Best TIG Welder for Aluminum: Lotos TIG200
Perhaps nobody will be shocked to see the Lotos TIG200 on the number-one spot.
Not only is Lotos so well-known in the welder-sphere, but the TIG200 model has deep penetration capabilities and memory storage for your most-used settings.
Here’s what the TIG200’s key specifications look like—
- 3/8-inch Welding Capacity
- 110V/220V Input Power
- 60% Duty Cycle @ 200A
- Saves 10 Settings
The Lotos TIG200 has a max output rating of 200A, which allows it to weld a wide range of materials of various thicknesses.
When working specifically with aluminum, the TIG200 can join sheets of up to 3/8 of an inch together with a single weld, making it one of the top-performers in TIG welding out there.
The TIG200 runs on either 110V or 220V power, so you have the option to use it at home for light, infrequent jobs, or at a commercial metal shop for more challenging jobs.
While cranked to max power, this TIG welder has a duty cycle of 60%, meaning you’ll spend more time welding than not.
A unique feature is internal storage, which lets you save up to 10 different settings based on the material and thickness you commonly work with.
Pros
- Hard-hitting TIG welder
- Excellent duty cycle
- Durable construction
- Can save your most frequently used settings
Cons
- Could be lighter
The Lotos TIG200 is one of the most fascinating aluminum-welding TIG machines on the planet. It does the job incredibly well on either 110V or 220V power.
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Aluminum is one of the trickiest metals to weld, due to its incredibly low melting point and higher conductivity.
Plus, the aluminum-oxide coating on its surface doesn’t make things easier, either.
If a TIG welder with aluminum-welding capabilities is what you’re looking for, we’ve got the perfect model for you.
After researching more than a dozen capable models, we’ve found the best TIG welder for aluminum and many viable alternatives.
Top TIG Welders for Aluminum Compared
Here’s a comparison between top Top TIG Welders for Aluminum:
| Product Image | Product Name | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best TIG Welder for Aluminum – Lotos TIG200 |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Best Premium - Lincoln Square Wave K5126-1 |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Best Budget - Everlast PowerARC 160STH |
| Check Today's Price |
 | AHP AlphaTIG 200X |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Weldpro TIG 200GD |
| Check Today's Price |
Reviews of the Top TIG Welders for Aluminum
While undergoing testing, we uncovered several noteworthy TIG welders for aluminum. You can find our reviews of these TIG welders down below.
Best Premium - Lincoln Square Wave K5126-1
Key Specifications
- ¼-inch Welding Capacity
- 115V/230V Input Power
- 25% Duty Cycle @ 200A
- Pulse Welding Function
If you weld at home or at a place of business, the K5126-1 is one of the most reliable TIG welders you can get your hands on.
It has a max welding capacity of a quarter-inch, even on aluminum, so you’re not losing power when switching to non-ferrous materials.
Like the Lotos above, this TIG welder has dual-voltage capabilities. It works with either 115V or 230V receptacles, some homeowners can also experience the raw power of this Lincoln-made beast.
The pulse function lets you weld out of position without concerns about spatter or unappealing beads. The arc can pulse up to 20 times per second, leaving a smooth bead across the surface of your workpiece.
Check this video out to see what the K5126-1 comes with:
Pros
- Deep penetration
- Durable construction
- User-friendly controls
- Pulse-welding action
Cons
- Minimum power (10A) may be too high
Made by a trusted company, the Lincoln K5126-1 is one of the best machines with some of the best after-sales service you can find.
Best Budget - Everlast PowerARC 160STH
Key Specifications
- 3/8-inch Welding Capacity
- 110V/220V Input Power
- 35% Duty Cycle @ 160A
- Inverter Technology
As the best budget-friendly TIG welder for aluminum, the Everlast PowerARC 160STH doesn’t come with as many frills as the previous models.
Nonetheless, when it comes to welding aluminum, the PowerARC 160STH doesn’t miss a beat.
This TIG welder can join pieces of aluminum up to 3/8 of an inch in thickness, which is actually thicker than our premium-pick alternative.
It has a lower max output of 160A, so it will require multiple passes to join thicker plates together.
Also, the PowerARC 160STH maintains a 35% duty cycle at max power. For weekend welders, this shouldn’t be a problem, but taking it to professional workshops and hoping for max efficiency is wishful thinking.
Pros
- Low energy consumption
- Great aluminum penetration
- Portable design
- High-quality Everlast product and services
Cons
- Could be a little more powerful
We highly recommend the Everlast PowerARC 160STH to those with lighter welding jobs or as an on-the-go TIG welder.
AHP AlphaTIG 200X
Key Specifications
- 3/8-inch Welding Capacity
- 110V/220V Input Power
- 60% Duty Cycle @ 200A
- Pulse with Modulation
Lesser-known manufacturers aren’t missing in all the fun, either. The AHP AlphaTIG 200X is one such model that exceeds all expectations in nearly every aspect.
It has a 200A max power output and the ability to weld aluminum up to 3/8 of an in thick.
At max power, the AlphaTIG 200X can work for 6 minutes within a 10-minute window, allowing users to get more work done with fewer and shorter breaks.
Plus, it’s a dual-voltage machine designed for welding either at home or in commercial workshops.
Like the Lotos, the AlphaTIG 200X has a pulse welding mode to reduce spatter and create an eye-pleasing bead when working out of position. It’ll also come in handy when joining aluminum sheets.
Pros
- Versatility
- Great construction for price
- User-friendly control board
- Pulsing action
Cons
- Could take less time to start up
The AHP AlphaTIG 200X will do everything you’d expect from a TIG welder, and it’s super-affordable to boot.
Weldpro TIG 200GD
Key Specifications
- 3/8-inch Welding Capacity
- 110V/220V Input Power
- 40% Duty Cycle @ 200A
- Complete Accessory Kit
Coming up at the rear is the Weldpro TIG 200GD. Like many models on this list, this TIG welder has the ability to join 3/8-inch aluminum sheets with a single pass of the TIG gun.
The TIG200GD is can plug into a 110V or 220V receptacle,e while, at top performance ratings, has a decent 40% duty cycle.
If you weld at home or around a barn, this user-friendly machine will handle any job you have with ease.
With your purchase, Weldpro will include a wide range of accessories, including a foot pedal, stick holder, a trial set of electrode consumables, and a gas regulator.
Watch this video to see what the Weldpro 200GD is all about:
Pros
- Great welding experience
- Digital controls
- Lightweight design
- All accessories included
Cons
- Could be better constructed
The Weldpro TIG 200GD is a great, inexpensive TIG welding machine option for novice and veteran welders.
FAQs
Here, we’ll attempt to address the most frequently asked questions about TIG welders for aluminum.
The key difference between these welding options is penetration capabilities. MIG welders, in general, are used to join thicker sheets and plates together with a single pass of the gun. A lot of tampering with the voltage, amp, and wire-speed settings are needed to get it right. TIG welding, on the other hand, is made for welding thinner-gauge materials. With the right technique, TIG welding will result in better-looking beads and less spatter.
Pulse welding is exactly what it sounds like—it’s a form of welding where the current is pulsed rather than delivered in a constant stream. Pulse welding results in less spatter, fume reduction, heat reduction, and an overall better-looking bead. When working with aluminum, if your TIG welder has it, utilize the pulse function to avoid melting your workpiece while welding.
It’s possible to use either AC or DC settings to weld through aluminum, but using the AC setting is a lot more forgiving. An AC current delivers a positive half-cycle arc that produces cleaner welding action with a reduced risk of melting your workpiece. As for DC polarity, you should use this when working with thicker materials. It produces a smoother but at the cost of higher electrode melt-off.
It ultimately comes down to how much money you’re willing to part with. We’ll be honest; TIG welders can be quite costly, but there are incredibly affordable models and some with ultra-high value for your investment by non-name-brand manufacturers. As you can see from our list, we’ve included some off-brand TIG welders for you to look at. Don’t scoff until you’ve tried it.
Summary
In this guide, we showed you what we feel is the best TIG welder for aluminum, as well as several high-quality alternatives.
By testing more than a dozen different TIG welders in our shop on a range of different materials, we’re sure you’ll find a suitable aluminum-welding machine on our list for your every need.
We now open our comment sections to anyone who has a question or feedback.
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
