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10 Best Cheap Tig Welders 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

ARCCAPTAIN 250A MIG Welder, 110V 220V Gas MIG/Gasless MIG/Stick/Lift TIG/Spool Gun/Spot 6 in 1 Welding Machine Aluminum Welding Machine Professional Welder Machine with Large LED Display

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,276
Portability

Most important from
816 reviews

Portability
Compact and lightweight design makes it easy to move around and handle in different workshop environments.

The ARCCAPTAIN 250A welder is a versatile 6-in-1 machine combining MIG (both gas and gasless), Lift TIG, Stick, Spot, and Spool Gun welding, making it attractive for users who want multiple welding processes in one unit. It offers a solid amperage range up to 250A, suitable for welding a variety of metals including mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. The digital controls and synergic MIG mode help beginners get started quickly, while manual adjustments allow more experienced users to fine-tune settings. The machine runs on both 110V and 220V power, providing flexibility for different workshop setups.

For TIG welding, an extra purchase of the Lift TIG torch is required. The welder lacks AC capability, which is important for welding aluminum with TIG, limiting its TIG performance compared to dedicated TIG welders that support AC/DC. The machine weighs 20.5 pounds and has a compact size, making it fairly easy to move around. It does not include built-in foot pedal control or high-frequency start, features valuable for precise TIG welding control and arc starting without touching the tungsten.

Safety features and a large LED display enhance user-friendliness. This welder is a solid choice if you want an affordable, multi-process machine with decent power and beginner-friendly controls, but it may not meet the needs of users focused primarily on professional TIG welding, especially aluminum work requiring AC and high-frequency start.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,276
Portability

Most important from
816 reviews

Portability
Compact and lightweight design makes it easy to move around and handle in different workshop environments.
#2

ARCCAPTAIN TIG Welder AC/DC 200Amp with Pulse, Aluminum TIG Welder 110V/220V TIG Welder with Square/Triangular Wave/Stick/MMA/Spot 7 in 1 MultiProcess Welding Machine

Rating
9.4
Amperage Range
Duty Cycle
Portability

Most important from
415 reviews

Amperage Range
Offers a rich set of controls like pre/post flow time, pulse functionality, and adjustable AC waveforms without overwhelming new welders.
Duty Cycle
Despite being a budget model, it withstands heavy use beyond its listed duty cycle with no reported problems.
Portability
Compact and lightweight design combined with high-frequency start and slope control makes it highly portable and versatile for various job sites.
Foot Pedal Control
The optional foot pedal adds smooth amperage control, though its bulky size and unique connector may require some adaptation.
High-Frequency Start
Compact and lightweight design combined with high-frequency start and slope control makes it highly portable and versatile for various job sites.

The ARCCAPTAIN TIG Welder AC/DC 200Amp is a versatile and affordable multi-process welding machine that supports both AC and DC welding, making it suitable for a range of materials including aluminum, magnesium, stainless steel, and carbon steel. It includes advanced waveform options like pulse, square, and triangular waves to reduce heat distortion and improve weld quality, especially on thin metals. With a wide amperage range, it can handle metal thickness from very thin (0.5mm) to moderately thick (up to 10mm), covering most light to medium welding tasks.

The large LED display simplifies setting adjustments, and digital controls allow precise tuning of welding parameters. Weighing about 26.5 pounds, the unit offers decent portability for a TIG welder of this power. It supports foot pedal control, although the pedal is sold separately, which may be inconvenient for users wanting full control immediately. The high-frequency start feature aids easier arc starting. The machine comes with a 5-year service promise and useful accessories like a torch and ground clamp.

Made in China, the welder has received positive user feedback with some noting that its user interface can be complex initially. It is an excellent choice for hobbyists and beginners seeking a flexible machine that covers many welding methods without a high price. However, professionals requiring heavy-duty, continuous use might prefer a welder with a higher duty cycle and a more rugged build.

Rating
9.4
Amperage Range
Duty Cycle
Portability

Most important from
415 reviews

Amperage Range
Offers a rich set of controls like pre/post flow time, pulse functionality, and adjustable AC waveforms without overwhelming new welders.
Duty Cycle
Despite being a budget model, it withstands heavy use beyond its listed duty cycle with no reported problems.
Portability
Compact and lightweight design combined with high-frequency start and slope control makes it highly portable and versatile for various job sites.
Foot Pedal Control
The optional foot pedal adds smooth amperage control, though its bulky size and unique connector may require some adaptation.
High-Frequency Start
Compact and lightweight design combined with high-frequency start and slope control makes it highly portable and versatile for various job sites.
#3

YESWELDER 200A AC/DC Aluminum Tig Welder with Pulse Large LED Display, Digital Inverter STICK/TIG 110/220V Dual Voltage TIG Welding Machine TIG-200P ACDC

Rating
8.5
Duty Cycle
High-Frequency Start

Most important from
1402 reviews

Duty Cycle
The machine maintains a cool temperature even after an hour of continuous welding, indicating an impressive duty cycle.
High-Frequency Start
Easy and controllable HF start, even for those accustomed to more advanced welders.

The YESWELDER 200A AC/DC Aluminum Tig Welder is a versatile option in the cheap TIG welder category, suitable for hobbyists and small workshop users who require a range of welding capabilities without breaking the bank. Its amperage range and AC/DC capabilities cater well to various materials, including aluminum, making it an excellent choice for those looking to tackle different welding projects. The inclusion of a large LED display enhances usability, allowing for easy monitoring of settings and modes during operation.

One of its standout features is the 6-in-1 functionality, supporting various welding methods like STICK, AC TIG, DC TIG, and spot welding. This flexibility is great for users who need more than just basic welding. The hot start feature further aids beginners by ensuring stable arcs and minimizing spatter, which can be particularly helpful when learning the ropes.

While the YESWELDER offers impressive functions, it does come with some drawbacks. The duty cycle, while acceptable for small jobs, may limit prolonged use in more demanding environments. Portability might also be an issue if you're looking for something extremely lightweight, as this unit caters more towards a stationary setup.

Rating
8.5
Duty Cycle
High-Frequency Start

Most important from
1402 reviews

Duty Cycle
The machine maintains a cool temperature even after an hour of continuous welding, indicating an impressive duty cycle.
High-Frequency Start
Easy and controllable HF start, even for those accustomed to more advanced welders.

Buying Guide for the Best Cheap Tig Welders

When choosing a TIG welder, it's important to consider your specific needs and the type of projects you plan to work on. TIG welding, or Tungsten Inert Gas welding, is known for its precision and ability to create high-quality welds on a variety of metals. To find the best TIG welder for you, you'll need to understand the key specifications and how they relate to your welding tasks. Here are some important specs to consider when selecting a TIG welder.
Amperage RangeAmperage range refers to the range of electrical current the welder can produce. This is important because different materials and thicknesses require different amperage levels. For thin materials like aluminum or stainless steel, a lower amperage (around 5-200 amps) is sufficient. For thicker materials, you'll need a higher amperage (up to 300 amps or more). Choose a welder with an amperage range that matches the types of projects you plan to work on.
Duty CycleThe duty cycle indicates how long a welder can operate continuously before needing to cool down. It is usually expressed as a percentage of a 10-minute period. For example, a 60% duty cycle at 150 amps means the welder can run for 6 minutes at 150 amps before requiring a 4-minute rest. If you plan to work on longer projects or need to weld continuously, look for a welder with a higher duty cycle. For occasional or hobbyist use, a lower duty cycle may be sufficient.
AC/DC CapabilityAC/DC capability refers to the welder's ability to switch between alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). AC is typically used for welding aluminum and magnesium, while DC is used for welding steel, stainless steel, and other metals. If you plan to work with a variety of metals, choose a welder that offers both AC and DC options. If you only work with one type of metal, you may only need a welder with either AC or DC capability.
PortabilityPortability is an important factor if you need to move your welder between job sites or around your workshop. Portable welders are typically lighter and more compact, making them easier to transport. However, they may have lower power output compared to larger, stationary models. Consider how often you'll need to move your welder and choose a model that balances portability with the power and features you need.
Foot Pedal ControlA foot pedal control allows you to adjust the amperage while welding, giving you greater control over the welding process. This is especially useful for precision work and when welding thin materials. If you need fine control over your welds, look for a welder that includes a foot pedal or has the option to add one. For basic welding tasks, a welder without a foot pedal may be sufficient.
High-Frequency StartHigh-frequency start is a feature that helps initiate the arc without the need to touch the tungsten electrode to the workpiece. This reduces contamination and makes starting the arc easier, especially for beginners. If you're new to TIG welding or want to ensure clean starts, look for a welder with high-frequency start capability. Experienced welders may be able to manage without this feature, but it can still be a helpful addition.

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