safety.
Features:
Portable, lightweight and cost-effective welder
Suited for aluminum and stainless steel
No sparks so it’s safe
Will work with thinner materials as well as 1/4 inch metal or more typically used materials such as 3/16 inch;
Adjustable electrode holder
Easy voltage change
Digital display
Pulse function and foot pedal included for convenience and safety.
Pros
Extremely lightweight and portable
Heats up quickly and is able to reach 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit within about twenty seconds.
Pedal allows you to make sure your welder is on while working in a safe manner.
Cons
Foot pedal can cause some problems for people who are using the welder all day long because it activates when touched and will continue welding until you turn it off.
The SUNCOO TIG 200A is a powerful machine suited for professional welders. It has been designed to be used with a variety of metals and has the ability to cut through metals with ease. This machine can also be used with both AC and DC current, making it workable in many situations.
Spare nozzles, contact tips and insulation gloves; standard 1/4 inch collet;
100s power box;
115 volts input voltage; 10 feet corded electric cable; adjustable trigger settings; automatic wire feeder (automatic or manual); magnetic switch holder (AC or DC); digital display (in amp);
Anti-spark protection; allows for any material to be used, including aluminum steel and copper.
Pros
Lightweight yet powerful enough to cut through thicker metals with ease.
It also heats up quickly, reaching temperatures between 800 and 1000 degrees Fahrenheit in roughly ten seconds or less.
This machine features a 9-inch spool to create a smooth and clean finish on the surface of the metal.
Cons
Does not include a power supply, which can be difficult for some beginners.
Also has issues with the polarity and may need to be adjusted for this reason.
Some people have reported that they are unable to use this
If you are looking for the best tig welder for beginners, the Miller Stick Welder is a great option. They are best used on sheet metal and thin gauge metals, but they’re also relatively inexpensive.
Q2. Can you teach yourself to TIG weld?
Yes, you can. There are plenty of videos on Youtube that teach the process step-by-step. You just have to practice a lot and do what the videos say.
Q3. How do I choose a TIG welder?
The first step to choosing the best TIG welder for beginners is to think about your budget and needs. Entry-level welders typically start around $1,000 and can go up to $10,000 depending on what you need. Next, take a look at quality- welding machines will typically have spool guns and wire feeders as well as the capability of doing an assortment of different types of welding. Finally, think about features like temperature control and arc force which help regulate the flow of current coming from the power source to the material being welded.
Q4. What welder should a beginner buy?
The best tig welder for beginners is likely to be an inexpensive machine that won’t require extensive training.
Q5. Is TIG welding easy to learn?
TIG welding is relatively easy to learn. However, it does take some time and practice to become proficient at it. It takes longer than other welding processes like MIG or Arc Welding because you have to focus on more things at the same time, like precision and detail.
Conclusion
When you’re in the market for a new welder, there are many things to consider. It’s important to know what your budget is and how much time you can spend welding on average per week before making a decision about which tig welder will work best for you. If it’s your first ever purchase, then an entry-level machine may be perfect or if you have some experience with welders already but want something more advanced, then maybe one of the higher-end models would suit your needs. No matter where you are in life as far as welding goes, there is always room for improvement so keep that in mind when deciding on any tool purchases.
