Last updated on March 19th, 2021
Braced with a powerful welding machine you can ace extremely cosmetic applications demanding strict heat control. TIG welding is gaining enormous importance with the advancement in welding applications and technology given the minimal amount of smoke and splatter generated out of the same. Your TIG welder purchase decision can be triggered by an array of factors such as its durability and price tag to meet your overall budget. The art of TIG welding requires an unparalleled level of patience and skill for producing the best result within minimum time span. The market is filled with an array of TIG welders some meant for hobbyists whereas the other can serve the demands of professionals since the former shall require a machine which can produce fine welds at low amps.
Read here of the Best TIG Welders under $500
Name | Image | Input | Price | Check Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
Square Wave TIG K5126-1 | 115/230V |
$$$ |
Check Price | |
Hobart 500551 | 230V |
$$ |
Check Price | |
2017 Everlast PowerTIG 250EX | 220V |
$$$ |
Check Price | |
2018 Everlast PowerTIG 210EXT | 110/220V |
$$$$ |
Check Price | |
Firepower 1444-0872 | 115/230V |
$ |
Check Price |
You can also check Our list of Top 10 Best TIG Welders Under $1000
Five Main Types of TIG welders
Power I-TIG 200
Ideal for repair and portable fabrication, this TIG welder offers a stable DC arc and can be run on most of the modern-day generator welds. It can handle both stainless and mild steel while the pulse and full panel control makes the device perfect for functioning with extended length torches in every place. This type of TIG welder arrives with all the necessary accessories such as cables, regulator, foot pedal and torch and offers a substitute to TIG with the smooth and stable arc of the stick function and arc force control.
Power TIG 200 DX
Perfect for both professional welders and hobbyists, the TIG 200 DX sets a benchmark with its power and performance. Its digital readout allowing precise amperage controls settings, stable arc, color-coded controls and adjustable weld parameters allowing both 4t and 2t operations, has helped it in evolving into an industry stalwart.
Power TIG 225 LX
This commercial grade TIG welder brings AC/DC pulse and Stick (SMAW) welding ability to the table. It stands ahead of its peers with a 60% duty cycle which has helped it in becoming the staple choice of welding professionals on the go. This lightweight and compact welder designed in sync with the IGBT inverter module does not require any large roll-around box or special wheel kit to function. You can move it through compact spaces such as narrow pipes and airplane fuselages by grabbing the large carry handle. This heavy-duty welder can easily handle aluminium, steel and stainless steel.
Power TIG 250 EX
Riding high on easy arc starting stability, this type of TIG welder is well-braced to take on all forms of industrial as well as commercial applications. It can easily outpace all forms of transformer equipment with its IGBT lightweight module design and ground-breaking features such as spot weld timer, HF/Lift arc function, broad AC balance control, Arc Force control and High pulse frequency.
Power TIG 315 DX
This heavy duty and commercial grade welder comes equipped with features such as foot pedal controlled welding, AC frequency controls and pulse welding function.
Today we shall talk about the best ones belonging to the under 2000-dollar price category to help you in bringing home the one which shall serve you best after going through their combinations of functions.
1- Square Wave® TIG 200 TIG Welder K5126-1
The AC frequency of the Lincoln Square Wave can be adjusted anywhere between 60-150 hertz with the bead narrowing down with increasing frequency. The control panel might look daunting initially with numerous blinking lights, buttons and knobs but you are bound to gain mastery over the same with passage of time. The Lincoln product can work equally at ease on both the standard 120V household outlet and 230V fully equipped shops with each input having its dedicated and easily removable power cord. Weighing below 50 pounds, this welder empowered by sophisticated silicone based technology and operated by an internal microcomputer can fit in both stick welder and TIG which can churn out an output power equivalent to 200 amps.
Pros
PROS:
- AC balance and frequency adjustment.
- AC/DC TIG and stick capable.
- Well-suited for weldingaluminium.
- Solid warranty.
- Included foot pedal control for adjusting amperage output.
- High-frequency start.
- Simple control interface.
Cons
CONS:
- Expensive model.
- Minimum 10-amp output.
2- Hobart 500551 EZ-TIG 165i AC/DC TIG Welder 230V
This versatile welder houses an inverter-based power source which consumes moderate power without compromising on the output quality. Weighing at just 23 kilos, the Hobart welder can be moved around easily without having to ask others for assistance. Termed by many as a complete welding package, the 500551 EZ-TIG 165i offers enhanced and consistent welding arc through its single knob control. It can be easily set up and operated by simply plugging it to the 230 VAC, connecting the shielding gas and selecting the thickness and material type.
Pros
PROS:
- Twin functionality giving it a greater edge over its competitors.
- Lightweight design enhances portability of the device.
- Flex head available with knob control.
- Constructed using premium quality materials enhancing its longevity.
- Offering amazing welding capability on a variety of materials without going overboard with the price.
Cons
CONS:
- Cullet shaped body.
3- 2017 Everlast PowerTIG 250EX
Its IGBT inverter design aids in enhancing the portability of the model by reducing its size while the spot weld timer brings satisfaction to those wishing to make routine and perfectly timed spot welds on sheets of metal. The low amp start capability of this model in both AC and DC modes ranging down to 5 amps is perfect for those who wish to weld thin gauge material. This capable and economical welder has curved out its niche in the welding industry and requires the backing of a 12000-watt generator to unleash its full potential.
Pros
PROS:
- Stable arc.
- Superior pulse control.
Cons
CONS:
- Faulty foot pedal leading to sporadic low amperage.
4- 2018 Everlast PowerTIG 210EXT 210amp
This TIG/Stick welder also features adjustable AC balance control, adjustable AC frequency and programmable memory which allows users to save the parameters of up to 9 different programs. Attributes such as arc force control and adjustable hot start help this Everest offering in showcasing maximum welding flexibility. The welder toggles between AC and DC polarity in the advanced pulse mode thus allowing fine fast freeze control over thin gauge aluminium as well as greater penetration of thick plate aluminium. The HF arc start design of this heavy-duty welder reduces the maintenance issues faced by traditional HF components. Braced with its intuitive design and easy to setup feature, this welding device has already earned a top slot amongst welding aficionados and connoisseurs.
Pros
PROS:
- Portable and lightweight design.
- Increases travel speed while reducing warping with the special advanced pulse for AC welding.
- Works in sync with the optional finger amp control torch.
Cons
CONS:
- Short ground cable.
- Tricky panel display.
5- Firepower 1444-0872 MST 220i 3-in-1
Pros
PROS:
- Superb duty cycle.
- Easy to service machine.
- Three in one functionalities.
Cons
CONS:
- MIG and Stick do not have any AC capability.
Final Thought
While purchasing TIG welders, you should broaden your parameters to cover areas greater than just affordability. Durability, type of welding results, controls, amperage range and arc efficiency also needs to be considered while taking the final pick. Depending upon all these factors, the product price may vary across a few hundred to thousands of dollars. At the end of the day you should buy one which fits both your requirements and pocket seamlessly.
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Alain is Cartbig’s managing editor, in charge of the research, production and editing of all content.
He has a BA in Journalism from Cornell University and is passionate about photography and technology.
He loves travelling but he lacks orientation so he never leaves home without his GPS. Really.