The 7 Highest Rated TIG Welders for the Money in 2022

Whether you are a hobbyist or professional welder, it is important that you buy a unit with specifications and performance that is suited to your needs. To make sure that you buy a machine that is right for you, consider the following:

The Forney 322 is a versatile and affordable welder that is widely considered to be the best welding machine for starters. This welder is suitable for the entire range of processes, including TIG, flux cored, MIG, and Stick. Apart from the fact that the Forney 322 can be used for a broad range of applications, it is also incredibly easy to set up and use.

This 140-Amp amp welder offers incredible value for money. It has an input voltage of 120v, rendering it ideal for general maintenance, light repairs, automotive use, and DIY projects around the house. The Forney 322 is compatible with a spool gun, TIG torch, and foot pedal to control amperage.

Almost all casual welders that have been using the Forney 322 for a while consider this to be a high-end welder for household and light industrial use. One drawback is that this is not a welder that specializes in TIG applications, but this simply means that you are not limited in terms of metal type and thickness.

This product from Lotos comes with many attractive features, the most significant being its price. Even though this is a TIG welder, it also features a stick welding process, which means that you can use it for a wide range of applications.

With this unit, you get the amperage output range from 15A – 200A which is low enough to give you a stable arc, deep weld pool, and neat finish. If you work with steel, stainless steel, or thinner materials, the Lotos CT520D will get the job done.

You can also use this unit for plasma cutting. It makes use of compressed air to cut through materials such as alloy steel, stainless steel, mild steel, copper, and aluminum. The additional cutting function makes this a worthy addition to the home workshop.

Many professionals and hobbyists that use the Lotos CT520D regularly agree that it offers great value for money. Even though this combination unit only features a DC power output, that makes it great for cutting and welding thicker materials.

The power source of TIG machines can be DC (direct current), AC (alternating current), or AC/DC.

DC power delivers a concentrated arc with the bulk of the heat contained in the workpiece. When you use a DC output, you have to make sure that the work surface is clean before you start welding; you should also ensure that there is an efficient gas shield. DC is primarily used for working with harder materials like steel.

Certain metals like aluminum and magnesium contain a tenacious oxide film on their surface. To weld these self-oxidizing metals, you need a welder with AC capabilities. Because the current alternates between positive and negative, the periods of electrode positive remove the oxide and keeps the surface clean and expose the base metal.

It follows, then, that if you have a machine that employs either AC or DC output, you are limited in terms of the material that you can weld. To eliminate this problem, it is advisable that you get a welder that delivers both AC and DC. This will ensure maximum application versatility.

To control the speed at which the AC current alternates from positive to negative, make sure that your TIG welder is fitted with balance control. Controlling the balance of AC operation will allow you to change the length of your welding and cleaning cycles according to the level of oxidation on the metal.

A highly versatile unit that you can use for TIG and Stick welding as well as plasma cutting.

If you are looking for pure value for money, look no further than this cutter and welder combination from Lotos. The quality of this unit is on par with other products that feature the same power output and amperage range. The feature that makes this one unique, however, is the wide range of welding applications that it has to offer.

The plasma cutter is ideal for casual and light industrial use, as it delivers a dual voltage capability of 220v/110v. Unfortunately, it only delivers a DC output, but this allows for cutting and welding of steel up to ¾” thick. Lotos Plasma cutter owners are generally vocal about this unit’s amazing capabilities and wide application range.

The first thing you’ll notice when considering this unit is the fact that it offers both AC and DC output. Not only that, but it also has an amperage output range from 10A to 200A. Although it doesn’t provide the highest performance at low amperage, you can still weld aluminum that is ¼” thick.

Since you also get DC output, this TIG machine allows you to weld steel and a whole range of other metals as well. It also features pulse width modulation to give you complete control over the power that goes to the workpiece.

One drawback that you may find is that this is not equipped for MIG, but as a TIG and Stick welder, you can’t ask for better. Based on reviews from proud AHP AlphaTIG owners, the best feature is the control you have over power and heat delivery.

Want to learn more? Check out our full review here.

The TIG welder from Forney is everything you need in a versatile and reliable welder. As a multi-process welder, you can use it for Stick, Flux Cored, MIG, and TIG welding. Switching between these processes and overall use is effortless, making it ideal for inexperienced welders.

One of the biggest benefits of this machine is the quality and versatility you get for the price. The relatively high performance at low amperage allows for a stable arc and neat welding appearance. Although the TIG torch and foot pedals are not included, you still have ample control over welding and heat output.

Both new and seasoned welders enjoy this unit’s customizable configuration settings. They also appreciate its multi-functional qualities.

This product really steps things up a notch in terms of quality welding. First off, it offers a wide amperage range with excellent performance at 5A. This means that you the best possible arc stability, effortless start, and top-notch crater filling.

You get both AC and DC power output, which means that you can weld aluminum and magnesium, as well as thicker steel plates. A maximum power delivery of 250A on its 240v motor means that you can use this welder for almost all welding jobs, including industrial applications. You can also shield yourself from gas exposure by controlling post- and pre-flow.

Although the panel display may be confusing to some people, you do get the best in terms of functionality, quality, and efficiency with this model.

If you are looking for something that is light and easy to move around, this is your best bet. At only 13.5 lbs, the Maxstar 150 from Miller Electric is your answer to precision welding. This is because it has an amperage range of 5A to 150A, allowing you to weld metal as thin as 0.020″.

This sophisticated TIG welder has a duty cycle of 30% at 150A. At 100A, however, the duty cycle goes to 100%, which means that you get a prolonged performance. With this unit, you will be able to weld steel with a thickness of up to 3/16″.

The biggest disappointment for mostly satisfied owners is the fact you don’t get an AC output with this product. This has the effect that welding oxidized steel is out of the question. You do, however, get a beautifully stable arc and quick start.

If you need a model that will get the occasional job done easily and efficiently, the 500551 EZ-TIG is for you. This basic, no-nonsense TIG Machine provides AC and DC power output, making it possible for you to weld oxidized steel. It’s also well-known for the fact that it’s incredibly user-friendly.

The Hobart has an amperage range of 10A to 165A, which means that you get relative stable arc and crater filling ability. Included is a foot pedal to provide you with optimal control of your amperage output.

Although Hobart owners are generally not crazy about the limited metal thickness range, they love the simplicity of going between 220v and 110v or from AC to DC with the flick of a switch.

Simplicity is, as they say, the ultimate sophistication. This is also true when it comes to the Digital TIG from Razorweld with its 200A AC and DC power output. With this welder, you will be able to weld steel with a layer of oxide on the surface as well as stainless steel.

This model has a dual voltage of 110v and 220v, as well as an adjustable amperage range of 15A to 50A. Although you won’t be able to weld metals at extreme ends of the thickness spectrum, you do get a powerful and high-quality performance. Additionally, you get all the benefits of portability and user-friendliness that this unit has to offer.

Razorweld customers are particularly pleased with the quality of the add-on components like the foot pedals, torch, and hose.

The type of material and electrodes that you will be using determine which current you should use. A common mistake people make when operating a TIG welder is to use the wrong current. For metals that have a layer of oxide on the surface, like magnesium, it is important that you switch to AC.

If your equipment is not geared for AC, you will not be able to weld the oxidized steel. Any other steel can be welded with a DC power output. If you are unsure of which current to use, cut off a piece of metal and test your different settings to ensure that your weld is at the correct strength level.

Your amperage range is also significant when it comes to the thickness of the metal that you are welding. When the range starts above 10A, chances are that you may warp the thin metal. Similarly, an Amp range that is limited to, say, 50A can make welding steel that is ¾” thick more difficult.

Optimal portability can be a big productivity boost and time saver, especially if you engage in overhead welding or when you have to work on a roof. Your portability needs depend on your setup and how you use your equipment, but there are some common mistakes that people make in terms of portability.

The most common mistake is tugging at the welder to move it closer. This can be dangerous and carry the risk of damaging your unit. Rigging up a service trolley can make it easier to handle and move your machine around.

Another mistake is having welding cables that are too short. If you work in a fixed setup or on a bench, this is not a problem, but if you switch to different job sites, make sure that your cables are as long as possible. Try to make use of trailers and storage solutions to keep your equipment and cables organized.

A common mistake that welders make is to not preheat the welding surface. Preheating prevents cracking as it prolongs the cooling rate after welding. The type of metal and its thickness determines the preheat.

It is also important to administer temperature control, especially when you are working with thin or delicate materials. You typically control the weld temperature by means of pulse welding. This is an alternating lower and higher peak current that allows for a stable arc.

Effective cooling control will ensure that your welding job has a neat appearance and a sound structure. When the welding temperature is controlled, you will be less likely to see cracking or disintegration when you are done.