Looking to get into tig welding? But, don’t want to spend a hefty amount of money, as you are afraid to suck at it, and money gets wasted. Well, We have tested many machines in the market for under 100, 200 & 300$ and finally compiled a list of the best cheap tig welders 2023 for you.
These are the most reliable, inexpensive tig welding machines you can have your hands on. We made sure to select those equipped with the best welding capabilities. Read this review to the bottom to get the best inexpensive welding machine tailored to your needs.
Quick Comparison
Best Budget TIG Welders
1. YESWELDER TIG-205DS – Best Under 300
9.8
PROS
- 60% duty cycle that ensures long work hours
- HF(High Frequency) arc start
- Capable of both DC TIG welding & Stick welding
- Portable
- Temperature control & current protection
CONS
- No tungsten is included in the package
- DC TIG only
YesWelderTIG-205DS is a great tig welder that can help you get jobs like a home garage, DIY tasks, or minor professional TIG works.
The machine is equipped with HF(High frequency), which you may already know is the best arc starting method in TIG welding and is mostly offered by mid or high-price machines. So these features make it a worthful purchase.
Furthermore, it offers amperage ranging from 15-200amps, which is quite good. But we didn’t find it working well on thin sheets as they require lower than 15 amps, specifically to initiate the arc. This does not make the machine suited for high professional jobs, but looking at its considerable price, it does not compete in that market anyway.
Its works on both 110V at home and 220V input from the generator.As its a stick welder with stick welding gear which is included in the package.
Finally, calling it the best tig welder under 300$ is completely fair, considering the features like HF it offers.
2.S7 Tig Welder – Best Under 200$
9.7
PROS
- Easy to operate
- Top-quality components
- Welds a variety of metals ideally
- Produces clean weld
CONS
- Not suited for welding aluminum
Don’t let the size of the S7 fool you. It’s a small, compact but durable TIG welder. Undoubtedly, it is one of the best tig welders under 200$, possessing all the welding capabilities you need. A lightweight that can be moved around easily.
It produces weld power up to 200amp. Put this power together and lets you perform all your welding tasks in your small garage or workshop. I think calling it one of the most inexpensive AC/DC inverter welders on the market would be entirely fair.
While using it, the arc puddle was very easy to use. Moreover, it welds metals thickness up to 42mm quite remarkably. It works well with all the welding rods that are commonly used.
What we don’t like in the S7 is the welding cable, as they are short in length. Secondly, the user manual has significantly less information on it.
This might be your best bet if you want to get over small welding tasks that require precision. But not suited for heavy welding tasks.
3. Mophorn TIG 160 – Best Budget DC Inverter Welder
9.5
PROS
- 8-foot torch lead
- Lightweight as it weighs only 21 pounds
- Flexible and safe dissipation and protection
- Ample welding application
CONS
- No foot pedal
- It does not come with a regulator
You can use a combo welding machine as a TIG welder and ARC Welder. Built using metal aluminum which makes it lightweight and portable.HF start feature makes it weld steel or aluminum quite remarkably.
It offers two 115V and 250V voltage systems that you can use per your preference. Besides, a transformer circuit is installed that changes the input when needed. While using it, we found it to be holding up a stable electricity arc consistently.
A perfect machine suited to all weather conditions and can be used for hobby welding or extreme outdoor tasks. Its Stick mode lets you perform your out-of-garage welding tasks without requiring extra equipment.
The digital display easily adjusts Arc force, power frequency, and other settings. A switch is equipped to save it from short circuit damage. Besides, the anti-overheating system extends the working life of this welder.
We found some shortcomings in the machine, but the one we don’t like the most is the short information in the user manual. If you don’t have a 220VAC outlet, the manual tells you to swap the plug to solve the issue but doesn’t mention how you can do so.
4. EVERLAST PowerARC 140STi – Low-Cost Tig Welder
9.3
- Auto hot start lessens sticking
- TIG and stick capable
- Incredible arc stability
- Lift start is ideal for steel
- DC only
- No foot pedal
Everlast PowerArc 140STi is a competent TIG and stick welder, relying on IBGT inverter technology to deliver a massive 140 amps of power through a stable arc. This machine comes with an impact-resistant carrying case for extra portability.
It is the ideal welder if you have limited space, weighing just 25 lbs, and equipped with an industrial-strength carrying strap.
Power Arc 140 has a 35 percent duty cycle, which is the standard for most welding machines. It weighs just 24.8 pounds, so it is portable. It also comes up with 25 mm Dinse-style cable connectors and the 17V series torch with a gas valve. Other add-ons include a stick electrode cable holder, 6 ft. Clamp cable and a durable field service plastic case.
Everlast PowerArc 140 works smoothly, only with low power demands. This welder unit offers an auto hot start, arc force control, and DC lift start with a duty cycle of 35 percent at 140 amps.
The PowerARC delivers a steady, consistent arc throughout the cycle using the lift start feature, giving you clean, almost perfect beads. Remember that this welder is DC only, so it does not weld aluminum or magnesium well.
The two downfalls of the machine we noticed are it doesn’t have a foot pedal, so it might be difficult for a beginner to operate. Secondly, everlast only accepts returned products to refund, while they can also send defective parts to make the machine work again.
Some Other Everlast Machines:
5. Forney Easy Weld 271 – Best Budget Multiprocess Welder
9.2
Easy weld 271 is a small-budget multiprocess welder, quite an impressive machine according to its size and price. The internal technology used ain’t muchly advanced, which made it possible for Forney to build a quality machine that works well. Besides, it produces clean MIG welds.
You can easily use and set up the machine because of its understandable user manual. You need a little knowledge to run it, but the manual provides you with more information than you need, which means you can run it without having many issues.
Though, the TIG function is something that could not satisfy us. Secondly, you have to purchase a TIG torch separately. Overall, a good budget multiprocess welder that offers 140amps.
6. TOOLIOM 135A Stick Welder/Lift TIG
9.0
PROS CONS
Tooliom 135S welder is capable of performing Stick and TIG welding tasks. It can help learn both stick and TIG welding. It’s a dual voltage unit offering 60 duty cycle, allowing you to you domestic tasks like garage, backyard, and mini-workshops.
Besides, the welder only weighs 5.07 lbs and comes with an adjustable shoulder strap, making it easy for you to carry anywhere.
Lift TIG mode can weld up to 1/16 inch (1.6mm) plate, while on stick mode, it welds up to 9/64 inch (3.5mm) plate. It applies to welding carbon steel, cast iron, stainless steel, and mild steel.
IGBT inverter power system makes it capable of welding hard surfaces, carbon steel, and mild steel. Additionally, it’s equipped with a TL-WP-17V gas valve lift TIG torch. You need to touch the tungsten on the metal being welded and lift it off.
The downside is that the company claims it’s perfectly capable of E6010 electrodes, which we found false when we tested it using them. But we think this area has nothing too much complaint about as the other features its low offering price takes over this problem.
7. Hitbox ARC Welder 200A Stick Welding Machine
8.9
PROS CONS
The Hitbox ARC160A is a powerful and versatile machine with a 60Hz input and digital control via MMA stick, VRD, or Lift TIG. Its duty cycle is rated at 60%, and its output power is rated at 160 amps, which is more than adequate for medium, probably even heavy-duty work.
It’s an advanced inverter welder with TIG and MMA capabilities. Although it is one of the cheapest Chinese inverter welders, this machine has everything you need.
This arc welder is pretty lightweight (weighs 9.5 lbs.) and is easy to use. You can use either 240V or 120V, with high power – 160A maximum output. The control panel is outstanding, with an easy-to-use dial to control the output and a digital display. Power outputs range from 10A to 160A. You will get an electrode holder as well as an earth clamp as additional features.
A fault we found in the machine is that the company claims that the duty cycles its offers in 85%, but upon testing it went up to 60% only. Still, the one-year warranty gives people assurance that this welder is genuinely reliable.
8.PrimeWeld CT-520D
8.6
Primeweld CT520D presents three functions in a single machine. It ca. It can act as a cutter for up to 50 amps and as a stick or TIG welder for up to 200 amps. This machine is straightforward to operate and has a very simple setup. Its cutting power level will easily pass through 1/2-inch steel, and 200 amps will be able to weld over a 3/8-inch-thick steel plate.
The dual voltage power allows the machine to switch to either 110V or 220V automatically. A helpful feature as it would benefit you in areas where there is no 220V power source.
Drag torch cutting is a convenient way to cut and an excellent way to start the plasma cutter arc, avoiding interference with the digital machinery. The machine also comes with a 13-foot plasma torch and lead TIG torch.
With its 50A plasma cutting function, you can cut different types of metal up to 1⁄2-inch. Besides, it has an impressive duty cycle of 60 per cent at max amps. In addition, this inexpensive plasma cutter comes in a space-saving design. This machine is known for its cutting and welding performance.
Primeweld’s customer service is considered one of the best in the industry and is backed by a 1-year warranty on this unit. It weighs only 32 pounds, so you can take it anywhere you want. Also, look at Primeweld TIG 255x review, another model from Primeweld.
9. Warfox ST200D-Best TIG Welder Under 100
8.5
PROS CONS
ST 200D is a lift tig welder by war for. The welder is designed to get over with light welding projects. These applications mainly include automobile tasks, metal fabrications, and ranch & repair works.
Its features a smart digital display & OC fault light, which displays the output welding current. Besides, it automatically takes care of overcurrent, voltage fluctuation, overload protection & temperature control.
The thing we loved while using it was its built-in mute fan and cooling window that quickly dissipates heat. Adding more, it has automatic voltage conversion, so you don’t have to change it manually.
Surprisingly, we didn’t find any fault in it. But we are not sure about the long-term reliability of the machine. Still, a useful compact welder under 100 to get you lighter jobs done.
Factors Buying the Best Cheap TIG Welder?
Finding a good budget tig welder is difficult if you are tight on your wallet. You should know the essential parts to look at before buying any TIG welder. If you’re a newbie or a skilled welder, purchasing a machine with specs and output customized to your needs is essential.
You should consider the following factors:
Metal Thickness
Opting for a low-amperage machine is necessary if you usually weld thin and delicate metals. For thin metals, TIG works best. On the other hand, if you work primarily with metals with a thickness of 1/2 inch or more, then MIG or stick welding is ideal.
Current Source Flexibility
It is suggested to buy a tool that can run with an AC or DC source since some metals weld better with an AC source while others weld better with a DC source. Consider purchasing a hybrid AC/DC unit to ensure full flexibility.
Welding Quality
Quality and speed are directly linked with welding. When you’re in the high-end or precision manufacturing industry, your best choice will be a TIG welder with AC capabilities.
Temperature Control
Regulation of the heat you use to weld with a TIG, and the cooling factor are significant factors for the machine you purchase. Your TIG welder needs decent heat control to avoid damage to the metal you are working on, as the heat required for different welding metals varies considerably.
Portability
Optimum portability can significantly boost productivity and time-saver, particularly when you are engaged in overhead welding. Your portability requirements depend on your setup and how you use your tools.
Some Other Equipment You Need:
Some of the most frequently asked questions:
1: Is TIG welding the best welding process for the job at hand?
With TIG, some materials weld better while others weld flawlessly with MIG. So you should know about the material you are welding and how it will weld.
2: Why is tungsten contaminating my welds?
This could happen if the tungsten melts into the weld puddle or if you use an electrode too small in diameter. This could also happen if you keep the torch too close and dip the electrode into the puddle, contaminating the tungsten.
3: Which gas should I use for welding?
You can use Argon for nearly all TIG welding. However, when greater penetration is needed, or higher speed welding with a hotter arc, we sometimes use Helium gas.
Final Words
You must consider if you want to buy the best cheap TIG welder. Buying the optimum TIG welder should be based on your unique welding needs and budget. We used 9 tig welders in different welding scenarios and tried to choose what’s best for your welding concerns.
Our first choice is YesWelderTIG-205DS, a welder suitable for your light welding jobs and offers the utmost precision.HF is the main feature of this machine that compelled us to put it number 1 on our list.
Secondly, we liked the S7, a small but powerful machine. We found it capable of working well with thick metals and most of the welding rods that are commonly used.
These are the most reliable, inexpensive tig welding machines you can have your hands on. We made sure to select those equipped with the best welding capabilities.
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Dave Walker
Dave Walker is a skilled welder and passionate blogger. With years of experience in welding, he has honed his craft and developed a deep understanding of the trade. In his blog, he shares his experiences, insights, and tips on welding, offering a valuable resource for fellow welders and those interested in the field. He is dedicated to promoting the importance of welding and its applications in various industries.