Many people think that TIG welding is one of these complex forms of welding that is just too expensive to learn. Only one of those assumptions even holds a bit of truth though. It is true that TIG welding can be expensive – if you’re looking at the incredibly expensive TIG welding machines that companies try to sell. There is no need for a new, inexperienced welder to purchase a 1000$+ TIG welding machine – they likely won’t know what all of the bells and whistles on the machine are used for. The good thing is that there are plenty inexpensive TIG welding machines on the market that will do more than fulfill the need of a newbie. These machines are great at welding various different types of steels and alloys; all you have to do is search and you’ll likely be able to find a machine that fulfills your needs.
Here’s another great review for TIG welders.
Items to be reviewed
What are the best cheap TIG welding machines?
Everlast POWERARC 200ST 200AMP TIG Stick IGBT Welder
For the price, this TIG welder is really all that you can ask for. The Everlast PowerARC is surprisingly lightweight when all of its capabilities are considered. Its lightweight design allows it to be incredibly portable and provide its owner with a fair amount of power. This is a great option for those individuals who are interested in both TIG and Stick welding. The fact that it has the capability to double as a stick welder is one of the reasons why it provides it users with such an immense level of value.
Aside from its ability to double as a stick welder it also features IGBT infineon modules, inverter technology as well as has a dual voltage capability. If you’re one of the people who worries about your machine breaking down before it’s supposed to worry no longer – Everlast gives every person who purchases this welder a 5-year warranty.
Pros
- Doesn’t have a foot pedal but is lift start capable
- Runs for 6-hour intervals
- Functions as both a stick and TIG welder
- Runs off of both 110 and 220 V
Cons
- Doesn’t work as an AC welder
AMICO 200 AMP TIG Torch/ARC/Stick DC Inverter Welder Dual Voltage IGBT Welding
This and the previous model may seem very similar but, they have very distinct differences. This model features an onboard inverter as well as other, extra features that you typically don’t find with a welding machine such as: a work clamp, electrode holder, 13-foot cable. This dual voltage welder also works with both 110 and 230 V.
Typically, when you find a cheap welding machine you assume that the weld it produces will be subpar. The great thing about this machine is that it manages to produce clean, spatter free welds – welds that you sometimes don’t even find on the higher priced machines. This 200 Amp machine welds all types of materials, from steel, mild steel, copper, and stainless steel.
Pros
- Gas line included
- Lightweight
- Portable design
- Fully extendable
Cons
- Isn’t flux core
TIG Welder, DC, Maxstar 150 STL
The Maxstar 150 is designed to deliver awesome functionality in both the areas of performance and versatility. It can be used on a number of different metal types and can also be switched between both stick and TIG welding modes. Aside from those abilities, it’s also known for being incredibly portable (it weighs roughly 13.7 lbs and comes with a shoulder strap which makes it relatively simple to move around).
Aside from that it also has thermal overload protection, which means that it’s fans essentially reduce both it’s heat and power consumption. The Lift-Arch technology Miller included in this welder’s design also allows welders to work on both low and high frequencies without causing motor damage.
Let’s also not forget that this welder also has an open circuit voltage option which allows the welder to be run continuously and during specific times when necessary.
Pros
- It’s incredibly portable
- It comes with a remote control which can adjust the welder from more than 5 feet away.
- It’s easy for both beginner and advanced welders to use.
- It gives you a choice of choosing the right voltage
Cons
- When used at high outputs there may be power fluctuations
- It doesn’t work well when used on thicker pieces of metal
- It doesn’t come with all the power tools you may need
AHP AlphaTIG 200X
The AHP AlphaTIG 200X can be used for welding a number of metal types but works incredibly well on metals like Aluminum and Stainless Steel. This welding machine can be used to produce precise, thin welds on various metal types and can weld Aluminum up to 1/4″ thick and Steel up to 3/8″ thick.
Pros
- It has advanced inverter technology
- There are both 2T and 4T modes
- You can use it right out of the box
- It has adjustable output frequency
- It offer excellent arc quality
Cons
- It has has fans that tend to make quite a bit of noise
Hobart 500551 EZ-TIG
The Hobart 500551 EZ-TIG comes with an easy-to-use interface (hence the name EZ-TIG). All you need to do is power the welder up and select the material you want to use the welder on. It also has a Fan-On-Demand function which allows one to run the fan once it’s needed, which allows you reduce debris and the dust it draws in.
Aside from that, it also has the ability to weld 22 gauge up to 3/16″ thick as well as the ability to switch between DC and AC. It also has the ability to eliminate tungsten and other material contamination through it’s HF start to permit non-contact arc start.
Pros
- It has an easy-to-use interface
- It has a high temperature shutdown function
- To allow for more consistent welds it has infinite amperage control
- It has auto-postflow which allows for optimum shielding based on the welding amperage without requiring adjustment or waste.
- One can switch between AC and DC power sources
Cons
- It comes with a cullet body of 3/32 inches
Lincoln Electric Precision TIG 225 K2535-2
The Lincoln Electric Precision TIG is a more expensive TIG welder. It is incredibly efficient and is actually designed to deliver enhanced performance. Aside from that the Lincoln Electric Precision TIG welder can switch between both TIG welding and stick welding modes. It also features MicroStar Technology which allows the welder to deliver a low amp start as well as stability during the welding session.
The Lincoln Electric Precision TIG 225 K2535-2 also features an AC auto balance function which allows it to provide higher levels of penetration and cleaning.
Pros
- It can complete a duty cycle at low voltage
- It can be adjusted for any situation with penetration, cleaning, and pulse modes
- Easy to customize design
- It has an easy to use interface
- F.A.N. reduces power consumption noise, motor wear, prevents overheating.
Cons
- It’s a relatively expensive machine
Everlast PowerTIG 250EX
The Everlast PowerTIG comes with a five-amp start for DC and AC low amp operation. This welding machine is incredibly lightweight and portable while also having the ability to be used in a number of welding settings. It has settings that can be adjusted for 2t / 4t operation. Aside from that the Everlast PowerTIG 250EX also features high pulse frequency capability which helps reduce overall heat input and prevent burning or warpage from occurring.
The Everlast PowerTIG also features a 240V receptacle that’s built in and specifically designed for utilization with the Everlast PowerCool 300 water cooler.
Pros
- It has a consumable starter kit
- It comes with a NOVA foot pedal
- It has Pre Flow and Post Flow control which allows maximum shielding gas protection for before and after the weld
- It features an improved HF start circuit which reduces maintenance issues
Cons
- This welder isn’t designed to weld thicker metals
How do you choose your first TIG Welder?
Video credits to Miller Welds. It discusses how to buy your first TIG welder.
Who says you have to spend thousands of dollars to get a high-quality machine. The machines on this list will likely fulfill all of your welding needs – unless you require a foot pedal or some other higher end welding capability.
