There are a lot of different types of welding processes. TIG is one of them. For those of you who don’t have any clue what TIG welding is, you should know that it is a welding process using a non-consumable tungsten electrode. By the way, this is one of the most popular types of welding processes in the world.
That’s because it gives neat, fluid, spatter-free welds which are visually stunning. And if you are a fan of such welding art, then you should like to have your own TIG welding machine. And in this Ultimate TIG welder Reviews, I’m going to give you all the knowledge you need, plus much more to get you started.
Ultimate TIG Welder Reviews 2024 The Ultimate Buying Guide for Buyers
My first pick in this Ultimate TIG welder Reviews is the Aminco 200 Amp Tig Torch. And from its name, you can get to know a lot of things about it. Like it’s a Tig, torch welder. But the most impressive thing about it is its power output.
This is a 200 amp model, so you can imagine it can crank up enough to get done heavy duty work. Take some aluminum and weld if it’s nothing. Just not aluminum, this machine is capable of welding any 1/2″ stainless steel or any other metal with ease. However, working with fine metals might be slightly trickier with this model. That’s because it has a 20 low amp range.
But the arc stability the Amico provides is something that you can’t describe in words. There is no sudden spike of amps causing damage to your welding. This stability is ensured thanks to its most advanced inverter technology.
Amico TIG 160 Amp Torch:
Another Amico production makes a list. This time it’s the TIG 160 Amp Torch. Like the previous Amico machine, this one also uses the same inverter technology. Therefore, the power it produces is clean and is more concentrated and stable. This one is also as versatile as the previous model as it can be used on different materials. The 160 amp provides the range for welding almost anything.
That’s not the most impressive part of the Amico 160 amp torch. For me it’s the dual voltage input of the machine that makes life much more comfortable. You don’t have to worry about power supply as it can run on both AC and DC.
This is quality equipment as every model goes through an intensive quality assurance test before getting into the market. So, you can rest on your laurels and buy without any hesitation. And if that weren’t enough to convince you then the 1-year warranty would do the job.
Amico TIG-205 / 200 Amp HF:
Surprise, surprise! Another TIG welder from the manufacturers gets into the Best TIG welder list. This time it’s one of their most impressive and top of the line model, the TIG- 205/200 amp. This got the usual stuff as every other Amico model. It uses the same inverter technology to refine the power output. Got the same reliability like any of their other models.
However, this model is quite different from the rest. To start with, this got the High-Frequency arc start. So, the welding process is without any contamination of any sort. The amperage range is also quite exciting as it starts as low as 15 amps and goes as high as 200 amps. So, it provides enough versatility to work with thin metals and solid metals alike.
This state of the art welding machine got more tricks up its sleeve. Like its voltage compensation system, automatic temperature control and much more.
Amico TIG-225 / 220 Amp HF:
This one is quite similar to the TIG-205 / 200. The two models can’t be separated in that many sectors as they are quite identical. From looks to its features, everything is similar. For instance, it uses the same High-frequency arc start.
This model also has the voltage fluctuation system. So, if the voltage is over or under, the machine can stabilize the voltage to work without any interruption.
The only real difference between the TIG- 225/200 and TIG- 205/200 is their power output. This particular model has a wide range of 15-220 amps. So, suitable for both heavy duty and normal work. Even its duty cycle is quite better than the earlier model. This 220 amp model offers an impressive 60% duty cycle. That means you can work for 6 minutes without any interruption before letting it cool down for 3-4 minutes before getting started again.
The Amico models were good, but they lacked some things. Like providing the flexibility to work with thin metals. But that won’t be any problem with the 2017 Everlast Power TIG 250EX welder. If you’re looking for something to work with that will last forever then place your bet on this Everlast model.
It is versatile no doubt about that, but it’s also a real performer on paper too. This machine is putting out 250 amps of TIG welding power on single phase at 240V with duty cycle rate of 60%. The numbers are staggering.
For welding thin gauge materials, the unit emphasizes low amp start capability. You can go down to 5 amps and crank your way up to 250 amps according to your need using the Power TIG 250EX. But for me, the real game changer is its memory features.
The unit can recall the recent settings used on it even if you change between AC and DC system back and forth. Plus, working on with precision is easier as it got a nice display giving numbers of all kinds while using it.
LOTOS TIG200 200A AC/DC:
The Everlast welder might be a little daunting to use due to its sophisticated control panel. In that case, the Lotos TIG200 is something you might enjoy as it has a relatively simple system. Its user-friendly architecture is no doubt the best aspect of the welder. But it has more things besides it.
For starters, its Square-wave inverter technology. Thanks to it, you can now weld aluminum and other metals with the highest precision. Plus, unlike other welders, you don’t waste power as it got an 80% power efficiency rate.
The LOTOS welder also has the high-frequency arc start at its disposal. So, welding is much more efficient and safe compared to other machines. And if that wasn’t enough, this also has a heat control feature in it. So, no more warping of metals due to excessive heat as you got everything in control with this welder.
Hobart 500551 EZ:
Most modern welding units come with a complicated interface. Now, that’s not a big issue as most users enjoy the versatility of a complex interface. But the simplicity of a machine is much more enjoyable, and that’s what Hobart 500551 EZ has to offer to its users.
There isn’t much going on with its interface. Power it up and choose the material you want to work with and set its thickness. And you’re set. Even there isn’t any display in the welder as there isn’t anything to show.
The cooling system of the Hobart is quite impeccable. Put it to work for the most incredible project, and it will come out of it without getting overworked. The fan on demand feature makes sure it never gets overheated causing any malfunction.
Then there is the infinite amperage control. This feature allows it to be ultra-precise. Meantime the inverter-based power source provides a consistent, stable welding arc without consuming a lot of power.
HITBOX ARC Welder ARC160A Stick
The Hitbox brand isn’t as established as Everlast or as popular as Hobart. But the Arc welder ARC160A is no less in comparison to the other machines that made this Best TIG welder list. And in some way better than most of them.
The very first thing that strikes most about the Hitbox arc is its small and portable design. Compared to the other machines, this is quite small in size. Therefore, traveling with it is easier. Then there is its fully digital control panel. So, it is more suitable to use than most machines of this kind.
In the performance department, it is not way behind too. It got 160 amps of output with 40% duty cycle. So, you can work with most materials with ease and for some time. But what makes it unique is its features like the Hot start & Anti-sticking.
This feature enables the increase of output automatically at the beginning to create an electric arc. Also, prevents power overloading if the electrode sticks to workpieces to stop it from getting damaged. Plus, there is the auto-sleep function which is also appreciable.
EVERLAST Power ARC 140:
If you don’t need to have a powerful welding machine such as the LOTOS TIG200 or the Amico TIG-225, then Everlast is an excellent option for you. It’s their Power ARC 140, and it is just the right equipment for our usual welding work.
This model uses the Lift arc start. So, it is better than scratching but compared to the models providing HF start; it’s slightly less stable to work with. The power output of this machine isn’t as high as the other machines on the list. But that’s because this isn’t for heavy-duty welding. It’s more for the usual stuff like welding thin stainless steels and coppers rather than welding aluminum.
The Power ARC is a great welder. There isn’t much going on it as it has a simple control panel with a handful of features. But for a machine in that price range, it offers more than you can imagine.
Forney 324 190-Amp:
If you want the right balance between capability, quality and performance then the Forney 324 190-Amp TIG welder is the thing you need. Like all the other machines this is a multi-process welder. So it can handle Stick, TIG as well as MIG welds.
The Forney 324 got 190 amps of power output. Compared to some of the machines in this list, it lacks in this department. But still enough to do some heavy welding work. The power output might not impress many but the duty cycle of it will. It has a 60% duty cycle which means it can be put to work for 6 minutes without any break.
Also, the warranty provided by Forney on the machine is quite impeccable. It gives you 5,3 and one years of warranty on different parts. So, this thing will last a lifetime for sure.
Buying guide:
TIG welding machines aren’t simple equipment that you can go and buy. However, it is wrong for me to say you can’t buy one as it’s your money and you can do whatever you wish to do with it. No one is stopping you from doing anything but before making that purchase, I believe one should know certain things about the machine.
That’s because it’s quite the investment one has to make while buying such equipment. So, before the acquisition, one needs to cover some ground and find out what they should look for in the top tig welders. But it’s a time-consuming task, and not everyone feels comfortable doing such work. Don’t worry; you don’t have to do anything as I’ve done all that for you. Just give this buying guide a look, and you’ll be fine.
Power:
What’s the first thing to consider while looking for a TIG welding machine? The answer to the question is simple; it’s the power. Depending on the use of the machine buyers need to find the perfect equipment. So, it’s quite important to figure out what type of welding work you’re going to do with it.
For instance, if you have simple tasks then buying an expensive machine is just a waste of your money. Meantime, get something weak, and you’re just stuck with a massive metal block. So, knowing the power requirement should be the top priority. Now for the power of the machine, buyers need to know about two things. They are the input and output of the device. Let’s get to know more about these two things in detail.
Input:
It means the power the machine is going to need to operate. So, why is it necessary to know about it? That’s because not every TIG welding machine might work with your home power supply. That’s why knowing beforehand gives you an advantage as you don’t end up buying an expensive tool that you can’t use using your power supply.
Usually, the mid-level TIG runs at 115v, so American households can provide the juice to run the machines. But the best ones give you more range from 110 to 230v. So, you can crank the power to get some heavy duty work done as well as the light metal work.
Output:
Output means the variety of power the machine can provide while working with it. By the way, it’s measured in amps, and it varies depending on the TIG model. The best welding machines will provide an excellent range of amps.
It will be able to go as low as five amps and go as high as 200 amps with ease. So, not only you can work on those wafer thin metals but also be able to get cracking on the heavy metals like Aluminum with no problem at all.
Amperage:
Amperage stability is the next thing in line right after power. And it’s as important as the power requirement. So, what does the amperage stability mean? It means the output stability. And this stability is a critical factor in welding. Especially the low amperage stability.
Because without the stability there will be a sudden spike of amperage at the beginning and that can ruin the project. How? Imagine you’re working on a thin metal in low amps and there is a sudden spike. This sudden spike of amps will leave a hole in the metal. Even at any specific stage of welding, such peaks of amps can cause devastating effects on the project. So, a stable welder that works the same way from start to finish should be on your bucket list.
Duty Cycle:
After finding the right power and a stable amp output in your machine, keep your eye on something called the duty cycle. For many of you, this is an unknown term, so it means nothing. So, let me explain to you what it is and why it’s an essential factor to consider? While welding, the machine gets overheated after a period.
So, you need to stop doing whatever you were doing to give it some rest before starting again. Now, duty cycle means the amount of time a machine can weld at a time within 10 minutes. So, a 200A device with a 40% duty cycle says it can run for 4 minutes at 200A before needing some time to cool down. The more expensive the machine, the better the duty cycle gets. So, depending on your budget, you have to find the right equipment which provides enough duty cycle that you can use.
AC/DC capability:
Always go for a TIG welder that can operate using both AC and DC current. Now, the question is why both current types of operations are needed? There are two reasons. First of all, you never know which current option is available to you at any moment. So, having the opportunity to use a machine on both types of current gives you versatility. Then there is the other reason.
For your information, different material needs different current forms to be effectively wielded. For instance, self-oxidizing metals such as aluminum or magnesium need AC. Meanwhile for other materials like steel or copper DC is the way to go.
Heat control:
Having the ability to control the heat of your TIG kit gives you better results from welding. Because thinner materials can get warped due to excessive heat. But if your machine lets you control the heat, you can manage to work on fine materials with precise heat and stop them from getting damaged. Big brands have pulse welding options on their machines just to provide the control the users need to avoid any warping of metals.
Arc start:
This is a feature that needs to be considered with care. Every welder has his preferred choice to strike the arc. So, depending on your personal preference, you need to pick the arc start of your machine.
High frequency: One of the most common and useful arcs starts is high frequency. While working with aluminum, there is no option other than using it. As this one ionizes the air to link the gap between tungsten and metal making it a completely touchless process.
Scratch: The name suggests how this arc start method works. Here, the tungsten electrode gets scratched against the metal to strike an arc. This is a relatively easy process to learn but comes with some problems of its own. Where the high frequency avoids contamination, this process is known to contaminate the welds.
Lift: This method is also like the scratch in some way as here it also requires touching the metal. But not like scratch as here the tungsten touches the metal for a moment.
Warranty:
The machines are expensive. So, it is crucial for the buyer to get some warranty on the machines for some security of your investment. Most top brands provide a solid warranty policy to give your investment some insurance coverage. But if you have gone with a lesser known brand, make sure you get the warranty.
Conclusion:
Hopefully, by now you’ve found the ultimate TIG welder from this Ultimate TIG welder reviews. However, if the above products don’t meet your requirement, then you can always look on your own. And for that, there is the buying guide. But if you don’t feel like doing the work, just pick any of them, and you’ll be fine.
