A guide to buying a TIG welder

Are you looking to buy a TIG welder? Well you've come to the right place! Our latest article will take you through the best selling TIG welders, what to consider when buying and handy links to purchase.

TIG welding is a popular choice because the welding process is typically stronger and more precise than those produced by other welding machines.

Consider:

• How portable do you need your machine to be?
• Do you need a pulse feature
• Do you need an air cooled torch or water cooled torch
• What frequency do you need
• What is your budget?

The list of questions above may seem daunting at a first glance, luckily, we are on hand to help you make these decisions with our handy guide below.

Portable machines and the not-so-portable machines

Portable welding machines

Let's start with the smallest, most portable machine. Compact but durable. Lightweight and on wheels! Introducing the Lincoln Electric. Known as the "all rounder" as it can perform MIG, TIG and stick welding.

Next up is the Rogue ET 200i Pro CE, still very portable, but not on wheels. It comes equipped with a handle and shoulder strap, perfect for site work. Don't be put off by its portability, this TIG has excellent high frequency start which ensures it works every time on ignition.

Unportable welding machines

If you're looking for an industrial welder then this is the one for you. The 250 AC/DC Water Cooled Tig Welder with a high duty cycle. It features easy and pro mode with access to every parameter, meaning you can control the metal deposition rate and quality of the weld.

Finally, the Maxstar 400 DC, also not very portable but it has been classed as the finest DC TIG/stick machine available. It provides fantastic performance and durability.

TIGs with pulse features included

We have a range of these on offer:

• Cros Arc 200 DC-HF Pulse Tig Welder (110v/230v)
• Pro Tig 200 Pulse PFC Wide Voltage TIG Welder (110V-230V)
• MinarcTig Evo 200 MLP Pulse Tig Welder (240V)
• Renegade Et 300i Pulse DC Tig Welder | 240, 415v

Air cooled torch VS water cooled torch

Choosing air cooled or water cooled torches is totally down to personal preference and where you will be using your torch.

Air cooled - the benefits

• No water source needed
• Usually cheaper than water cooled machines

Take a look at our most popular air cooled welders, Tig 220 AC/DC, Maxstar 280DX DC) and MasterTig 325 DC.

Water cooled - the benefits

• No interruptions to your work because the torch doesn't become too hot to hold.
• Easy control

Browse our best selling range, Maxstar 400 DC, Tig 250 AC/DC and Dynasty 280 DX AC/DC.

TIGs with varying frequencies

Get more control and a focused arc by increasing the AC frequency. Alternatively, decrease the frequency to broaden and soften the weld. We have cherry picked our finest TIG machines with varying frequencies. Breaking them down into high, medium and low, just to make buying your TIG that little bit easier.

• High - Pro Tig 180 TIG Welder (240V)
• Medium - Pro Tig 200P AC/DC TIG Welder - Digital (240V)
• Low - Dynasty 280 DX AC/DC Water Cooled Tig Welder (110/415V)

A budget for everyone

What budget do you have in mind?

The quality and performance of each product is fantastic all through the range of the cheapest to the most expensive TIG welders. However, as you would expect, the pricier welding machines have a few more tricks up their sleeves.

We have broken it down into the cheapest TIG machines right up to our most expensive including a handy breakdown of why they are so great.

On the cheaper side

Coming in as the cheapest TIG welder we have on offer is the Pro Tig 180 (240V). Don't be put off by its outstanding price, this machine offers powerful IGBT components, reliability and it is extremely user friendly.

Middle of the road

The Tig 250 AC/DC Water Cooled (415V) has a built in water cooler, giving a high duty cycle and protects against dust. Another bonus is the welder has full control of the settings which can be adapted to suit the way you weld. These settings can also be saved to make future welds a breeze!

We can't leave air cooled TIGs out so, we introduce the MasterTig 325 DC Air Cooled 415v (300 Amp). It combines alternative pulse cycles to provide fast welding speeds with a reduced heat input. Ideal for welds that need to be consistent and visually pleasing.

On the more expensive side

The Dynasty 400 AC/DC (415V) is packed with smart technology including pre-set controls for balance, frequency and pulse. It offers fast travel speeds, plus it's compact and powerful. It connects to any voltage or frequency worldwide and uses only half of the power of other welding machines.

Well there you have it. Our guide to TIG welding machines. Should you need any more support on purchasing the right TIG welder, contact our team of welding experts, on hand to help you.