Tig welding is an essential skill for any welder. This blog post will provide the best tig welder for the money based on affordability, portability and power. If you are in the market for a new tig welder, it can be difficult to figure out which one is right for your needs. There are many factors that go into determining what kind of tig welder will work best for you, including how much money you have to spend and whether or not you need AC/DC capability.
If this sounds overwhelming, don’t worry! We’ve put together a list of our top five picks in order from lowest cost to highest cost so that you can find the perfect machine without breaking the bank.
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TIG Welders
Features
Ratings
Price
Miller Electric Maxstar 150 STL
Phase 1
Polarity DC
Series Maxstar 150 STL
Welding Processes
Stick, TIG
Input Voltage
115/230V AC
Weight
13.7 lb.
Welding is a great skill to have. Whether you’re looking for a career change or just want to be able to build some cool stuff on the weekends, welding offers a lot of opportunities and rewards. With all that said, if you’re going into it blind then you might find yourself getting frustrated with the process at first. I’m here today to help make your decision about which tig welder will suit your needs easier by giving you some options and information about why they are good choices.
below is the list of top 10 tig welders for the money
Phase 1 Polarity DC Series Maxstar 150 STL Welding Processes Stick, TIG Input Voltage 115/230V AC Weight 13.7 lb.
Miller Electric Maxstar 150 TIG Welder, DC, 115/230VAC, Maxstar 150 STL – Miller’s M-Series of powerheads are designed for the budget-conscious mechanic or small fabricator. The new M-Series provides the performance you need to get the job done without all of the expensive bells and whistles found on more expensive models.
The new M-Series comes with a heavy-duty D15P AC/DC power supply that delivers 15 amps while operating on standard 120 volt 60 Hz power. A full feature set includes flexible voltage control, 200 amperes of direct current output, advanced circuit protection with no less than 100 amperes of short circuit current capacity, 10 amps of auxiliary output for accessories, and a 19 millimeter, fully shrouded torch that reduces the risk of damage from side flash.
In addition to these features, the M-Series is also lightweight and portable. In fact, all models are capable of fitting into an airline carry-on bag for easy transport to job sites.
The Maxstar 150 STL comes with the Miller Spoolmate 100 spool gun, perfect for welding aluminum up to 3/8 inches thick. With a duty cycle of 225 amps at 60 percent, the Maxstar 150 STL has plenty of power for many different types of tig welding jobs. The unit also comes with a high-frequency start built into the power supply, eliminating the need for a foot pedal.
Features:
Comes with the Miller Spoolmate 100 spool gun, perfect for welding aluminum up to 3/8 inches thick.
With a duty cycle of 225 amps at 60 percent, the Maxstar 150 STL has plenty of power for many different types of tig welding jobs.
Save money on an affordable unit that is lightweight and portable.
Reduce your risk of side flash burns by using the 19 millimeters, fully shrouded torch.
Save time by being able to bring your tig welder to job sites using the airline carry-on bag capability.
Technical benefits:
Comes with a heavy-duty D15P AC/DC power supply that delivers 15 amps while operating on standard 120 volt 60 Hz power.
Delivers 200 amperes of direct current output and 10 amps of auxiliary output for accessories.
Comes with advanced circuit protection and 100 amperes of short circuit current capacity.
Increases productivity by eliminating the need for a foot pedal with its high-frequency start built into the power supply.
Pros
Easy to set up and use
Provide control to choose the right voltage selection
Dimensions (H x W x D) 14 in x 10.75 in x 19.25 in (358 mm x 282 mm x 502 mm) Net Weight 46.5 lbs (21.092 kg) Max Rating 200 Input Voltage 120/230 Input Phase 1 Polarity AC/DC
The Lincoln Electric Square Wave TIG 200 is a great choice for those looking to save some money. This welder has a power setting of up to 400 amps and 5 TIG RMS voltage ranges from 115-230 volts, which makes it versatile for any job. It is also portable and easy to set up or take down as needed.
The Square Wave TIG 200 does have a few drawbacks that should be noted: it is not as powerful as other welders on the market and the range of voltage is quite limited.
These limitations make it a great choice for those who only occasionally dabble in TIG welding, but if you plan on using a TIG welder regularly or need something more powerful this is probably not the best option for you.
Features:
300 series stainless steel feed and pulse cables
Thermal overload protection for added safety
Rugged, textured plastic case with rubber feet is sturdy and lightweight
Small enough to fit in a backpack or briefcase when not in use (34 lbs)
Material Heat-Treated Power Source 110/220V Amperage Capacity 200 Amps AC frequency up to 250hz Dual Voltage (115-230v) Warranty 3 Year
Razorweld Digital Tig 200 is a good choice for people looking to save some money. This welder has a power setting of up to 400 amps and 5 TIG RMS voltage ranges from 115-230 volts, which makes it versatile for any job. It is also portable and easy to set up or take down as needed.
The Razorweld Digital Tig 200 does have a few drawbacks that should be noted: it is not as powerful as other welders on the market and the range of voltage is quite limited. These limitations make it a great choice for those who only occasionally dabbles in TIG welding, but if you plan on using a TIG welder regularly or need something more powerful this is probably not the best option for you.
Features:
A large and easy to read digital display that automatically adjusts to the voltage requirements for TIG welding
Comes with a remote foot pedal for hands-free operation
Lightweight and portable weighing only 38 pounds (17 kg)
Technical benefits:
Comes with a heavy-duty D15P AC/DC power supply that delivers 15 amps while operating on standard 120 volt 60 Hz power.
Delivers 200 amperes of direct current output and 10 amps of auxiliary output for accessories.
Comes with advanced circuit protection and 100 amperes of short circuit current capacity.
Increases productivity by eliminating the need for a foot pedal with its high-frequency start built into the power supply.
Pros
Easy to use
Provide control to choose the right voltage selection
Suitable for both – beginners and professionals
Comers with remote control
Comes with 10 ft wire feeder cable, 6ft ground cable & 15A foot pedal
The Everlast PowerTIG 185DV is one of the best TIG welders on the market. This welder is portable and durable, which makes it easy to set up or take down as needed. It has a power setting of up to 400 amps and 5 TIG RMS voltage ranges from 115-230 volts, which makes it versatile for any job. If you are looking for a professional-grade TIG welder, but don’t have a ton of money to spend, this might be your best option.
The Everlast PowerTIG 185DV does have a few drawbacks that should be noted: it is not as powerful as other welders on the market and the range of voltage is quite limited. These limitations make it a great choice for those who only occasionally dabbles in TIG welding, but if you plan on using a TIG welder regularly or need something more powerful this is probably not the best option for you.
Features:
5 TIG RMS voltage ranges from 115-230 volts
Digital display with arc force control
Comes with a 10 ft. ground cable & 15A foot pedal
Technical benefits:
Adjustable speed for improved arc performance and best penetration into stainless steel, nickel alloys or aluminum.
The duty cycle of 50% @ 100 amps and a maximum of 15 amps.
A multi-voltage plug allows you to reduce the time it takes to set up your machine by using a standard household extension cord which can be found at any hardware store.
Pros
Suitable for both – beginners and professionals
Comes with 10 ft wire feeder cable, 6ft ground cable & 15A foot pedal
Lightweight and portable weighing only 47 pounds (21 kg)
BREAKER SIZE: (120V) 30 amps / (240V) 50 amps TIG OUTPUT IN AMPS: 120 volts: 20-140 amps 240 volts: 20-225 amps ARC OUTPUT IN AMPS: Arc 120 volts: 20-120 amps Arc 240 volts: 20-180 amps TIG PULSE FREQUENCY: Low Level 0.5 to 10 Hz High Level 10 to 200 Hz TIG AC BALANCE RANGE: 30-70 percent GAS PRE-FLOW: 0.1 to 3 seconds GAS POSTFLOW: 0 to 15 seconds WEIGHT: 41 pounds
The best thing about the PRIMEWELD TIG225X is that it comes standard with a foot pedal. If you are constantly switching between plasma and TIG welding or if you exclusively perform TIG welding, then this welder is best for you. It has a power setting of up to 226 amps and also includes four different voltage ranges (115-230 volts) which make it versatile enough to work on any project.
The great thing about this welder is that it comes standard with a foot pedal. If you are constantly switching between plasma and TIG welding or exclusively performing TIG welding, this welder is best for you. It has a power setting of up to 226 amps and also includes four different voltage ranges (115-230 volts) which make it versatile enough to work on any project.
A common complaint about the PRIMEWELD TIG225X is that it requires a power inverter, which makes it slightly more expensive to use than non-inverter welders. In addition, this welder comes with only a 90-day warranty, which is less than some of the best TIG welders on the market.
Features:
4 different voltage ranges (115-230 volts)
Power setting of up to 226 amps
Comes with a 10 ft. ground cable & 15A foot pedal
Technical benefits:
Adjustable speed for improved arc performance and best penetration into stainless steel, nickel alloys or aluminum.
The duty cycle of 50% @ 100 amps and a maximum of 15 amps.
Pros
Suitable for both – beginners and professionals
Lightweight and portable weighing only 47 pounds (21 kg)
Comes with 10 ft wire feeder cable
6ft ground cable & 15A foot pedal
Cons
Some customers complain about receiving damaged products
Requires power inverter, which increases the price of its use compared to non-inverter welders
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 the money because it also has a low-profile design that will fit into tight areas. It has a best-of-class arc power of up to 225 amps with best in class duty cycle. The arc voltage is adjustable from 6-28 volts which gives you more control over your welds. AHP AlphaTIG 200X also has best in class operator comfort and best in class warranty.
Low profile design – up to 25% less weight than standard machines.
Best in class arc power of 225 amps with best in class duty cycle.
The only TIG machine on the market that allows for a full five minutes of 200+ amps at 60 percent duty cycle before needing re-pulsing.
Variable arc voltage from 6 to 28 volts, giving you more control over your welds and also the ability to use two materials with different thicknesses and still get proper penetration.
Best in class operator comfort – we have designed this welder for the user, not just ergonomically sound but comfortable as well.
User-adjustable amperage – this feature allows you to use a smaller power source on light duty welding, saving money and providing portability.
-Best in class warranty – AHP’s commitment to quality is second to none, with the most comprehensive warranty coverage available in the industry.
WEIGHT 55.3 lbs DIMENSIONS 25.2 × 12.8 × 24.2 in WARRANTY 2 years SUPPLY VOLTAGE 110v/240v 60 Hz WIRE FEED SPEED 78-550 inches per minute DIMENSIONS (IN) 25.2×12.8×23.8 PRODUCT WEIGHT (IB) 30
The Weldpro 200 Amp Inverter Multi-Process is a powerful machine that can be taken anywhere because it’s significantly lighter than most other models. It comes with a number of different options for configuration. If your main concern is portability, this is a great choice. However, if you’re looking for a lot of weld power or need to weld in AC/DC modes, you should look elsewhere.
Weight 40 pounds Material Stainless Steel Power Source Ac/dc Amperage Capacity 185 Amps Batteries Included? No Batteries Required? No
Everlast Power Tig 201 is the best tig welder for the money if you want a machine that can weld metal from 1/8 to 3/4-inches thick. This best tig welder for the money has an AC/DC capability and also has a number of other features. One of these is the ability to adjust your parameters to suit your needs.
The best tig welder for the money is best suited for light welding jobs because it cannot withstand a lot of pressure. For this reason, it should only be used with Argon gas.
Features
4.6/5 stars on Amazon
AC or DC Tig welding
200 amps of power at 40 volts Output (makes it one of the most powerful tig welders in its price range)
Wide, stable metal pedal for increased control and comfort while welding
Dual voltage selector switch adjusts to the type of electrode being used
Spool gun ready –
Comes equipped with a #8 alumiloy gas lens collet for use with a 1/4 inch or 7/16 aluminum welding spool gun
Rugged, solid steel construction
Digital amperage control
Built-in work clamp (this is not a built-in stinger)
10 ft long, two-wire cord for increased durability and safety
Welding Types TIG (GTAW) STICK(SMAW) Output AMPs 10-200 A Welding Capacity 3/8″ Aluminum Welding 3/8″ AC/DC Welding Output AC (Square Wave) & DC Input Voltage 110/220 V Dual Voltage Foot Pedal Included
Finally, we need to mention the Lotos TIG200ACDC 200A. This is a high-quality machine which is not very expensive and has everything that you can ask for in a tig welder. It has a huge power capability, unbeatable AC/DC welding capabilities and durability. In addition to being a quality machine, it is light in weight and does not require a lot of space so you can minimize the footprint in your workshop or garage.
The Lotos TIG200ACDC 200A is a highly popular tig welder that works efficiently. This machine has the power to deal with any kind of task no matter how complex it is. It can easily handle aluminum welding because of its AC/DC capability and also offers great results on steel materials. The output power of this unit is 200 amps which is more than enough for various applications.
One thing that you will surely love about the Lotos TIG200ACDC 200A is its handle design which makes it convenient for transportation purposes. You wouldn’t have to worry about anything where this machine is concerned because it comes with a warranty of 1 year after purchase so if anything goes wrong, you can always get it fixed without paying anything.
Features
Powerful 200 amp welding capability.
Economical price point.
Lightweight and compact design.
Durable construction that will last for years to come.
Easy to operate and use.
Pros
Offers great value for the price.
Durable construction that will last for years to come.
Capable of handling various welding applications.
Cons
Might be too heavy for some users depending on their strength levels
Some buyers might find the product design unappealing because it does not look good.
I was introduced to tig welding for the first time when I needed to repair an aluminum frame. I got a Mophorn 160 Amp Tig Stick Welder at Harbor Freight Online. It has been a great investment for me, and I have used it on many other jobs. The best part about this tool is that it is easy to transport, so I can take it with me anywhere I want without any hassle.
The best part about this tool is that it is easy to transport, so I can take it with me anywhere I want without any hassle.
It comes with different settings for all types of welding jobs that are carried out on different types of metals. This makes the best choice if you want to weld anything from aluminum to stainless steel.
The best part about this tig welder is that it offers a lot of value for the money. This unit comes with a welding gun and other accessories, so you do not have to purchase them separately. I took it with me on an aluminum frame job and used it extensively for around two days without any issues.
This best tig welder for the money is light in weight and compact, so I did not have any troubles carrying it around. It comes with a long power cord, and it can be used on AC or DC current which means that you will never again need to worry about anything when you are doing your welding jobs.
The best part about this best tig welder for the money is that it has a lifetime warranty, which means that you can fix it if there are any problems with the machine. This best tig welder for the money is surely worth investing in because of its amazing features and ease of use.
Features
Lightweight and compact design.
Comes with a welding gun, tungsten electrode, ground clamp, welding mask, gloves and helmet.
Lifetime warranty that protects your investment.
Amazing value for the price.
Pros
Comes with everything that is required for best results.
Great value for the price.
Easy to use and carry around.
Cons
Might not be suitable for some welding jobs because of its power output level
Q1. What should I look for when buying a TIG welder?
Thermal insulation coating on the head
A low-voltage power supply
The ability to be used with both AC and DC welding current
Q2. Can I TIG weld at home?
Yes, you can TIG weld at home!
TIG welding is one of the most advanced, yet relatively easy to learn forms of welding that exists.
Q3. Is TIG welding safer?
Yes, TIG welding is safer than many other welding processes. However, it’s not without risks. The primary risk with TIG welding is that the welder must wear a mask to protect their lungs from the fumes and wear clothing that doesn’t cause sparks. The primary risk with TIG welding is that you don’t want to get too close while doing this type of work because it’s easy to be burned by hot metal bits.
Q4. Which is better MIG or TIG welding?
MIG welding is better than TIG welding because you do not have to touch the electric power lines with bare hands. The other great thing about MIG is that it doesn’t throw off sparks around the area that are being welded.
Q5. Can you get shocked TIG welding?
Yes, the TIG welding machine has a high-voltage transformer and gas. The high-voltage transformer starts to arc and creates a discharge of electricity. The high-current discharge seizes parts and welds them together. This is what we call a shockwave.
Conclusion:
I hope this article has helped you get a clearer idea of the best tig welder for the money. I would recommend that you go with one that meets your budget and also offers all the features you need to complete projects in your welding shop. If there is anything else I can help you with, please feel free to reach out!
