There was a time when, like many professions, welding was one of the professions people used to learn to earn their daily bread and support the family.
However, today, both males and females alike are learning welding as a home welder or hobbyist. For many hobby enthusiasts, welding is a way to bring out the artist in them and possibly make it their profession.
If you are looking out for the best budget, medium-scale, or even a professional TIG welder, you are in the right place.
After careful research and study, we have compiled a list of aluminum TIG welders to meet the requirements of both hobbyists who want to become medium-level fabricators and professionals.
Take a look at our aluminum TIG welder reviews and see which one could be your next TIG welder! Let us begin.
Best Aluminum Welder in 2024
- Lincoln Electric Square Wave TIG 200 (Best Welder For Aluminum Overall)
- Everlast Power TIG 210 TIG Welder (Runner Up)
- PRIMEWELD TIG225X TIG Welder (Best TIG Welder for the Money)
- AHP AlphaTIG 200X TIG Welder (Best Aluminum TIG Welder for Beginners)
- Weldpro Digital TIG 200GD (Best Aluminum TIG Welder Under 1000)
- LOTOS TIG200 TIG Welder (Best Cheap Aluminum Welder)
Best Welder for Aluminum Overall
Lincoln Electric Square Wave TIG 200 TIG Welder
Lincoln Electric Square Wave 200 is a portable TIG and stick welding machine that is suitable for hobbyists, craftsmen, small fabricators, and professionals.
Square wave 200 is made in the USA. This is a moderate weight (46 pounds) welder; you can take it anywhere and plug it into 120 V or 230 V to start welding.
The welder provides smooth welding on aluminum, and the DC TIG provides smooth welding on steel, stainless steel, and alloy steel. The machine comes with a user-friendly interface.
Lincoln Square Wave 200 is an excellent TIG machine for aluminum; users can easily adjust AC Frequency Control for a wider or tighter welding bead.
The AC Balance can be adjusted to provide more cleaning action on dirty aluminum or maximize penetration on thick materials.
The welder features a high-frequency start for aluminum welding, a pulse mode that helps you become a better and faster TIG welder, and a TIG 200 feature that allows you to learn welding skills and grow into a professional.
Lincoln offers three years limited warranty with this welder.
Pros
• Can weld aluminum and steels, stainless steel, and other metals.
• Good portability (46 pounds weight).
• User-friendly interface.
• Dual voltage 120 V/230 V.
• Foot-operated amperes control.
• Reputed and reliable brand.
• Dual welder AC/DC TIG and DC stick.
• Useful for hobbyists, craftsmen, and fabricators.
Cons
• Expensive welder. Beginners and hobbyists may not afford this machine.
• More adjustability is needed when welding thin metals.
Items Received with the Welder
• Gas regulator/flowmeter and 10 feet hose.
• Gas hose kit 200 A Stick Electrode Holder.
• Ground clamp and cable.
• 120 and 230 V input cords.
• Foot Amptrol™ 25 feet. (6 pin) K870
• PTA 17-F TIG Torch Ready -Pak® (12.5 feet 1 pc) K1782-14.
Welder Specifications
Make: Lincoln Electric.
Have sales and service in the USA: Yes, this product is manufactured in the USA.
Model: Square Wave TIG 200
Input voltage (V): I Phase 120 V/230 V.
Process type: AC and DC TIG & SMAW (Stick) welding machine.
Current output range TIG: 10-125 A (120 V) or 10-200 A (230 V).
High Frequency (HF) start: Yes.
Pulse range: 0.1 – 20 pulses per second.
Duty cycle: 25% at 125 A, 40% at 100 A, and 60% at 85 A.
Dimensions and weight: 14ʺ×10.75ʺ×19.25ʺ & 46 pounds.
Runner Up
Everlast Power TIG 210 EXT TIG Welder
Everlast Power TIG 210 is a branded medium-range TIG welder for beginners, hobbyists, small and medium fabricators, and professionals. The welder IGBT technology provides standard type pulse features for AC and DC welding and advanced special pulse for AC welding.
The welder features 3 AC waveforms, advanced square wave, soft square wave, and triangular wave for extra control during aluminum welding. With the activation of AC advanced pulse, the unit may be capable of welding more than 1/2ʺ of aluminum.
The digital microprocessor control gives precise control and management of all the parameters and functions of welding. The microprocessor control increases productivity, weld quality, and the ability to make precise settings.
This welder has two pulse modes; standard and advanced pulse allow control during welding of thin aluminum and higher penetration on the thick aluminum plate. All these controls appear confusing, but they are simpler to use.
Everlast Power TIG 210 has programmable memory, adjustable AC frequency, and adjustable AC balance control. Besides, heavy-duty HF (High frequency) arc starts in TIG, reducing the maintenance issues found in traditional HF.
This unit may seem to have a complex list of features, however, it is pretty straightforward due to the intuitive design that helps quick and easy to set up even for hobbyists.
Everlast welder comes with five years limited warranty, ensuring you have hassle-free welding for five full years.
Pros
• Programmable memory.
• 3 AC waveforms- advanced square wave, soft square wave, and triangular wave.
• 5-year limited warranty.
• Heavy-duty HF (High frequency) arc start.
• Dual voltage 110 V/220 V.
• Dual-process AC/DC TIG and DC stick.
• Both standard and advanced AC Pulse.
• Brand reputation.
Cons
• The settings and controls can be overwhelming for a beginner.
Items Received with the Welder
• 9 Air-cooled and 26 Air-cooled series TIG Torch, 12.5 feet (35 DINSE Type Connector).
• Work clamp 10 feet (35 DINSE Type Connector).
• Electrode Holder 10 feet (35 DINSE Type Connector).
• 240 V to 120 V adopter.
• Foot pedal.
• Regulator.
Welder Specifications
Make: Everlast Welders – Canada.
Have sales and service in the USA: Yes, they have an office in the USA.
Model: TIG 210 EXT.
Input voltage (V): I Phase 110 V/220 V.
Process type: AC and DC TIG & DC SMAW (Stick) welding machine
Rated current A (TIG): 120 V: 21A. 240V:19A.
High Frequency (HF) start: Yes (heavy-duty).
TIG current range: 120 V: AC-5-125 A / DC-3-125 A – 240 V: AC-5-210 A / DC-3-210 A.
Pulse frequency Hz: DC: 1-500 Hz – AC: 1-250 Hz – Advanced AC: 1-9.9 Hz.
Duty cycle TIG: 120 V-35% @125 A. 240 V-35% @ 210 A
Dimensions and weight: 24ʺ×9ʺ×17ʺ & 60 pounds.
Best TIG Welder for the Money
PRIMEWELD TIG225X 225 Amp IGBT AC/DC TIG/Stick Welder
PRIMEWELD TIG225X is one of the best TIG welders for the money for beginners, hobbyists, and small fabricators.
The welder comes with CK Worldwide 17 Series Superflex TIG Torch with Flex Head and accessories, selector switch for TIG/stick, 2T/4T, and AC/DC polarity change option.
PrimeWeld TIG225X 225 features a pulse function that works well for welding aluminum, stainless steel, and thin metals. Besides, high frequency (HF) start, remote (foot pedal) current control enable ease of welding, and advanced inverter technology with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) and Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBT).
The PrimeWeld TIG 225X AC/DC TIG welder is a versatile welding machine. You can use it for different welding projects like vehicle bodies, metal furniture, water tanks, or metal fence. You can use it for welding aluminum and get quality welds.
DC TIG provides the low temperature needed when welding thin metals like car bodies and sheet metals. On the other hand, you can use this AC/DC 225 amperes TIG welder for welding metals up to ½ inch thick.
PrimeWeld provides seven days per week support and three years warranty with this machine.
Pros
• Dual power 110V/220V.
• Dual-process AC/DC TIG and DC Stick.
• CK Worldwide 17 Series Superflex TIG Torch with Flex Head and CK Superflex hose also includes CK dense connector.
• Foot pedal amperage control.
• HF (high frequency) start for TIG.
• 2T/4T modes.
• Compact and light weight (40.7 Lbs.).
Cons
• Reliability over a long period is unknown.
Items Received with the Welder
• CK Worldwide 17 Series Superflex TIG Torch with Flex Head and CK Superflex hose also includes CK dense connector.
• Ground clamp with 12 feet cable.
• Electrode holder with 12 feet cable.
• 220 V to 110 V power adopter.
• Foot pedal amperage control.
• Gas regulator.
• TIG torch consumables kit.
• Argon hose.
• Handhold mask and hammer brush.
• Torch switch.
Welder Specifications
Make: PRIMEWELD.
Have sales and service in the USA: Yes.
Model: TIG 225X AC/DC TIG Welder.
Input voltage (V): I Phase 110 V/220 V.
Process type: AC and DC TIG & SMAW (Stick).
Rated output current TIG: 140 A (110 V) or 225 A (220 V).
High Frequency (HF) start: Yes.
Pulse frequency-low: 0.5 Hz to 10 Hz.
Pulse frequency-High: 10 Hz to 200 Hz.
Duty cycle: 40 to 100% based on voltage and current.
Dimensions and weight: 27.76ʺ×11.8ʺ×22.24ʺ & 40.7 pounds.
Best Aluminum TIG Welder for Beginners
AHP AlphaTIG 200X 200 Amp IGBT AC DC TIG/Stick Welder
AHP AlphaTIG 200X is a medium-budget welder for beginner welders, hobbyists, and fabricators.
The AlphaTIG 200X features a fully controlled LCD screen, fully adjustable AC frequency, and AC balance settings which improve penetration, enhance tungsten life, arc cone, and etching width.
Besides, the welder features 2T/4T function, Advanced Inverter Technology with PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) Using IGBT technology, HF (high frequency) starting feature for TIG, and foot pedal control for current.
The welder has fully adjustable AC frequency and AC balance settings, and it can TIG weld 1/4ʺ aluminum and 3/8ʺ mild steel.
AHP AlphaTIG 200X comes with three years limited warranty.
Pros
• Dual voltage 120 V/240 V.
• AC/DC TIG welder and stick welder.
• High-frequency TIG start.
• Can weld aluminum, steel, stainless steel, and other metals.
• Good machine for a beginner hobbyist or a professional fabricator in this price range.
• Pulse frequency 0.5 to 200 Hz.
Cons
• Long-term reliability is unknown.
• The ground clamp supplied with the welder may break quickly.
Items Received with the Welder
• Rotating head 9/17 TIG Torch (12.5 feet, 35-70 DINSE Connection, 9 mm quick connect).
• Stick welder (9 feet).
• Ground clamp (6 feet).
• Nova foot pedal.
• Argon regulator.
• 110 V plug adaptor.
• Basic consumable kit (does not include tungsten).
Welder Specifications
Make: ALPHA.
Have sales and service in the USA: Yes, they have an office in the USA.
Model: Alpha TIG 200X.
Input voltage (V): I Phase 110 V/220 V.
Process type: AC and DC TIG & SMAW (Stick) welding machine.
Output current regulation A (TIG): 10-150 A (110 V) or 10-200 A (220 V).
High Frequency (HF) start: Yes.
2T/4T mode: Yes.
Pulse frequency Hz: 0.5 to 10 and 10 to 100.
Welding thickness: 1/4ʺ aluminum & 3/8ʺ steel.
Duty cycle: 60% -100% depending on amperes and voltage.
Dimensions and weight: 30ʺ×12ʺ×24.5ʺ & 67 pounds.
Best Aluminum TIG Welder Under 1000
Weldpro Digital TIG 200GD AC/DC 200 Amp TIG/Stick Welder
Weldpro Digital TIG 200GD is another medium-budget TIG welder for beginners, hobbyists, and small fabricators. The TIG 200 AC/DC welder is an inverter-based TIG welder, and this utilizes advanced inverter technology, IGBT circuits, and PWM technology.
The welder features dual voltage 110 V/220 V, HF (high frequency) TIG start, and comes with a professionally designed rocker-style foot pedal for amperage control.
This welder is capable of TIG welding with AC or DC current. The user can use DC current for welding carbon steel, stainless steel, and other metals and AC current for welding aluminum and aluminum alloys.
TIG 200 GD is equipped with full function TIG welding features, start and end current (amperes), upslope, downslope, fully adjustable pulse, AC balance, AC frequency, and 2T-4T.
Weldpro Digital TIG 200GD has an optional CK Worldwide Superflex cable and flex head number 17F torch with an independent trigger switch.
This welder comes with three years limited warranty.
Pros
• CK17 Superflex head Weldpro torch.
• Dual voltage 110 V/220 V.
• 2T & 4T modes.
• Can weld aluminum, steel, stainless steel, and other metals.
• Dual welder AC/DC TIG and DC stick
• HF (high frequency) start.
• Has foot pedal.
Cons
• Long-term reliability is unknown.
• Only HF (high frequency) start and no option for ‘lift TIG’ start.
Items Received with the Welder
• Gas hose.
• Flowmeter.
• Foot pedal.
• Power adaptor.
• Trigger button.
• CK17 Superflex head Weldpro torch.
• Weldpro CK 17 torch protection cover.
• Electrode holder: 5 AWG×15 feet cable, 35-50 quick connector.
• 5 AWG×10 feet cable, 35-50 quick connector. 300 A T-shape ground clamp.
• 3/32ʺ collet, 3/32ʺ collet body, Electrode pure tungsten green 3/32ʺ, Electrode 2% Thoriated red 3/32ʺ, long back cap, ceramic nozzle # 4,5, and 6.
Welder Specifications
Make: Weldpro.
Have sales and service in the USA: Yes, they have an office in the USA.
Model: Weldpro Digital 200 GD.
Input voltage (V): 110 V/220 V 50/60 Hz.
Process type: AC and DC TIG & SMAW (Stick) welding machine.
High Frequency (HF) start TIG: Yes.
TIG amperes range: 5-200 amperes.
Pulse frequency Hz: 0.5 to 200.
2T/4T: Yes.
Duty cycle: 40% at full amperage for DC TIG and 60% duty cycle for AC TIG.
Dimensions and weight: 17.6ʺ×7.9ʺ×16ʺ & 31.3 pounds.
Best Cheap Aluminum Welder
LOTOS TIG200 AC/DC 200A AC/DC TIG Welder
LOTOS TIG200 AC/DC 200A is an affordable welder that provides industrial quality welds; it is suitable for professional, beginners, and hobbyist welders.
The welder comes with an AC Square wave inverter that gives accurate aluminum welds and a simple array of controls (amperes, pre flow, post flow, etc.) that helps you to set the welder accurately.
The welder features dual voltage 110 V/220 V, HF (high frequency) start for TIG, and accurate foot pedal welding (amperes) control for welding aluminum, mild steel, stainless steel, and other metals.
This welder is capable of TIG welding with AC or DC current. The user can use DC current for welding carbon steel, stainless steel, and other metals and AC current for welding aluminum and aluminum alloys.
LOTOS TIG200 can weld mild steel with a thickness of 3/8ʺ, besides, it is capable of welding stainless steel and aluminum.
The only concern with the machine is its one-year limited warranty, though most customers’ review is positive and encouraging. However, it would be better to have more than a year of warranty like other top-rated welders.
Pros
• Affordable welder for a professional welder as well as a weekend hobbyist welder.
• Square wave for accurate welding of aluminum.
• Can weld aluminum, mild steel, stainless steel, and other metals.
• Dual voltage 110 V/220 V.
• Dual welder AC/DC TIG and DC stick.
• HF (high frequency) start for TIG.
• Welding thickness 3/8ʺ.
• Foot pedal amperes control.
Cons
• Long-term reliability is unknown.
• Slightly heavy (58 pounds).
• Controls are a bit confusing.
• Only one-year limited warranty.
Items Received with the Welder
• TIG torch TT 132 (13 feet long 2 pin connection).
• Stick welding electrode holder 9 feet long.
• Ground cable and clamp (6 feet long).
• Argon regulator AR 03.
• Foot pedal FP23 (3 prong connection).
• TIG torch accessories include 2 pieces of shield cups, 2 collets, 1 collet body, and 1 DC Tungsten Electrode.
• Wire brush.
• Owner’s Manual.
Welder Specifications
Make: LOTOS.
Have sales and service in the USA: Yes, they have an office in the USA.
Model: LOTOS TIG 200 AC/DC.
Input voltage (V): 110 V/220 V 50/60 Hz.
Process type: AC and DC TIG & DC SMAW (Stick) welding machine.
Output current regulation A (TIG): 10-200 Amperes AC and DC.
High Frequency (HF) start TIG: Yes.
Maximum welding thickness: 3/8ʺ (mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and other metals).
Duty cycle: 60 to 100% depending on amperes and voltage.
Dimensions and weight: 28ʺ×13ʺ×17ʺ & 58 pounds.
TIG Welders Buying Guide
How to choose an affordable and high quality TIG welding machine? We are giving you a few tips that may help making the decision easy and simple.
Before you start looking for TIG welder:
Welding is not a complex trade to learn; however, it is essential to understand that it is not safe to use a welding machine without learning its basics and understanding the risks. Learn welding from an experienced professional welder or your friend who has experience in welding.
Consider the following before you explore and decide on your TIG welder
What do you aim to do?
You have to consider how you want to use the welder. Do you want to pursue TIG welding as a home welder or hobbyist, or are you planning to use it in your current profession? A straightforward thought on this will help your decision-making.
What metals do you want to weld?
The weldability of metals (mild steel, carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and other metals) depends on the machine’s capability. Some TIG machines are capable of welding aluminum, and some may not.
Another thing is the thickness of the metal. It would be best to consider the metal thickness you will weld since this decides the range of current (amperage) required in the welder. Clarity on these things is vital to select the correct machine.
Where do you want to use your Aluminum TIG machine?
You will get TIG machines working on 220 or 110 volts or 110 V and 220 V (dual working). With dual working 110 V/220 V, you can do your projects at your home or workshop.
What is your budget?
Either you can go for cheap TIG machines that cost around USD 500 or go for a middle-level TIG machine that can cost you under USD 1000. Another option is going for moderately high-end branded TIG machines (USD 2500 or more).
The advantage of cheap machines is you can afford to make some mistakes as a beginner, and you may not worry much if something happens to the machine. One negative fact about cheap TIG machines is they may not be built to last longer.
Also, you need to remember that you cannot start TIG welding the moment you receive the machine. Depending on the machine you purchase and its supply scope, you have to spend on tungsten electrodes, argon gas, and other items.
Duty cycle
Duty cycle means the total length of time you can operate the welder without overheating it. Usually, a 10 minutes cycle is considered. If your TIG welder says 30% duty cycle at 200 amperes, it means you can weld for 3 minutes continuously and then allow it to cool for 7 minutes. Evaluate your need and understand this feature before making your decision.
The next question is multi-process welder or only TIG welder?
Today you can buy welding machines that can do welding by more than one process. There are welding machines that can do TIG and stick, or TIG, MIG, stick, etc.
All multi-process machines are strong in one primary welding process with more features, followed by a secondary one with comparatively fewer features. Here, you have to decide your priority; the priority can be primarily for TIG or MIG and other secondary processes.
Weight and portability
Portability becomes essential if you plan to use it in more than one place (like home and workshop). The weight of the equipment is an important factor here.
Warranty
Warranty is another crucial factor. Please study and understand the guarantee period and guarantee clauses clearly, ask for clarifications from the supplier if you are in doubt.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best use of TIG welding?
TIG welding can be used for welding many metals like carbon steels, stainless steels, aluminum, etc. However, its clean and hygienic welding is better utilized for welding stainless steel parts and accessories required in chemical, food, and other industries.
TIG is capable of welding thin metals. TIG can also be used for the welding of car and motorcycle sheet metal parts.
What is the welding current used in TIG welding?
You can operate the TIG welding with both AC and DC, with a drooping constant current power source. The level of the current used depends on the type of metal and its thickness.
Can you weld aluminum with a DC TIG welder?
No. aluminum is usually welded with an AC TIG welder.
When should I use air-cooled and water-cooled TIG torches?
The use of an air-cooled or water-cooled TIG torch depends on the welding current. With the low-rated current (up to 150 amps), welding torches are usually air-cooled, and the higher-rated ones (more than 150 amps) are water-cooled.
Can I use TIG welding for outdoor work?
No, it is not advisable to use TIG welding for outdoor work. The turbulence in the surrounding air disturbs the shielding gas, and welding quality will be bad.
Our final verdict
In the above article, we have reviewed the top-selling and best TIG welders on the market, we equipped you with helpful tips to assist in making a wise decision and the best selection based on your aims and your project requirements.
Each TIG welder is reviewed in detail to help you understand the machine, and finally, we have answered a few frequently asked questions to help you.
Whatever brand you pick, regardless of its popularity, you’ll come across some negative opinions about it. However, that doesn’t mean every brand is alike.
To determine the most reliable TIG welder on the market, you must compare the essential features you are looking for and your project requirements.
Some of the welders are a bit expensive. However, if you put in some hard work, you may be able to recover your investment within a short time. We hope our reviews will help you find your next TIG welder!
Also checkout: Best TIG Welders On The Market in 2024 – Reviews And Buying Guide
