Last updated on November 20th, 2023
Stainless steel welding with TIG is a challenging and tough process, according to a few users. This argument could be based on two factors: whether they are not highly skilled or they are not using updated machines. No doubt, hundreds of devices are circulating in the market, which puzzles the buyer about the perfect one. Nothing to be worried about, we’re here to help you find out about the best TIG welder for stainless steel.
We have organized the list of best tig welder for stainless steel after scrutinizing our criteria. We have selected machines that deliver good weld results, are feature-rich, reliable, affordable, and meet the needs of users. Check out the precise collection to get the perfect unit. If you are new to this, must learn how to tig weld stainless steel?
Comparison Table
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FACTS | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
|
BUDGET PICK
 | S7 TIG Welder |
| |
|
OUR PICK
 | Yeswelder TIG 205DS |
| |
|
PRO CHOICE
 | PrimeWeld TIG 225X |
|
Contents
Top 3 Best TIG Welders for Stainless Steel Tested in 2023
1. S7 TIG Welder – #1 TIG Welder for Stainless Steel
As a compact unit, the S7 welding unit is simply S7’s finest product ever. It’s the perfect amalgamation of the different features because of the TIG/Stick function. It’s not a very advanced unit like Weldpro 2000GD or Primeweld 225X, but it fits the bill well for stainless steel welding.
In terms of performance, it works great on both 110 and 220 volts. As S7 only gives dc output, so don’t consider it for aluminum tasks but works great on other metals. The company claims that it can tig weld 0.3-4.8mm metal thickness and we’ve tested it.
This budget-friendly welder offers an 85% duty cycle, whereas its competitor Yeswelder TIG 205-DS provides 60%, and the 85% duty cycle really helps in the long welds.
To avoid ugly welds, you need to weld quickly when welding stainless steel. Fortunately, the unit performs very well at a fast speed that helps users to achieve stunning beads.
- Smooth stable arc
- Impressive duty cycle
- Lightweight
- Great for stainless steel
- Energy saving
- No AC output
- No assembly instructions
Another prominent feature is that it has automatic adjustment for voltage fluctuation. A full set of welding accessories is included in the package. Moreover, the company does not offer any sort of warranty but a return policy.
2. Yeswelder TIG 205DS – Most Reliable TIG Welder for Stainless Steel
Some might argue the TIG 205DS isn’t a pro welder but in our opinion, it actually is. It combines arc stability, amperes adjustments, hf arc start, and much more. It’s been using multiple IGBT inverters that enhance the duty cycle to 60%. We mostly use 6011 with this, and it quickly burns like industrial machines.
This quality piece works brilliantly on stainless steel and other metals. We welded 1/8″ steel metal at 90 amperes and 110 volts during the testing in the presence of top welding professionals; the performance was excellent, and the high-frequency arc start assisted in achieving a good weld.
The majority of customers are dissatisfied with the foot pedal because it is static and does not contribute to the regulation of heat. As a result, reaction time can cause issues when working.
In terms of performance, it’s highly recommended for everyone who needs a compact unit. In addition, novices can trust this unit without purchasing expensive units at the start.
- Stable arc
- IGBT inverters
- Flawless welding
- Comes with all accessories
- Static foot pedal
- No warranty
205DS comes with awesome accessories and includes a standard 17 torch with a finger button that helps in the long run. The unit has no warranty, but the company offers a return policy with free technical assistance.
3. PrimeWeld TIG 225X – Best TIG Welding Unit for Steel
No matter what the material is, the TIG 225X will always come out on top. It’s included in those welders who don’t need any type of advertisement or promotion. The user who tried this will never buy any other unit for tig welding. Above all, the machine is packed with modern technologies, and inverters offer pulse width modulation.
Its design and layout are outstanding and externally the machine is well made with quality material. Graphical representation on the front panel is quite helpful. The machine offers its real taste on AC tig and in 2019 when this machine was bought, we were surprised at how smooth and stable the AC arc is.
The manual states that the minimum amperage range on ac is 10 amps, but we disagree because it has been observed that it fluctuates with frequency.
Those who ask about rods, it’s able to weld 7018 and 6013. Moreover, the pulse frequency and ac freq help you to weld thick and thin pieces of aluminum and steel. In short, this machine is fully recommended by the professionals and upon their suggestion, it’s added to the list of best tig welder for stainless steel.
- HF arc start
- Latest inverter technology
- Duty cycle
- Better control on arc
- Pulse mode
- Water cooling option
- Knobs confuse beginners
- No guidance on generator
Those who do long welds can connect the water-cooled torch to prevent the burning of the torch. In addition, the welder comes up with a three years warranty and customer support is very cooperative. All accessories are included in the box such as a torch, foot pedal, clamp, and gas flowmeter. What else do you need? For more details, check out the Primeweld TIG 225X Complete Review.
Buying Guide: Best TIG Welder for Stainless Steel
It might be possible that you’ll be confused as most of the machines are the externally same. How one can know the best one? The simple way is, to check its feature and necessary elements for welding. So, keeping a few key elements in mind will greatly assist you in obtaining the ideal gadget for your needs.
Material Thickness
A tig welder is a solid choice for welding thin metals. Thick pieces are best welded with MIG welders. If you simply want to acquire a tig unit for both thin and thick pieces, look for powerful or high-grade equipment that can weld various types of metals efficiently.
For non-ferrous metals, Yeswelder TIG 205DS is the best on the list and it supports the welding of the non-ferrous materials.
Input Voltage
Always prefer the dual input voltage welder because it gives maximum flexibility. 120/240-volts unit is perfect if you will use it in your shop or home. For outdoor work, 240 volts input unit could be fine because it needs a generator.
Power Output
You are seeking the best tig welder for stainless steel and steel is only welded by the dc output. For more versatility, you can pick a dual output voltage unit and 225X offers the dual output voltage.
Duty Cycle
For beginners and hobbyists, a 20-30 percent duty cycle is enough. For stainless steel welding, around 40% duty cycle is the perfect one and 60% cycle is recommended for high-level use. The above explained welders offer the best duty cycle.
Weight & Portability
Powerful welders are always heavy and weight directly affects their portability. The heavy welder in our list is 225X and a lightweight model is an S7 unit. The handles on the top really help to move the machine around with the cart.
Warranty
Low-cost units aren’t covered by a warranty and only have a return policy. Expensive brands offer a three-to-five-year warranty period with full technical support. The above-mentioned devices are well-built with high-quality materials and, despite the lack of a warranty, they last a long period.
Users Feedback
Must check the customer’s reviews before adding a welder to your cart. These unbiased comments help users to realize the device’s performance in real life.
FAQs
Q. Can we weld stainless steel with ac output?
AC output is only for aluminum and welding thin metals. Use a machine with dc output to weld stainless steel and other metals.
Q. Which tungsten is good for stainless steel?
The red color tungsten is best for stainless steel welding because the amount of 2% thorium is mixed with the tungsten electrode. The thorium can bear a high current and allows the easy and quick arc start.
Conclusion
Stainless steel welding is not a powerful job for powerful welders and small units can perform better with these types of metals. Primeweld 225X is a wonderful choice if you are a professional who works on big projects.
If you’re only limited to small projects, tig units with dc output are enough for you. Yeswelder 205DS and S7 unit is the best tig welder for stainless steel. We’ve just included three things so far, but we’ll be adding more soon.
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