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Top 7 Best Cheap TIG Welders Tested for 2023

Last updated on November 20th, 2023

You are worried about expensive TIG welders however, you want to buy one model. TIG machines include spectacular hidden functions that others do not have, and TIG welding is a major step up from simple welding expertise. You can scrutinize the low-cost welder according to your budget and requirements.

Best Cheap TIG welder

The best cheap TIG welder should satisfy the requirements of the buyer, who wants the machine to be responsive, stable, and reliable. Our professional and expert welders tested fifteen different tig units and we finalized these welders based on the machine’s performance on different materials, customer feedback, and the manufacturer’s reputation in the market.

Comparison Table 

IMAGEPRODUCTFACTSPRICE
Yeswelder TIG 205 DS – Good Cheap TIG WelderYeswelder TIG 205 DS

 

  • Dual voltage
  • Good for thin metals
  • Temperature control
Hitbox TIG WelderHitbox TIG Welder
  • TIG pulse function
  • IGBT Technology
  • Digital TIG torch
Everlast PowerArc TIG 160 STH – Affordable TIG WelderEverlast PowerArc TIG 160 STH
  • Dual voltage
  • Versatile unit
  • 35% duty cycle
Suncoo TIG Welder – Best for HobbyistSuncoo TIG Welder
  • Automatic dual voltage
  • Low welding noise
  • MOSFET inverter
HZXVOGEN TIG WelderHZXVOGEN TIG Welder
  • Powerful Dc TIG
  • Digital ammeters
  • Pulse function
Amico TIG 160 DCAmico TIG 160 DC
  • Weld TIG/Stick
  • Flawless weld
  • Dual voltage
Sungoldpower Lift TIG Welding Machine Sungoldpower Aluminum Welder
  • Arc stability
  • Powerful Welder
  • Overload protection

Contents

7 Best Cheap TIG Welders Tested in 2023

1. Yeswelder TIG 205 DS

Yeswelder TIG 205 DS

This machine has given a tough time to its competitors since its launching, the reason is that Yeswelder 205 DS is using multiple IGBT inverters, resulting in a massive increase in duty cycle.

Its HF arc start gives a fine start and it is stable, which is a plus point. Experts know the importance of hf start, which we often see in advanced machines. Let’s look at the performance!

We welded two metals of the hydraulic press by using finger control and here is the result of it.

tig welder 205ds machine's result on jack metal before and after
tig welder 205ds machine's result on top joint

The machine was running smoothly and consistently without any error. The unit provides non-contact arc initiation that reduces tungsten.

The unit features excellent arc stability, 15-200 amps adjustment, automatic temperature control, over/under voltage protection, current, and load protection. Its foot pedal is not variable; it is just on/off. Its amperage control works fine but reaction time is a little bit slow.

The prominent feature of the machine is finger control, which helps in long run.

On 220v, my team observed a 60% duty cycle in trials at 200-205 amps and 110v 60% at 165 amps. If you’re a newbie or learner, it could be an ideal unit for you.

The company back this GTAW unit with full technical support. You can buy it from Amazon or other sellers, the price may vary due to shipping charges.

What We Like
  • Hf arc start
  • Less power consumption
  • Welds tig/stick
  • Excellent duty cycle
What We Don’t Like
  • Only Dc
  • Foot pedal is not variable

2. Hitbox TIG Welder

Hitbox TIG Welder

Many folks complain about the Chinese product’s reliability and productivity, but we didn’t find any fault. According to its function, its results were flawless.

It’s a dual voltage multi-function welder, which can be used in TIG welding and manual arc welding. It uses an advanced compact IGBT inverter.

Hitbox TIG Welder Result

I welded 8″ mild steel coupons together at 85 amps on 110v. I haven’t used any type of filler rod. The very best thing about the machine is that it uses a high-frequency arc start instead of a lift or scratch start.

I will add, it’s a good unit for home. Arc was stable and the unit runs very nicely throughout the process.

We used the TIG, great work, no problem overall but the torch is a little bulky when you need a light touch. And the stick part also works fine; you will be surprised to see the bead result.

This Hitbox welder allows you to weld 0.3-0.5 mm or 5/16 inch steel at its total rating. The inverter enables it to reach up to 100 kHz frequency. Another worth noting is that it uses IGBT technology.

The unit features a hf arc start, 2t/4T function, a gas inlet at front, and large capacitance. Its 4T function helps in the long run and fits for medium thickness plate welding, whereas the 2T function is ideal for thin plate welding.

It is suitable for different materials like steel, stainless steel, and carbon steel, as the unit is only DC, so it can’t weld aluminum. The company offers 24/7 technical customer support.

What We Like
  • Best for homes
  • Compact design
  • Ideal for light projects
  • versatile machine
What We Don’t Like
  • No foot pedal
  • Only Dc output

3. Everlast PowerArc TIG 160 STH

Everlast PowerArc TIG 160 STH

There’s a reason that 160 STH is many people’s pick for the best cheap TIG welder: it’s versatile, it’s affordable, its result is excellent, and it uses the IGBT Infineon modules inverter technology.

You can switch between TIG and Arc welding; this unit comes from a brand that is well known for its design and durability.

Amperes control your heat, when you’re welding on thick metal, you’ve high amps. When you’re welding on thinner metal, you’ve low amps, the unit’s amperes vary from 10 to 160 amperes. The company does not provide a foot pedal, you have to purchase it.

In 2016, this machine was the second best-seller at amazon in the welding category.

The welder is optimized in such a way that it provides 80-90% efficiency that’s quite good. Its post flow goes from zero to 25 seconds, giving a 35% duty cycle at 165 amps. Other features include: hf and lift start, smooth DC arc, adjustable post flow control, and many more.

Ease of use makes it compatible for both experts and hobbyists. It is fit for backyards, mobile welding shops, and home use.

What We Like
  • Low power consumption
  • Dinse style connectors
  • Versatile machine
  • 5 year warranty
What We Don’t Like
  • Only Dc output
  • No foot pedal

4. Suncoo TIG Welder

Suncoo TIG Welder

If you want to pick a well-structured, well-balanced, and economical welder, the Suncoo TIG unit is a good choice. The prominent feature of the unit is a stable welding current which results in low welding noise.

A high-frequency arc start improves the tungsten life and very easy to start the arc. In my opinion, any machine with a hf start is perfect for welding, one can disagree, but it’s proven.

The orange color unit was tested at 220v, 60-hertz frequency, on stainless steel. The result was flawless, and no issue was observed.

Remember, you can’t weld aluminum with this unit, so don’t buy it if you’re planning for just aluminum. You can change the mode between TIG and Stick by just pressing the button.

Its duty cycle is 60% at 200 Amperes.

The company has installed MOSFET inverter technology instead of IGBT technology, which is also an advanced electrical circuit design and saves energy.

The device features: dual voltage, led amperage display, high quality and stable arc, 60% duty cycle for 200A, proven 85% efficiency, and automatic compensation for power fluctuation.

The unit is excellent for high-altitude and outdoor work, as well as interior and exterior fitting. Its portability allows you to carry it with you wherever you go, and it is effortless to set up and operate. The company offers a return policy instead of a warranty, so read the return policy carefully before buying.

What We Like
  • High quality arc
  • Digital amperage display
  • MOSFET technology
  • versatile machine
What We Don’t Like
  • No foot pedal

5. HZXVOGEN TIG Welder

HZXVOGEN TIG Welder

The unit full of advanced features is here. Its surprising feature is the Tig pulse function, through which one can weld thinner metals, and the pulse function protects metal from burning. This cheap welder is popular due to its impressive features and components, which are discussed below.

For lightweight metals, its spot mode function protects the material and delivers the best result. The high-frequency arc start initiates the arc without coming into contact with the material, and its hf start is according to the user’s expectation.

HZXVOGEN TIG Welder Result

I did a dc TIG on stainless steel 308 at 60 amps, downslope 1 sec, end current 5 amps, post-flow 3 seconds, and pre-flow 0.5 sec. You can see its result in the image.

Its TIG torch is quite helpful with four adjustable buttons. According to my experience, the hf arc start of the Hzxvogen welder is relatively better than the Everlast 140ST. It can be a wrong observation, but I have noticed it many times while working in the lab.

The eye-catching features of the unit are spot mode function, multi-function design, pulse function, 60% duty cycle, 2T/4T control buttons, and digital ammeters.

Apart from other units in this price range, the company offers a 1-year warranty and full technical support.

What We Like
  • Versatile torch
  • Budget-friendly
  • Easy to use
  • versatile machine
What We Don’t Like
  • No gas flow meter
  • Tungsten is not included

6. Amico TIG 160 DC

Amico TIG 160 DC

Cheap doesn’t mean that the product is outdated. Maybe one or two extra features are not added so that anyone who can’t afford an expensive machine could buy it at a low price.

Amico 160 is a low-cost dual input 120/240 that can be plugged into any power supply. It can do accurate DC stick welding.

It is an IGBT Dc inverter-powered welder, which helps in precise and accurate welding. Amico 160 has a 60% duty cycle at 220 amperes, which is quite impressive at this price.

The unit is capable of welding 3/8″ stainless steel, alloy, and mild steel. In trials, spatters were almost non-existent, and the machine was delivering flawless results.

Its fan helps the machine keep things cool in the long run, which could be a reason for a good duty cycle. It is fit for outdoor work, and you don’t need a certified electrician for the power supply.

The company offers a return policy instead of a warranty for this product, so read the terms and conditions carefully.

What We Like
  • Can be plugged into standard supply
  • 60% duty cycle at 220amps
  • optimized arc starts
  • High frequency tig torch
What We Don’t Like
  • Gas regulator is not included

7. Sungoldpower Aluminum Welder

Sungoldpower Aluminum Welder

It’s the lowest price welder on this list and a suitable unit for little projects. To boost machine reliability, IGBT inverter technology is combined with a unique control system. Its anti-sticking feature helps to eliminate the hassle of welding.

The machine uses the lift TIG function, when a tungsten electrode comes into contact with a metal piece, the lift electric arc prevents the tungsten electrode from becoming polluted.

sungoldpower aluminum tig welder

The unit can weld all types of steel and cast iron. It can provide industrial-grade power of 110 or 220 volts (adaptor included) in a compact device.

This unit is especially designed for aluminum welding.

Overall, this small welder is good for beginners and learners who want to learn TIG. Sungold unit is ideal for homes and farms for medium-level projects.

Unfortunately, Torch is not included in the package, you have to buy it on your own. Company is not providing a warranty, only a return policy.

What We Like
  • Lift TIG function
  • Best for novices
  • IGBT inverter technology
  • Digital display
What We Don’t Like
  • Not suitable for large scale
  • Limited options

Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Cheap TIG Welder in 2023

You wish to buy the best cheap TIG welder, so you must consider some crucial points in mind. First of all, clear your requirements. Remember, in low-cost machines, there are limited functions, and you have to compromise on this. This does not indicate that these are ineffective; they are the best in the town. Here are some factors to consider:

Quality of Machine 

For TIG welding, quality is an exclusive element, depending on a machine’s ability. Always pick a machine that gives a quality result, you will ask how one can judge quality before buying? The answer is the manufacturer’s reputation in the market and user reviews. Above mentioned reviews are the best in the town.

Metal Thickness 

For thin metals, a unit that can perform at low amperage is a good choice. TIG is famous for its results over thin metals.

Arc Start

There are two common types of arc starts. With a high-frequency start, an arc is initiated without touching the metal and, by lift start, the arc is initiated with a light touch on the piece.

High-frequency arc start and lift arc start are the best ones. Most of the machines in the market are using these two arc starts, few are using old arc methods like scratch start but it’s an old technique. Buy a machine only with Hf arc start or lift tig arc start.

Duty Cycle

It is the ratio of total running time out of ten minutes. 60% means the unit can run 6 minutes continuously and 4 minutes off the time.

For the duty cycle, the more, the better. These all are cheap, so the duty cycle is almost the same. You can check according to your requirements. For professionals, 40-60% of the duty cycle in machines is enough; for newcomers, even 20% of the duty cycle is good.

Foot Pedal

A foot pedal is a tool for controlling the amperes high and low; it works similarly to an automobile accelerator in that the more you press, the faster the car moves. If it is not in the product box, buy it on your own.

Warranty

A warranty shows the manufacturer’s trust in the product. The above-reviewed machines are without warranty due to their low price but the company offers a one-month return policy. Read the terms and conditions carefully.

Buyers Reviews

Feedback helps you to understand the quality of the product in real life. Specs do not define the quality of a machine, you can judge its performance by user feedback. Most people buy products from Amazon and post reviews about them to help others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are cheap TIG welders good?
Cheap does not mean that these are not fit for a job, for cheap welders you have to compromise on few premium features.
Can we choose TIG welding as a profession?
Yes, TIG welding is most in demand skills and you can make very good amount in it. You just need to polish your skills and at start offer the services in local area. After experience, you can get heavy projects.

Conclusion

Detailed reviews of products are given, but you’re still confused about the best cheap TIG welder, so here are my three recommended products.

Everlast Powerarc 161 STH – excellent unit with the least budget
Yeswelder TIG 205 DS – attractive choice for everyone especially beginners 
HZXVOGEN Welder – great for lightweight metals in this price bracket

Josh Rogers

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