Best TIG Welders for 2020
Ready to get started with TIG welding, but don’t know which welder to pick up? Learning about welding often starts with learning the basics of the equipment and what options to look for. The following five welders are very good options for beginners and pros with top rated features and prices that won’t break the bank. Let’s take a look at our choices for the 5 Best TIG Welders for any Budget.
Everlast PowerTIG 200DV 200Amp Dual Voltage PULSE ACDC Welder
The 2019 version of the Everlast PowerTIG 200DV dual voltage pulse welder is a versatile option that is very durable and portable. It offers dual voltage input that can operate at both 120V and 240V. For beginners, the PowerTIG 200DV offers clear color-coded switches that make it easy to operate. It can cut through steel of up to ½ inch thick and aluminum up to 3/8th inch thick. If you’re in need of a high-power welder that is consistent and reliable while still being light enough to easily move around, the PowerTIG 200DV should be on your list of options.
This welder also includes 300 Hz AC welding capability, so it can be used to make very tight welds. The superflex cable it uses is higher quality than standard cable.
Pros:
- Works with a number of generators so you can weld anywhere.
- Provides best results with aluminum and steel, but it can be used on other metals as well.
- Includes a number of features usually only found on top of the line models.
- Budget-friendly.
Cons:
- May need extra equipment such as a smaller torch depending on the project you’re working on.
- Fairly new model, hard to tell if there are any design flaws or long term issues yet.
- May be more than some beginners want to invest.
AHP AlphaTIG 200X 200Amp IGBT AC DC Tig/Stick Welder
The AHP AlphaTIG 200X TIG welder provides good quality for a reasonable price. It allows you to weld steel, stainless steel, and aluminum, plus you can stick weld with it as well as TIG weld. It’s a versatile welder that, while fairly easy to use, may take a beginner a little time to become fully comfortable with. That said, it does offer a very smooth welding arc that lets you make some truly high-quality welds, especially on aluminum. It includes a foot pedal attachment and only weights about 50 pounds, so it’s easy to move. You can run it off a regular 110V outlet, but unlike some other welders, it’s hard to really see the decrease in quality when using the lower power.
Pros:
- Lower priced than other TIG welders with similar options.
- High-quality arc.
- Offers dual voltage.
- Stick or TIG weld with the same machine.
Cons:
- Controls are a bit complicated. Learning curve for begineers.
- The foot pedal is somewhat stiff.
- Fans tend to be louder than those on other welders.
Lincoln Electric Square Wave TIG 200 TIG Welder
With over 100 years of experience in the welding industry, Lincoln Electric knows what a great welder needs to be. The Square Wave TIG 200 welder embodies many of those things. It’s a portable welder that works well with aluminum and other nonferrous metals. It provides a solid performance, offers dual voltage options, and allows you to both TIG welding and stick welding. The welder’s plug mode is quite helpful for beginners because it gives you the chance to improve your skills while also creating clean welds. The torn features a built-in flexhead that lets you come at the area to be welded from any angle without buying any extra tools, which is a nice little addition you won’t find with other welders.
Pros:
- Flexible adjustment options – adjust the voltage, frequency, amperages, etc.
- Includes a foot pedal.
- Easy to learn and use interface.
Cons:
- 10A output may be too high for some projects.
- You can’t adjust the pulse.
Miller TIG Diversion 180
The Miller TIG Diversion 180 is a powerful tool that can serve as your first welder but will also serve you for years to come. Even professionals will find that the Diversion 180 is useful for many of their jobs. It’s a versatile welder that is easy to use. It can be powered by a 115V or a 230V outlet, and it has a maximum output of 180 amps that you can continuously use for up to 3.5 minutes. The arc is very smooth and consistent thanks to the inverter-based power source, while the non-contact start ensures you have your flame when you want it. With a weight of only 50 pounds, it’s a very portable system, too.
Pros:
- Easy to use digital display is great for beginners.
- AC/DC capability plus dual voltage power options.
- Post-flow stops you from wasting gas.
Cons:
- More expensive than many other options.
- The small fan can be loud.
Hobart 500551 EZ-TIG 165i AC/DC TIG Welder
Our final TIG welder on the list is the Hobart 500551 EZ-TIG 165i welder. While you’ll find some cheaper options out there, don’t let the price keep you from buying this welder. It’s a great investment for beginners. As the name suggests, it was designed to be incredibly easy to use, and everything can be controlled with the single dial and single switch. Its rugged design, small overall size, and light weight make it very easy to take with you wherever you go. It can use both AC and DC current, so you can use it for aluminum and steel projects. The auto-post flow, non-contact starter, and automatic fan round out the nice features found on the EZ-TIG.
Pros:
- Power and work cables are 12 feet rather than the more standard 8 or 10 foot.
- Is comparable to some more expensive models out there.
- Durable and Reliable.
Cons:
- Price may be a turnoff for some.
- Only offered with a 3/32” cullet and cullet body.
Conclusion
The TIG welder market has a number of different options available for all budgets. All five machines on our list are suited to welders of any skill level, with a couple of beginner friendly standouts. A good welder is an investment that you will use for years to come, so it’s usually worth spending a little extra on a machine with the features and options you want.
