Best AC/DC TIG Welders for the Money

Home » Best AC/DC TIG Welders for the Money

By Kc Dickey

Achieving high quality and attractive welds doesn't have to break the bank! But you need to have the proper equipment. Check out our Top 5 Picks of the Best TIG Welders.

This Post Contains Affiliate Links.

As an Amazon Associate, Real Tool Talk may receive a commission on qualifying purchases.

TIG welding is used across the welding industry for a variety of reasons. To start, you have the capability of welding a variety of different materials with one machine. And with practice, you will be able to produce clean, attractive, and strong welds with the same corrosion resistance as the parent metal.

But why is TIG welding so difficult to learn? Well, unlike other welding processes, TIG welding requires more dexterity from the person welding. To weld with a TIG, you need to use the welding torch in one hand and feed the filler rod into the weld pool with the other. All while using either the foot pedal or remote on the torch (if equipped) to control the heat.

For more information on TIG Welding check out this Guide to Welding Processes.

The criteria for our list is simple. We wanted to compare welders that had similar specifications. So we chose to only look at welders that are 200 amp rated and are AC/DC compatible. This will allow you to weld both steel and aluminum at a wide range of thicknesses.

Our Top Pick: Weldpro Digital TIG 200GD (Affiliate Link)

Specifications

110/220 Volt input
5-200 amps
Duty cycle. 40% DC, 60% AC @ Full amperage
Dimensions: 17.6×7.9×16, 31.3 Lbs

More information: Multi-process welder – stick welding compatible. Hand and Foot controls

Check out the Owner’s Manual for a complete list of Specifications.

WeldPro is a competitive name in the welding industry and the DigitalTIG 200GD is their flagship TIG welder.

This model offers far more than simply welding materials together. Being an inverter-based welder and using PWM ( Pulse-width modulation) technology, Weldpro was able to produce a machine that is lighter and smaller in size but increased the efficiency by 30%.

The Weldpro DigitalTIG 200 GD is a digital design that features all the functions of a TIG welder with a higher price tag. Among these features is the capability of welding with either AC or DC current. Other sought after features include: 2T-4T touch control, start amps, end amps, upslope, downslope, pulse, AC Balance, and a completely dedicated foot control pedal with no interim current control on the foot pedal. All of the amperage settings are made from the digital display of the machine. This allows the user to change positions while welding without inadvertently changing their settings.

With DC current you will be able to weld steel, stainless steel, copper, and many other metals at full amperage with a 40% duty cycle.

On AC current, welding aluminum at full amps will get you a duty cycle of 60%.

Both of which are impressive duty cycles for such a reasonably priced welder.

Pros

Multi-Process Welder (TIG and Stick)
Impressive Duty Cycles
Dual Voltage (110/220)
2-year warranty

Cons

Loud

Check it out on Amazon!

EverLast PowerTig 200DV (Affiliate Link)

Specifications

Weight: 56 lb
Dimensions: 22 in × 9 in × 17 in
120/240 Voltages
5-200 amp range
Duty Cycle: 60% @ 200 Amps

More Information: Multi-Process Welder, Optional Water-cooler

For a complete list of Specifications, Check out the Owner’s Manual.

Another excellent product from the Everlast line of welders, the PowerTig 200DV incorporates the IGBT inverter technology to guarantee a professional welding experience every time.

Although the controls on this welder are analog, the interface is digitally controlled, allowing for the accurate and precise parameters needed when welding thinner material.

The AC/DC function of the PowerTIG 200DV allows for welding both steel and aluminum materials.

To add to the versatility of this machine, Dual Voltages allow this welder to be used in both professional and home applications. And with the proper generator setup, this welder can be used outdoors, allowing for an even wider range on applications.

Pros

Multi-Process Welder (TIG and Stick)
Dual Voltage (110/220)
5-year warranty
Optional Water Cooler

Cons

Heavy
Expensive

Check it out on Amazon!

EASTWOOD TIG 200 (Affiliate Link)

Specifications

110/220 Voltages
10-200 Amp range
Duty Cycle: 60% @ 190 Amps
Dimensions: 19.1″ x 9.8” x 20.0”, 45 LBS

More Information: Finger and Foot Controls, Multi-Process Welder

Check out the Owner’s Manual for a complete list of Specifications

The Complete TIG welding package, anyone with a power source can weld all metals, thick and thin, with the Eastwood TIG 200.

Featuring a High – Frequency Start, you give have precise arc control. This will assist in creating beautiful, strong welds that you won’t be afraid to show off. And with the Square-wave inverter, you can achieve an accurate setting for aluminum welding.

The Eastwood TIG 200 controls are simple, yet precise. With just the flick of a switch, you can change between AC and DC and also from TIG to Stick. You will also be able to switch from Foot control or panel control.

Other adjustments you will be able to control from the panel include Amperage, Clearance effect, Gas Pre-flow, and Gas Post-Flow.

Pros

Dual Voltage
Stick Welding Capable
High-Frequency Start
3-year Warranty

Cons

Stick Welding Torch not included

Check it out on Amazon!

AHP AlphaTIG 200X (Affiliate Link)

Specifications

Dual Voltage – 110/220 V
Dimensions: 19 x 23 x 12 inches, 67 LBS
10-200 Amp Range
Duty Cycle: 60% @ 200Amps

More Information: IGBT Inverter Technology, Multi-Process Welder

To see a complete list of Specifications, Check out the Owner’s Manual.

The AHP AlphaTIG 200x is a quality, yet affordable machine that will allow you to weld a variety of materials, using both TIG and Stick welding Processes.

Using PWM along with the IGBT technology gives you a reliable and long-lasting power source to create strong and attractive welds. With a full list of features, the versatility of the AlphaTIG 200x makes it an excellent choice for both professionals and hobbyists alike.

Those features include: Start AMPs, End AMPS, Pulse AMPs, Pulse Frequency, Pulse Time On, AC Frequency, AC Balance, Post Flow, and 2T/4T options.

To a beginner welder, all of these features might be confusing. However, with time to practice, and a peek at the owner’s manual, it is easy to learn how to set up and start welding.

Pros

Versatile welder
Great Price
3-year warranty

Cons

Loud
Heavy

Check it out on Amazon!

Lotos TIG200ACDCP (Affiliate Link)

Specifications

Dual Voltage – 110/220 V
Duty Cycle: 60% @ 190 amps
5-200 Amp Range
Dimensions: 17.1×7.9 ×15.9, 30.9 LBS

More information: Multi-Process, Digital Controls

Check out the Owner’s Manual for a complete list of Specifications.

The Lotos TIG200 ACDCP is a multi-process welder that offers precise digital control welding that even a novice welder can conquer. Unlike the TIG200, the TIG200 ACDCP features Pulse control, hence the “P”. Pulse in commonly used when welding thinner sections of material, where it is easier to burn through. Another difference between the two models is that the ACDCP uses digital controls for more accurate welds.

The Lotos TIG200 ACDCP offers the ability to save up to 10 different parameter settings. This allows for quick changes from one project or material to another.

Using IGBT Technology and PWM, the Lotos ACDCP is able to reduce the weight and volume of the machine and increase efficiency by 30%. And using High-Frequency Technology, you get a welder with good arc force, wide cleaning range, and continuous arc with a small current, which guarantees excellent welding results.