Picking the right TIG welder is a crucial decision that requires some careful planning. It’s an essential device to use for your projects and home use for DIY tasks. The best Machine is one that will meet your specific requirements. A functional TIG welder not only simplifies your work, but it also makes it enjoyable.
Furthermore, if you are a professional, a good machine will mean happy customers, lower repair and replacement costs, and more revenue. Most likely, you’ve hit the stores and is looking for a welding machine for your projects.
It’s not surprising if you find a wide variety of such options on the market at extremely high prices. However, that shouldn’t discourage you since you can still find reasonably priced types, which will give you value for money. Right here, we have reviewed ten best TIG welder under 1000 for your selection read on.
Review of 10 best TIG welder under 1000
PRIMEWELD CUT60 Welding Machine
PRIMEWELD is a renowned supplier of high-quality machines, and the PRIMEWELD CUT60 is one perfect example. We choose this product due to its reasonable price, and above all, you’ll get value for money.
This versatile welding machine is suitable for modern welding and designed for use by both hobby and skilled welders. The fact that it’s a multi-functional device, you can use it for both TIG welding and Plasma cutting.
The PrimeWeld uses blowback technology that ensures a reliable start operation. It features a torch for cutting, which features the Euro-central connectivity. These features enable a high-quality cut on a wide variety of metal types.
Further, the pilot arc system ensures a consistent cutting on even corrosive or painted metallic materials.
It comes with a 60% duty cycle that gives it an edge over most options on the market. Its energy usage is 60 amps and 110/220 AMPS with an adapter. It features a lightweight design, and therefore you can use it for your outdoor projects.
We recommend the PRIMEWELD CUT60 since it’s a high-quality machine, versatile, and guarantees a reliable operation.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]High quality and durable
Uses pilot arc technology
Lightweight design
Reasonably priced
[/i2pros][i2cons]The instructions of use not user-friendly[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Lotos TIG200ACDC Welder
The Lotos TIG200ACDC Welder is a lightweight, dual voltage, and powerful Machine suitable for TIG welding. It comes with a foot pedal, which allows you to have maximum control when working on your project.
When it comes to cost, it’s a reasonably priced machine that is not only high quality but also durable.
This Machine allows for accurate welding due to the hand torch mechanism. Together with the foot pedal, it starts reliably, and you can control the amount of heat easily.
Further, it’s a versatile machine that you can use for stick and MMA welding. Additionally, it’s suitable for cutting aluminum, mild steel, and stainless steel.
Something else to note about this device is that it uses a superior cooling technology that ensures there is a reliable and stable performance during plasma cutting. The package comes with power supply, a regulator from Argon, foot pedal, clamp, manual, TIG torch, and much more.
We recommend the Lotos TIG200ADC since it is a reasonably priced welder, high quality, and versatile with superior features. It’s also one of the best ac/dc TIG welders under 1000 and if you need a high-performance welder at a reasonable price, this is a great buy.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Lightweight design
Has a foot pedal
Reliable starting
[/i2pros][i2cons]Not ideal for smaller projects[/i2cons][/i2pc]
AmicoPower MTS-205 Welder
The AmicoPower MTS-205 welder is an excellent product at a reasonable price suitable for use by hobbyists, professionals, and student welder. This welder uses IGBT technology that makes it function better than other basic welding machines. Other than that, it also uses advanced technology that ensures superior performance.
It’s a multipurpose welder suitable for welding aluminum and mild steel. It’s also useful in an alloy, stainless steel, weld steel, cast iron, and copper.
The versatility allows you to use the TIG torch or stick-on aluminum, flux cord, and solid wire. When you compare to other units, this is the best TIG welder.
Backed by excellent service and warranty, this welder offers extraordinary power at 205 AMP. The construction is perfect, and it’s lightweight. The compactness makes it portable and enables you to use it for your outdoor projects.
If you have large volumes of welding projects, you can opt for this Machine since it has a voltage control feature. Thus, this solves the problem of over or under voltage.
It’s also ideal for DIY projects since the package comes with everything you need to get started. Although it’s intended for someone with experience, you can get your hands around it quickly.
We recommend this Machine since it’s a great value, versatile, and will perform remarkably.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Uses IGBT technology
Versatility
Compact design
[/i2pros][i2cons]The manual is not easy to understand[/i2cons][/i2pc]
PRIMEWELD CT520DP Welder
PRIMEWELD CT520DP is a versatile welding machine suitable for plasma cutting, TIG, and stick welding. With this welder, you can cut anything for your hobby projects and industrial use. Currently, it’s far much better when you compare with expensive units.
The plasma cutting function delivers a quick and clean cut on any metal irrespective of the size and make. For instance, you can use it to cut stainless steel, copper, titanium, aluminum, nickel alloys, and much more. It uses pilot arc technology that allows for consistent and precise welding.
It’s also useful in cutting cast iron without prior application of heat. Besides, it produces accurate cuts and does not wrap or affect the other metal.
This Machine is a perfect combination since the TIG and professional MIG welders are separate. Similarly, the plasma cutter makes it a reliable tool since if one part fails, the other can still do the work.
You can use it for your projects at home, industry, and outdoors functions. The lightweight designs offer convenience in terms of portability and storage.
We recommend the PrimeWeld CT520DP since it will save you time since you can use it for all your cutting needs. Likewise, you will save money since it’s a three in one machine that will meet your welding needs.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Delivers clean cuts
Lightweight
Saves on money and time
Multi-purpose
[/i2pros][i2cons]Does not come with a manual[/i2cons][/i2pc]
HITBOX TIG Welder Inverter Argon Digital TIG Welding
The advantage of an easy arc start is the ability of the weld to generate a faster heat response during cutting. It consequently means that they have a reliable starting such that they won’t strike the metal instantly and thus will burn for long. This is the kind of benefit you’ll get by choosing the HITBOX TIG Welder.
This Machine uses IGBT technology, which guarantees a steady and reliable performance. In addition, the inverter feature is stable and accelerates performance. The HIT box is both a TIG wilder and cheap Stick welder, which comes with a TIG torch, electric holder, gas hose and clamp.
It’s an excellent portable welder, small in size and weight, yet powerful with an amperage of 180 amps. It comes with a long cord, and therefore you can use it across the room for your convenience. Moreover, due to the lightweight, you can use it for your outdoor projects.
We recommend the HITBOX TIG Welder since it’s a high quality, reliable, and versatile welder that will do the job perfectly. You are assured of quality welding, and the whole set up is compact and portable.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Versatile
High quality
Comes with several accessories
Powerful welding
[/i2pros][i2cons]May not be suitable for large projects[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Weldpro Digital TIG 200GD Welder
Weldpro Digital TIG 200GD Welder is not just for welding hard metals like steel or aluminum. It’s an innovative machine riding on the digital platform to guarantee you a quick and easy operation. We choose this unit since it’s the best TIG welder for aluminum.
Although it costs more than other options under 1000, it has several features like those found on premium welders. For instance, it has a digital display where you can easily view the settings. Also, as a home user, you’ll find it easier to adapt to this Machine.
It’s a professional device with a foot pedal with little or no interference from the amperage. The torch is universal and features a dual voltage. Therefore you can use it at home and at the workshop.
With little effort, the Weldpro Digital delivers a high-quality cutting within a short duration. It’s a versatile machine that you can use for TIG and stick welding.
The compact nature makes it ideal for use at home, workplace, and outdoors. Storage is also not an issue, and you can keep it amongst your other items without crowding your work area. The package comes with everything you need, such as a clamp, electrode holder, cord, and much more.
We recommend the Weldpro due to its versatility, digital function, and reliability.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Advanced digital Machine
Versatility
Has a foot pedal
Double voltage
[/i2pros][i2cons]A bit expensive than other TIG welders below 1000[/i2cons][/i2pc]
2018 AHP AlphaTIG 200X 200
Just like the Weldpro, the 2018 AHP AlphaTIG 200X 200 costs more than most options below 1000. However, if you are looking for power, performance, and reliability, then you can consider this Machine. Costing slightly above 700 dollars, this welder is a deal-breaker that will give you value for money.
For a machine that features a sleek design, you’ll be surprised to note that it performs exceptionally well compared to some high-end elders on the market. You’ll love the inverter technology, which ensures there is precision or accurate welding.
We cannot forget the IGTB technology, which is present in most pricey machines for steady and reliable performance.
Performance extends to an easy start process whereby it heats gradually and therefore saves on power due to controlled heating. The foot pedals ensure your hands are free, and thus you can have total control when working on your project.
That’s not all if you are a home user; this Machine has a dual voltage that converts AC to DC. Therefore you can use safely without worrying too much about over or under voltage.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Has a foot pedal
Reliable start
Uses IGBT technology
Great value for money
[/i2pros][i2cons]Slightly heavier[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Amico Power 200 AMP TIG Welder
The Amico Power 200 AMP TIG Welder is a modestly priced machine with a dual power voltage of 115V/230 V. It is one of the best TIG welders under 1000, and you will be impressed by the lightweight design since it only weighs a partly 25 pounds. It’s a small machine, yet capable of yielding much power, quite versatile for several operations.
The Amico Power comes with a small instruction guide that you can read before starting to use it. If you are starting, this is the best TIG welder for beginners, and you’ll have an easy time adapting.
The package also contains an argon regulator, cords, and clamp, and for the low price, you’ll get incredible value.
The compact design makes it useful for small jobs around the house, and if you have some little fixing to do, you’ll be amazed at what this little buzzer can do. When it comes to practicality when working on your metal pieces, it travels steadily to deliver a clean job.
We recommend the Amico power, which, despite its incredibly low energy, is a reliable welder that will handle several welding jobs.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Great price, good value
Lightweight
Easy to use
Versatile
[/i2pros][i2cons]Some parts not easy to find replacements, e.g., the gas hose[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Forney 324 MIG/Stick/TIG 3-in-one
The Forney 324 welder is yet another powerful machine that we would recommend for your MIG, Stick, and TIG welding. The price may be too close to $1000; however, that shouldn’t scare you away. Because it’s a three in one unit, you will get more value instead of purchasing different units.
Although it’s one machine for three functions, it’s easy to operate, more so when starting. Three switches make it easier to change from one function to another. Furthermore, there is a meter for the regulation of the amount of gas you need for your tasks.
The quality is top-notch since its build of premium mental and can only allow a voltage of 115/220. You may use a spoon gun, foot pedal, and TIG torch with this Machine.
We highly recommend the Forney 324 since it’s high quality, versatile, and easy to use Machine. It’s not surprising that the Forney is one of the highly sought welding machines on the market.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Three in one unit thus a money saver
Easy to operate
High quality
[/i2pros][i2cons]The package doesn’t include TIG welding accessories[/i2cons][/i2pc]
2019 Everlast PowerTIG 85 DV AC/DC TIG Stick Welder
The 2019 Everlast PowerTIG is a compact and lightweight welding machine you can use for your indoor and outdoor projects. It features the IGBT technology, which ensures steady and reliable performance. Similarly, the Inverter technology allows for dual voltage at 185 AMP.
To add to the above, it’s a durable machine that comes with a five-year warranty. Although the price is a bit high, it has a duty cycle of 35%. This cycle is a bit lower when you compare to other machines within the same range.
This Machine is versatile for use on any metal, and you can use it for TIG and stick welding. The long cable and other accessories make it convenient to use where the power outlet is located further away.
We recommend the Everlast welder due to its versatility and the fact that you can use it on any metal. This quality will save you money and time.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Easy to use
High quality
Reliable
Versatility
Use IGBT and Inverter technology
[/i2pros][i2cons]Has a lower duty cycle[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Things to consider when buying a TIG welder
The following factors will guide you when shopping for a TIG welder for your projects.
Pulse welding
Tungsten Inert Gas welding is generally used for welding aluminum alloys instead of sticks, which produce a poor quality weld.
Pulse TIG welding is used in difficult joints. It’s also used on thin metal, which is likely to burn. Therefore this controls the heat when welding.
It’s also applicable in stainless steel products, which are likely to rust when exposed to too much heat. The strength depends on the high pulse rate. Welding is, therefore, faster, smooth, and clean.
With the best pulsing technology, it’ll take less time to do fantastic and clean excellent welds. It’s also applicable in nuclear works, piping, and other high profile quality goods.
Metal thickness
TIG is capable of lowering the amperage to accommodate the fragile metal. It would otherwise be disadvantaged by ordinary welding sticks, which would generate too much heat to the metal. Therefore it may not be suitable on ½ inch material due to the thickness.
Power output
High-frequency TIG welders offer a power range of between 120 and 200 HZ. The AC or DC depends on the type of metal that’s being welded. Steel and stainless would require DC output, and magnesium would need AC output.
However, a combined CC/CV welder may be chosen where you want to apply MIG alongside the TIG. Once in a while, you may be at a crossroads deciding whether you need TIG welding aluminum AC or DC for your projects. However, for small projects, DC TIG welding aluminum would be appropriate.
Portability
Portability depends on the weight of the Machine. The lighter the Machine, the better since you can carry it around for field maintenance, construction sites, and pipe welding.
Smaller ones weigh about 40-50 pounds in contrast to larger ones, which weigh 100 pounds and are not portable. Smaller ones are versatile in doing smaller jobs. A portable one is ideal if your job entails moving from one place to another.
Duty cycle
The length of time when using a welder without overheating is essential. Duty cycles are usually based on 10 minutes. For instance, a duty cycle may be rated at 60%, depending on its amp. It would mean it’ll run for six minutes before resuming the welding.
Features of a TIG welder
Pedal
A pedal enables you to control the heat when working on your project. The foot pedal should be adjustable and comfortable to the foot. Further, it should not incline at a sharp angle but gently to allow a comfortable footrest.
Torch cooling system
Welder’s torch cooling system has two classifications, air-cooled or water-cooled. With high power output, the torch becomes warmer though it may be comfortable for some users. Water-cooled torches are more popular as they are not prone to excessive heating.
The Arc
Cheaper TIG welders do not have a stable arc, and this affects the quality of the weld. There are pricey TIG welders capable of producing quality and neat work.
Plasma cutter & stick welding options
A TIG welder with extra features is more versatile and will save you the time of leaving your shop to have your metals cut.
Where it has a capacity of both stick welding and plasma cutting, you’ll cut metals and still stick them together to suit your needs.
Common Mistakes When Purchasing TIG Welders
If you have never used a TIG welder before, it’s essential to know everything about it to avoid some common mistakes. Below here, we’ll expound on these mistakes and how to avoid them.
Unable to use the arc
Striking the arc is not an easy task, more so for a beginner. Most beginners will either lift it far from the metal or close. There’s a need to position the arc precisely on the metal surface.
Dirty materials
A dirty unit is one common mistake that beginners often encounter. Failure to clean the welder can lead to its deterioration. New users also do not usually clean the fillers or metals. It’s essential to clean your machine off dirt, oxidization, and grease as this protects it and guarantees durability.
Stained stainless steel
Sometimes you will find that stainless steel may have a discoloration caused by excess heat and exposure to oxygen. This metal can’t be used during welding, and most often, you’ll find newbie users using such metal.
Excess amp on Aluminum metal
Aluminum metal does not require excess amperage. It can cause a burn right through the metal and cause damage. However, this is a common mistake by new users.
Confusion between AC and DC
Most users, mostly beginners, usually use AC instead of DC or DC instead of AC. For TIG welding, there should be a clear distinction to prevent damaging the metal.
Conclusion
What is the best TIG welder? From the above discussion, a TIG welder is a useful machine for your projects. It’s a must-have device both at home and at the workshop. However, due to the high cost of these machines, some people shy away from buying them and hire professional welders to do simple metallic repairs.
The good news is that affordable welders cost below 1000 that will give you value for money. From the review, there’s no doubt that the best TIG welder under 1000 is rated high in terms of performance, design, power capacity, and reliability.
It’s our hope that this review has been resourceful, and now you can shop with confidence.