TIG welding is awesome for making clean, precise welds, but those machines can be seriously expensive. You don’t always need to drop a ton of cash to get started, though. There are some surprisingly capable TIG welders out there that won’t break the bank. I’ve been welding for years, and I’ve learned which budget-friendly options are actually worth your money – and which ones to avoid. Let’s take a look at some of the best cheap TIG welders that can still get the job done.
Product Overview / Quick Summary
- YESWELDER TIG-205DS: A solid all-around TIG welder with dual voltage and decent amperage control for a variety of projects.
- PRIMEWELD TIG225X: Powerful TIG welder with advanced features like pulse welding and AC/DC capabilities, great for aluminum.
- TOOLIOM 200A TIG Welder: Compact and portable TIG welder, easy to set up and use, ideal for beginners and hobbyists.
- Lotos LTP5000D: Plasma cutter and TIG welder combo, versatile for cutting and welding different materials.
- SUNGOLDPOWER 200A TIG Welder: Budget-friendly TIG welder with a simple interface, suitable for basic steel and stainless steel projects.
Top 5 Best Cheap TIG Welder Reviews
1. YESWELDER TIG-205DS
The YESWELDER TIG-205DS is a versatile TIG welder that offers both AC and DC welding capabilities. It’s designed to handle a range of materials, making it suitable for both hobbyists and professionals. It’s a solid machine with good performance for the price.
Pros:
- ✅ Dual voltage input (110V/220V) for flexible power options.
- ✅ AC/DC TIG welding for welding aluminum and steel.
- ✅ Adjustable pulse frequency for improved weld quality.
Cons:
- ❌ Foot pedal not included, must be purchased separately.
- ❌ Some users report the included torch is not the highest quality.
- ❌ The instruction manual could be clearer.
Verdict: The YESWELDER TIG-205DS is a great choice for welders who need a versatile machine that can handle both AC and DC TIG welding without breaking the bank. If you plan to weld aluminum, this is a strong contender.
2. PRIMEWELD TIG225X
The PRIMEWELD TIG225X is a feature-rich TIG welder that offers advanced capabilities like pulse welding and AC/DC functionality. This machine is designed for those who need precise control and the ability to weld a variety of materials. It’s a step up in terms of features compared to some other budget options.
Pros:
- ✅ AC/DC TIG welding with pulse function for superior control.
- ✅ Digital display and easy-to-use interface.
- ✅ Includes a high-quality foot pedal for precise amperage control.
Cons:
- ❌ Higher price point compared to other budget TIG welders.
- ❌ May be overkill for beginners who don’t need advanced features.
- ❌ Some users report a slight learning curve to master all the settings.
Verdict: The PRIMEWELD TIG225X is an excellent option for experienced welders who need advanced features like pulse welding and AC/DC capabilities. The included foot pedal is a big plus, making it easier to control your welds.
3. TOOLIOM 200A TIG Welder
The TOOLIOM 200A TIG Welder is a compact and portable machine that’s easy to set up and use. It’s a great option for beginners and hobbyists who need a simple and reliable TIG welder for small projects. I’ve used similar small machines for mobile repairs, and they’re surprisingly handy.
Pros:
- ✅ Compact and lightweight design for easy portability.
- ✅ Simple interface with easy-to-understand controls.
- ✅ Affordable price point for budget-conscious welders.
Cons:
- ❌ DC TIG welding only, not suitable for welding aluminum.
- ❌ Lower amperage range may limit the thickness of materials you can weld.
- ❌ The included torch and accessories are basic.
Verdict: The TOOLIOM 200A TIG Welder is a solid choice for beginners and hobbyists who need a portable and easy-to-use DC TIG welder for steel and stainless steel projects. It’s hard to beat for the price.
4. Lotos LTP5000D
The Lotos LTP5000D is a 50A Air Plasma Cutter and 200A TIG Welder combo machine. This versatile unit can cut and weld various materials, making it a great addition to any workshop. I remember using a similar plasma cutter/welder combo for a car restoration project, and it saved me a ton of time.
Pros:
- ✅ 2-in-1 plasma cutter and TIG welder for added versatility.
- ✅ Non-touch pilot arc plasma cutting for clean and precise cuts.
- ✅ Dual voltage capability (110V/220V) for flexible power options.
Cons:
- ❌ TIG welding is DC only, not suitable for aluminum.
- ❌ Plasma cutter may require an external air compressor.
- ❌ Some users report the duty cycle is lower than advertised.
Verdict: The Lotos LTP5000D is a great option for those who need both a plasma cutter and a TIG welder in one machine. It’s especially useful for cutting and welding steel and stainless steel.
5. SUNGOLDPOWER 200A TIG Welder
The SUNGOLDPOWER 200A TIG Welder is a budget-friendly option that offers basic TIG welding capabilities. It’s designed for simple steel and stainless steel projects. If you’re just starting out and want to try TIG welding without spending a fortune, this could be a good starting point.
Pros:
- ✅ Very affordable price point.
- ✅ Simple and easy-to-use interface.
- ✅ Portable and lightweight design.
Cons:
- ❌ DC TIG welding only, not suitable for aluminum.
- ❌ Limited features and adjustments.
- ❌ Build quality may not be as robust as more expensive models.
Verdict: The SUNGOLDPOWER 200A TIG Welder is a decent option for beginners who want to experiment with TIG welding on steel and stainless steel. Just be aware of its limitations.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right cheap TIG welder can be tricky, but here are some things to keep in mind:
- AC/DC Capability: If you plan to weld aluminum, you’ll need a TIG welder with AC capabilities. DC TIG welders are suitable for steel and stainless steel.
- Amperage Range: Consider the thickness of the materials you’ll be welding. Higher amperage is needed for thicker materials. A good range is typically 10-200 amps for most hobbyist projects.
- Duty Cycle: The duty cycle indicates how long you can weld continuously before the machine needs to cool down. A higher duty cycle is better for longer welding sessions.
- Features: Look for features like pulse welding, adjustable gas flow, and a foot pedal for precise amperage control. These can improve your weld quality and control.
- Portability: If you need to move the welder around, consider a compact and lightweight model.
- Reviews: Read user reviews to get an idea of the welder’s reliability and performance. Pay attention to common issues or complaints.
- Budget: Determine your budget and look for welders that offer the best features and performance within that range.
- Brand Reputation: Stick with reputable brands that offer good customer support and warranties.
FAQs
Q: What is the difference between AC and DC TIG welding?
A: AC TIG welding is used for aluminum and magnesium, while DC TIG welding is used for steel, stainless steel, and other ferrous metals. AC welding alternates the current, which helps to clean the aluminum oxide layer during welding.
Q: What is a foot pedal used for in TIG welding?
A: A foot pedal allows you to control the amperage while welding, giving you precise control over the heat input. This is especially useful for maintaining consistent weld quality and preventing burn-through.
Q: Do I need any special equipment to start TIG welding?
A: Yes, you’ll need a TIG welder, a shielding gas (usually argon), a TIG torch, tungsten electrodes, filler metal, a welding helmet, gloves, and other safety gear.
Q: What is pulse welding?
A: Pulse welding is a TIG welding technique that involves cycling the welding current between a peak current and a background current. This helps to reduce heat input, improve weld quality, and minimize distortion.
Q: Is TIG welding difficult to learn?
A: TIG welding has a steeper learning curve compared to MIG welding, but with practice and patience, anyone can learn it. It requires good hand-eye coordination and a steady hand.
Conclusion
Finding a cheap TIG welder that actually performs well can be a challenge, but hopefully, this guide has given you some solid options to consider. Remember to think about the materials you’ll be welding, the features you need, and your budget. With the right machine, you can start creating high-quality TIG welds without breaking the bank. Happy welding!
This site contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click on a link and buy a product, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
