Best TIG Welder: Lincoln Square Wave K5126-1
On our number-one spot as the best TIG ewlder is the infamous Lincoln Square Wave K5126-1.
If you’ve experienced its amazing welding capabilities and highly adjustable pulsing action, you’ll certainly know what we’re talking about.
Here’s a quick overview of the K5126-1’s key specifications—
- 1/4-inch Welding Capacity
- 115V/230V Input Power
- 25% Duty Cycle @ 200A
- Pulse Welding Function
The K5126-1 has a peak output rating of 200A, which lets it weld quarter-inch-thick plates and sheets with a single pass of the TIG torch.
It offers a decent 20% duty cycle for heavy-duty welding, though TIG welding at lower amp output will virtually eliminate the risk of overheating.
The K5126-1 runs on either 115V or 230V, so you can take it and use it anywhere metal needs to be joined together.
Inverter technology ensures lower power consumption and safe usage when plugged into an inverter generator.
If you deal with aluminum regularly, you’ll be happy to learn that the K5126-1 has both AC and DC TIG welding, so you can work with softer metals without ruining your workpiece.
Pros
- Great all-around performance
- Long-lasting protective casing
- Decent duty cycle for lighter work
- Can weld all types of metals
Cons
- Could have better duty cycle for professional workers
For weekend welding warriors or pro metalworkers, the Lincoln K5126-1 will provide a ton of value for the investment.
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Finding the best TIG welder isn’t as easy as it sounds.
TIG welders can be split into a number of different categories, such as how easy it is to use, what brand name it sports, and what sort of materials it works on.
After researching over 45 different TIG welders over a period, we were finally able to come up with a guide on what we think is the best TIG welder available today.
Top TIG Welders Compared
Here’s a comparison between top Top TIG Welders:
| Product Image | Product Name | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best TIG Welder– Lincoln Square Wave K5126-1 |
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 | Best Premium - Everlast PowerTIG 255EXT |
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 | Best Budget - AHP AlphaTIG 200X |
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| Hobart EZ-TIG 165i |
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|
 | PRIMEWELD TIG225X |
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 | Lotos LTPDC2000D |
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 | Best TIG for Aluminum - Lotos TIG200 |
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 | Best Miller TIG Welder - Multimatic 215’s |
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| Best TIG Welder for the Money - TIG225X’s |
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|
 | Best TIG Welder for the Money for Beginners - Everlast PowerArc 140STi |
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Reviews of the Top TIG Welders
While researching and testing different models, we were fortunate enough to get our hands on some many other noteworthy TIG welders that deserve your attention. You can learn about them in the reviews down below.
Best Premium - Everlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Key Specifications
- ½-inch Welding Capacity
- 120V/240V Input Power
- 60% Duty Cycle @ 250A
- Advanced Pulse Welding
From the name of the model, you can tell that the PowerTIG 225EXT was made for heavy-duty welding performance. It has a max 250A output and offers up to half-inch penetration through stainless steel.
Best of all, while configured to max power output, the PowerTIG 225EXT maintains a productive 60% duty cycle, thereby reducing the frequency and length of breaks to allow the machine to cool down.
The PowerTIG 225EXT comes with advanced pulse welding capabilities complete with full arc force and hot start control.
This prevents sticking and allows you to work with non-ferrous metals such as copper and aluminum.
Learn how to set up your PowerTIG 225EXT by watching this video:
Pros
- Built for large-scale welding jobs
- Total configurability with digital control interface
- Durable and simple to maintain
- Portable
Cons
- Not for infrequent users or light-duty welding tasks
The PowerTIG 225EXT brings TIG welding performance up several notches with its excellent performance and total customizability.
Best Budget - AHP AlphaTIG 200X
Key Specifications
- 3/8-inch Welding Capacity
- 110V/220V Input Power
- 60% Duty Cycle @ 200A
- Works on Aluminum
Let’s appreciate the fact that not-so-well-known manufacturers are producing top-of-the-line TIG welders at lower costs.
The AHP Alpha TIG 200X is such a TIG welder that’s not only budget-friendly but packs a whopping 3/8-inch penetrating punch on all types of metals, including aluminum.
When switched to AC mode, the Alpha TIG 200X can weld thinner-gauge sheets without melting the workpiece or leaving a ton of spatter in the process.
It has a max penetration of 1/8 of an inch on aluminum with a single pass of the TIG gun.
With your purchase, AHP will throw in all sorts of accessories to help you get started almost immediately. And like all TIG welders on this list, this machine doubles as a stick welder for outdoor projects.
Pros
- Incredibly lightweight
- Robust construction
- User-friendly interface
- Works on aluminum
Cons
- Starting up could be quicker
Don’t judge a TIG welder by its price tag. The Alpha TIG 200X is an incredibly powerful machine that handles nearly all home and light-industrial welding jobs with ease.
Hobart EZ-TIG 165i
Key Specifications
- 3/16-inch Welding Capacity
- 230V Input Power
- 20% Duty Cycle @ 150A
- Single-Knob Control
The Hobart EZ-TIG 165i is another widely-used TIG welder in home workshops and professional metalworking businesses.
It can weld up to 3/16 of an inch of steel plates together. Plus, it has AC compatibility, so welding non-ferrous materials are entirely possible with this lightweight machine.
The EZ in EZ-TIG 165i tells a complete picture of how simple it is to operate.
A single-knob control board lets you alter amp output to your exact specifications when working with any type of metal, though the lack of customizability can often lead to spatter and melt-off.
Pros
- Great for first-time users and pro welders alike
- Can work on aluminum
- HF start for efficient consumables usage
- Lightweight and portable
Cons
- Duty cycle could be better
Though a relatively budget-friendly alternative, the EZ-TIG 165i offers a ton of value for its cost in terms of user-friendliness and welding capabilities.
PRIMEWELD TIG225X
Key Specifications
- 3/8-inch Welding Capacity
- 110V/220V Input Power
- 40% Duty Cycle @ 200A
- Pulse Function
The PRIMEWELD TIG225X is one of the more surprising machines we ever tested. It has a 3/8-inch penetration rating on all types of metals, and it maintains a fairly decent 40% duty cycle at max output.
It also doubles as a stick welder, as is typical in all TIG welders, when you need to work outdoors.
The TIG225X also comes with a pulse welding function that lets you work with thinner materials without spatter and melting.
When working with softer materials, we recommend switching to pulse welding mode to make the most appealing welding beads possible.
The TIG225X comes with all of the accessories you need to work, including a foot pedal that offers better heat control on the fly.
Pros
- Fantastic welding action
- Extremely customizable
- Comes with pulse welding function
- Smooth AC arc
Cons
- Foot pedal could be more durable
The PRIMEWELD TIG225X is one of the models that should make you reconsider skipping over non-name-brand machines.
Lotos LTPDC2000D
Key Specifications
- 3/8-inch Welding Capacity
- 110V/220V Input Power
- 60% Duty Cycle @ 200A
- TIG, Stick, and Plasma Cutter
The Lotos LTPDC200D is a multi-functional tool that does more than just weld, although it does it beautifully. The LTPDC200D is a DC-only TIG welder that can join plates up to 3/8 of an inch with every sweep of the gun.
What sets this unit apart from the rest is that it not only joins metal pieces together, but it can cut them apart. The LTPDC200D is one of the best plasma cutters on the market that cuts through half-inch steel quickly and easily.
The one major flaw with the LTPDC200D is that the included gas regulator releases more gas than it regulates. You’ll need to find a makeshift way to fit it perfectly or pick up another, better-built replacement.
Pros
- Great welding penetration
- Clean, zero spatter welds
- Durable construction
- Doubles as a plasma cutter
Cons
- Gas regulator could be better designed
The LTPDC200D goes beyond normal expectations of versatility by TIG welder standards. Being able to cut and weld with a single machine opens up doors to a wide range of possibilities.
Best TIG for Aluminum
When it comes to welding aluminum specifically, the one model we look to is the Lotos TIG200.
Here’s what the TIG200’s key specifications are—
- 3/8-inch Welding Capacity
- 110V/220V Input Power
- 60% Duty Cycle @ 200A
- Saves 10 Settings
The TIG200 has an output ceiling rating of 200A, allowing users to join 3/8-inch-thick mild steel plates in a single pass of the TIG torch.
Its dual-voltage compatibility makes it usable in at home or in commercial settings. The 220V plug adapter comes with your purchase.
With both AC and DC welding capabilities, you can switch to aluminum-welding seamlessly and produce beautiful welds on thinner, more fragile materials without melting your work.
And to make things easier on the user, the TIG200 can save up to 10 different settings to save time when switching between your most frequently used configurations.
Other great TIG welders of aluminum
Pros
- Excellent penetration on all metal types
- Highly efficient duty cycle
- Long-lasting durability
- Can save customized configurations
Cons
- Could be lighter in weight
The Lotos TIG200 is arguably one of the best aluminum-welding TIG machines you could ever have. Plus, with the ability to save your work, you can increase productivity significantly with this machine.
Best Miller TIG Welder
The Miller TIG welder that everyone raves about the most is the Multimatic 215.
Below, you’ll find the Multimatic 215’s key specifications—
- 3/8-inch Welding Capacity
- 120V/240V Input Power
- 60% Duty Cycle @ 150A
- Optional DC TIG and Stick Welder
For those who aren’t familiar with the multi-functional Multimatic 215, this is a MIG welder first and a TIG/stick welder second.
This means you’ll need to pick up the appropriate hardware with your purchase before beginning to TIG weld.
If you do, you can enjoy the 3/8-inch penetrating power with a 60% duty cycle at 3-quarter power output.
The Multimatic 215 is a dual-voltage machine, making it a popular option for DIY-ers and professional welders alike.
This video showcases the Multimatic 215’s amazing performance in a professional auto shop:
Pros
- Usable on all types of metals
- Great for light and heavy-duty welding jobs
- Great duty cycle efficiency
- MIG, TIG, stick, and flux-cored welding capabilities
Cons
- Could come with TIG torch and consumables
The Miller Multimatic 215 is a fantastic TIG welder and even greater MIG welder. Its versatility makes it one of the greatest choices for any users, novice and expert alike.
Best TIG Welder for the Money
As for the most valuable TIG welder for its price, we highly recommend checking out the Weldpro TIG 200GD.
This is what the TIG225X’s key specifications look like at a glance—
- 3/8-inch Welding Capacity
- 110V/220V Input Power
- 40% Duty Cycle @ 200A
- Complete Accessory Kit
The TIG225X is a surprisingly inexpensive TIG welder considering what it can do and what it comes with. The 200GD is the perfect solution for minor home-repair projects.
This machine can weld 3/8-inch mild steel plates with every pass of the TIG gun. It plugs into standard 110V or 220V receptacles with differing output capacities based on your source of power.
At max capacity, the 200GD keeps the ultra-high 60% duty cycle for maximum work productivity.
What makes the 200GD stand out is the comprehensive accessory kit. From stick electrodes to a foot pedal, everything you need to start the 200GD and begin welding is available straight out of the box.
Weldpro has a pretty neat video that explains the 200GD in great detail:
Pros
- Great TIG and stick welding performance
- Digital interface
- Portable design
- Comes with all necessary equipment and supplies
Cons
- Could be more durable
If you’re looking for an inexpensive TIG welder that offers user-friendly customizability, the Weldpro TIG 200GD is definitely for you.
Best TIG Welder for the Money for Beginners
Everlast’s lineup of TIG welders ranges from extremely complicated and pricey to incredibly user- and budget-friendly. The Everlast PowerArc 140STi is one of the latter.
Below is an overview of the 140STi’s key specifications—
- 3/16-inch Welding Capacity
- 120V/240V Input Power
- 35% Duty Cycle @ 140A
- Auto-Adaptive Heat Start
As a cheap alternative for first-time welders, the 140STi’s welding capabilities are quite limited. For instance, it has a max 3/16-inch penetration rating, so you can only focus on minor home-improvement jobs with this machine.
The 140STi is also a super-forgiving tool for beginners. It has Auto-Adaptive Heat Start technology in stick mode that prevents the consumable from sticking.
This tiny bit of help will come in handy throughout your journey as an aspiring DIY welder.
Check more budget TIG welders choices here>
This the first installment of a 2-part video describing the PowerArc 140STi in all its glory:
Pros
- User-friendly control interface
- Ready to work out of the box
- Carry case included
- Great for stick welding
Cons
- Not built for heavy-duty welding tasks
Despite its limited capabilities, the 140STi remains one of the most popular tools for first-time DIY welders.
FAQs
Next, let’s see if we can answer the most frequently asked questions about TIG welders.
Choosing between TIG and MIG welders can be confusing to first-time buyers. MIG welders are better for first-time users due to their simple functionality, but TIG welders are better-designed to join thinner sheets of metal together. There’s a certain grace that TIG welders offer when working with thin materials—the welds are more eye-pleasing, but it can be tricky to operate. If you were to ask us, if you’re unsure of whether to pick up a TIG or MIG machine, why not get both in the form of the Miller Multimatic 215?
The consensus is that Miller produces the most versatile and reliable TIG welders out of all manufacturers. That said, there are diamonds-quality welders produced by its competitors, as you can see from our list (Lincoln takes the number-one spot). When in doubt, check out what the leading brand is doing, and see if what they have catches your eye. We have lists for the best Lincoln, Everlast, and Miller TIG welders that you can look at.
Without getting too technical, AC welding is a “softer” form that allows you to join thinner sheets of metal more easily. It uses less power to perform the task, thereby leaving very little mess afterward. DC, on the other hand, is used specifically for welding thicker sheets and plates. TIG welders can be DC-only or offer the best of both worlds. If you want to TIG weld aluminum and copper, make sure you get an AC/DC TIG welder.
The first and most crucial factor is welding capacity or how thick a sheet or plate of metal it can join together. The items on our list have welding capacities between 3/16 and ½ of an inch. From there, you can look at other factors, such as convenience-adding features, included accessories and equipment, and duty cycle.
Summary
After giving 45 different models a fair chance, we’re certain that you’ll find our guide on the best TIG welder helpful in your search.
We absolutely adore the Lincoln K5126-1 and recommend it to anybody looking for the best of the best, but the alternatives we provided might come in handy for more specialized welding projects.
If you feel like we’re missing something, or if you have any questions, we open our comments section to receive feedback.
Last update on 2024-12-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API