by James Anderson | Last Updated on February 17, 2023
Whether welding is your career or hobby, with the market overflowing with TIG Welders of all sorts, we understand it can be a bit intimidating to find your ideal match.
Fortunately, we are here to make your buying decision easier by helping you find the Best Budget TIG Welder under $500. Fine welding can cost you time, but it doesn’t have to cost a ton of money.
We have scoured the internet to find the most affordable TIG Welder with the best value for your money. Hold your breath because you will be hearing welding bells by the end of this article!
Table of Contents
Reviews of the 7 Best Budget TIG Welder under $500:
1. Amico TIG-225HF TIG/Stick Welder – Top Budget Pick
Amico TIG-225HF is our pick for the best and premium TIG Welder under $500. There are plenty of reasons behind this machine being our first choice. The machine comes with powerful arc stability, two power outlets, automatic cooling, and a superior IGBT inverter.
Welding is not confined to any place and that’s probably what the manufacturers kept in mind while designing Amico TIG-225HF. Since it’s so versatile, it works well on home projects just as well.
Key Features:
- Fit for multiple uses since it comes with 115- and 230-volt outlets.
- Due to its durable and lasting components, it is fit to survive even in the toughest environments with minimum maintenance.
- It comes with an automatic cooling feature, so you do not have to worry about temperature control.
- This is a commercial level machine, its high-frequency and high-voltage arcs are easy to operate and ensure 100% impeccability.
- This product has flexible operations that make it eligible to operate on heavy-duty projects and domestic projects alike.
2. PowerArc 140ST 40 Amp TIG Welder
PowerArc 140ST could have easily been our top pick, given its ability to perform so well while being small and compact. Don’t let the size fool you; the arc stability of this one can give the most commercial TIG welders a run for their money.
This welder is the perfect choice for beginners because of its ease of use, auto adaptive start, and low energy consumption.
Key Features:
- This device is built for Stick and TIG methods of steel and stainless welding.
- This product consumes low power, which means the operation cost will be relatively low.
- The startup process is easy to figure out, even for beginners.
- Industry-standard class Duty Cycle: 35% at 140A.
- 17V series that has a manual gas valve built into the torch handle.
- It comes with a digital display, making it easy to keep track of current usage, current setting, and repeatability.
3. PrimeWeld CT-520D TIG Welder
This machine’s most remarkable function is that apart from welding, it can assist you with cutting and welding different types of metals with its 50A plasma function.
If you are looking for that seamless finish on the workpiece or on the hunt for a welder for minor repair works, the 200A stick welder is the right decision. Be it welding or cutting metals with industry-level precision, PrimeWeld CT-520D has got you covered.
Key Features:
- Seamless switching between DC Stick welder, DC arc welder, TIG welder, and plasma cutter.
- With a 200A TIG torch, you can easily weld narrow pieces of magnesium, aluminum, stainless steel, and copper alloys.
- The 3 in 1 function of this welding machine means it comes with a handful of cutting and welding functions.
- TIG features contain a power frequency input within 50Hz and 60 Hz and a power frequency percentage of 58%.
- Duty cycle: 60% at maximum amps on all functions.
4. Amico TIG-160DC TIG Welder
This one has genuinely impressed us with its powerful capabilities and multi-purpose functionality. It offers something the above three mentioned products failed to offer- Amico TIG-160D can be even used for traditional electric welding!
The stick function and the digital dial on this one are highly praised by its users. The machine comes with the most advanced inverter technology that is made to deliver excellent performance. All these features at such a low price are sure to blow your mind!
Key Features:
- Strong welding up to 3/8″ stainless, alloy and mild steel, copper, and other color metal.
- Duty Cycle: 60% @ 160A for both 230v and 110v, and that is more than enough power to carry out all sorts of welding projects.
- The output power is 25.2v and 26.4v, respectively, making it simple and effortless to manage the arc for accurate welds.
- It comes with full-sized TIG and Stick platforms.
5. EVERLAST PowerARC 160STH TIG Welder
Are you a welding novice? Don’t fret because this is the perfect low-cost welding machine for you! This high-quality welder requires almost time to learn. The dials and settings on this one ensure ease of use that is hard to find elsewhere.
Just because it is easy to use doesn’t mean it has limited functionality. It’s actually on the contrary. Everlast PowerArc 160STH comes with two power outputs, 110 and 220 volts, and a powerful stick welder that makes welding seamless and fun.
Key Features:
- The digital display control ensures reliability and accuracy. It simplifies internal circuitry while reducing maintenance and boosting long term serviceability options.
- Duty Cycle: 35% at 160A, which means it is best suited for low-productive tasks.
- It has dual voltage options: 110v and 220v
- It comes with two TIG welding options, DC and STICK.
- It consumes low power, which means you can weld without worrying about energy wastage or additional expenses.
- The IGBT inverter offers simple, auto adaptive hot start for refined arc striking.
6. YESWELDER TIG-205DS HF TIG/Stick/Arc Welder
This is another good choice for people looking for budget-friendly welders. Almost the most inexpensive gadget, Yeswelder TIG-205DS has an amperage range of 15-200 amps, which is very good for welding thin materials.
This welding machine is ideal for home projects and welding enthusiasts just starting. It is a reliable tool for professionals and beginners alike. What’s unique about this product is that it offers protection against voltage discrepancies and current overload.
Key Features:
- This model is made for high-frequency TIG torch with Stick Arc welding.
- High-frequency arc starting improves tungsten life and guarantees a startup at 100%
- It comes with automated temperature control, powerful fan, digital amperage control, and it can be used by all generators.
- Duty Cycle: 60% @ 205A
- IGBT soft switch technology ensures excellent Arc stability, and it comes with 15-200 amps, which offers a very effective weld for thin workpieces
- Mechanized protection for voltage alteration, over-voltage, under-voltage, overcurrent, and overload protection.
7. SUNGOLDPOWER 200Amp TIG Welder
At the bottom of our list is the Sungoldpower TIG200. New age technology has made everything expensive, but not this powerhouse of a welding machine. It has amazing features magnified by advanced technology, and yet it is affordable.
This device is yet another proof that you don’t have to spend a lot to get good quality welders. At only 22 pounds, the device is highly portable. With its superior cooling feature, you never have to worry about overheating.
Key Features:
- It can work undeterred against input voltage fluctuation for welding various metals such as steel, copper, brass, stainless steel, nickel alloys, bronze, etc.
- It has an inverter welder ideal for high-frequency TIG DC welding.
- It can weld steel, stainless steel, nickel alloys, copper, brass, and bronze.
- It has a fan cooling system and a LED display.
- Single voltage 220v input
- It is preferred for both professionals or personal use as it has a lightweight profile and sturdy components.
Related Article: Top TIG welder’s just under $1000
Buyers Guide: Things to Consider Before Buying a Budget TIG Welder
If you’re looking for the perfect welder to start your welding project, chances are high you might get baffled with all the options overflowing the market. Still, if you read through our guide, you can make a well-informed decision on what to look for in a TIG Welder.
Well, before you can claim one welder as ‘best,’ you have to consider several factors such as input, output, components, accessories, display, and so on. Before selecting any machine, you need to understand your requirement, the reason you are buying it.
For example, DIY projects can be easily done by a lightweight and portable welders. Still, for commercial uses, you need industrial level welders.
Speed Options
Depending on the thickness of the material being welded, TIG welding can reach speeds of 300 mm per min and 11.8 per mm. You are in charge of your TIG welding speed, and you can go as fast and slow as you want.
Maximum Material Thickness
As a general rule of thumb, TIG welders can utilize 12mm in a single pass without filler material. If you want to follow the conventional TIG process, 6 passes or more would be required. We recommend you employ a two-pass welding technique for greater material thickness where one pass is made from each side, enabling welding material up to 20mm dense.
Portability, Size, and Weight
You should look for lightweight and compact TIG welders so that you can carry them everywhere. Portability is an essential feature because welding is not specified in a place. People might require to weld anything, anywhere. We suggest you look for TIG welders with handles.
Safety Features
Nowadays, TIG welders come with all sorts of technology to guarantee durability, flawless welding while also ensuring there’s minimal residue afterward. Most welders have fans and temperature control systems to prevent potential accidents due to overheating and voltage fluctuations. If you’re just starting out, look for a welder that offers maximum safety.
Cord Length
Cord length matters a lot because it will dictate how far you can take the welder. Cord length depends on duty cycle, amperage, and other factors. If you need more coverage, you can easily get a cord extension. Here’s a video on how to attach an extension cord to your welder.
Inverter or Transformer
Transformer is great for heavy-duty welding, but inverters are perfect for the stable arc. Moreover, inverters are more portable and delicate, making them easier to carry around the job site. Inverters also offer high-quality, multi-process welding capabilities.
Duty Cycle
A typical duty cycle for a DIY-enthusiast TIG welder should be around 20%. An automatic setup for commercial TIG welders, on the other hand, can come with a 100% duty cycle because they require uninterrupted, long weld times. Duty cycles of about 40% – 60% are the most common and sufficient for normal TIG welding.
Precautions for using TIG Welders:
- Always remember to wear protective gear before starting your welding activities. Any exposed skin can be permanently scarred from the heavy radiation of the machines.
- Keep the environment as safe and clean as possible to minimize the risk of accidents.
- Start off with minimal power. Using less power for a while will have better results than using high power in an instant.
- Working with different metals means you have to use the correct type of tungsten. For aluminum surfaces, you should use green tungsten as much as possible. And for steel metals, you are likely to get better results from using use red tungsten.
- Last but not least, keep your welding materials clean to ensure precise and smooth welding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Which is the best budget TIG welder for aluminum?
The top budget TIG welder for aluminum is the PowerArc 140ST. It is one of the most inexpensive and efficient TIG welders out there. Welding enthusiasts prefer the smooth arc for TIG welding on aluminum on AC settings.
Q: Do you need a different kind of helmet for TIG welding?
TIG helmet comes with some added specs like superior sensors, and wider shades range to overcome the low amperage used during TIG welding. All these features help shield your eyes while improving your focus.
Q: Why are some TIG Welders so expensive?
TIG welders can be expensive because of their high-quality components. For example, TIG welding uses a tungsten electrode. It is responsible for heating the metal at a higher rate, and that’s why TIG is more expensive than other welders.
Q: Between MIG and TIG welding, which one is better for thin materials?
TIG welding is more suitable for a slower process and has low deposition rates. TIG welding takes time, and it is used on thinner and smaller metals.
Q: What are the disadvantages of TIG Welding?
TIG welding can be time-consuming, complicated, and expensive at first. It needs a certain skill set for someone to gain mastery at TIG Welding. The biggest disadvantage is that TIG welding doesn’t work on thicker metals.
Bottom Line
Our guide aims to help readers find the best budget TIG welders while also enlightening them about a good TIG welder’s key features. Our top overall pick is the Amico TIG-225HF. This product has set a high benchmark for the competitors with its powerful arc stability, top-notch inverter, dual voltage system, and automatic cooling. The lightweight structure, 35% duty cycle, and sleek modern design set this TIG welders’ bar pretty high.
One other product that has thoroughly impressed us is the PrimeWeld CT-520D. Apart from welding, it can also be used for cutting purposes. Considering the quality, portability, and safety features Amico TIG-25 HF was the one for us.
Hi, I am James Anderson from Sandy, Utah. Welding has always been part of my life and I love to share my wealth of experience. I have a team of professionals who are knowledgeable about different welding processes. I hope you will be educated and informed on this website, to become better welders.