Finding an excellent TIG welder on a limited budget can feel daunting when so many machines list expensive specs or brand names. A cheap unit doesn’t automatically mean poor quality, but you must know which features matter and which you can compromise.
When you’re buying a budget TIG welder, key specs like amperage range, duty cycle and build quality take on extra importance. Cheap machines often corner-cut in one or more of those areas, meaning you may either upgrade soon or face frustration.
Luckily, some affordable TIG welders deliver more than you expect, offering solid welding performance without the premium price tag. With the right machine you can practice, build skills and complete real projects without draining your wallet or settling for junk.
As a beginner, hobbyist or small-shop welder, you’ll want a machine that’s simple, sturdy and gives consistent results rather than bells and whistles you won’t use. Focusing on value means you avoid paying for features you don’t need and spend more on practice, accessories and materials.
In this guide we highlight the best 5 cheap TIG welders that combine solid welding performance, durability and affordability. Whether you’re looking to start TIG welding, build a garage setup or level up on a budget, these picks will give you real options.
Our Top 5 Cheap Tig Welder Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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TIG Welder | 9.4/10 | Check Price |
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OFRAP Stick Welder | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
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SSIMDER Stick Welder | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
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YESWELDER 135Amp MIG Welder | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
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135A Stick Welder | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Cheap Tig Welder Detailed Reviews
1. TIG Welder
Rating: 9.1/10
Our review today features the TIG Welder, a 200 Amp 3-in-1 Multifunctional Machine that works with 110V/220V power. This welder is designed for ARC, DC TIG, and Pulse TIG welding, and it can use a 3/32 Tungsten welding rod. It’s a versatile tool for many welding jobs.
What We Like:
- This welder is truly a 3-in-1 machine. It comes with everything you need to start welding different metals like stainless steel, mild steel, and copper.
- It’s powerful and efficient. The hot start TIG and non-contact arc start help you weld better and waste less material. It can handle thicknesses from 0.3mm to 4.8mm for TIG and 15mm to 42mm for arc welding.
- It’s energy-saving and safe. The automatic voltage compensation and built-in protections keep it running efficiently and prevent problems.
- With 200A of power, this welder gives you strong and dependable results. It’s good for both beginners learning to weld and pros working on big projects.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for many metals, it might not be the best choice for very thin or very thick materials outside its specified range.
- The manual might be a bit technical for absolute beginners, requiring some effort to fully understand all the settings.
This 3-in-1 TIG welder offers a lot of value and capability for a wide range of welding tasks. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and versatile welding machine.
2. OFRAP Stick Welder
Rating: 9.1/10
The OFRAP Stick Welder is a powerful and versatile 2-in-1 welding machine designed for both stick welding and Lift TIG. It’s a compact and lightweight option, making it easy to take anywhere. This welder packs a punch with its 250A output and advanced features like hot start, arc force, and anti-stick, helping you achieve clean and strong welds.
What We Like:
- It’s a 2-in-1 machine, so you can do both stick and Lift TIG welding.
- The Lift TIG torch is included, which is a nice bonus.
- It works great with common welding rods like E6013, 6011, and 7018.
- The IGBT technology provides a stable arc for high-quality welds.
- It’s super small and light, making it easy to carry around to different jobs.
- The welder is reliable and runs smoothly, producing fewer sparks.
- It has built-in safety features to protect against overheating, overloading, and short circuits.
- This makes it a fantastic gift idea for anyone who likes to build or fix things.
What Could Be Improved:
- It only runs on 110V power, which might limit its use for some heavier projects.
- While portable, it’s designed for home DIY and light repairs, not heavy-duty industrial work.
The OFRAP Stick Welder is a solid choice for DIYers and hobbyists needing a portable and feature-rich welding solution. Its ease of use and safety features make it a joy to work with.
3. SSIMDER Stick Welder
Rating: 8.9/10
Unleash your inner maker with the SSIMDER Stick Welder, a versatile 2-in-1 welding machine that handles both stick and TIG welding. This portable powerhouse is built for home DIY projects and light metal fabrication, offering dual voltage (110V/220V) for flexibility and advanced features to make welding easier for everyone.
What We Like:
- It’s a 2-in-1 machine, so you can do both stick and TIG welding.
- The smart LCD screen makes it easy to see and change settings like current.
- Hot Start and Arc Force help prevent the electrode from sticking, making welding smoother.
- It’s super lightweight and compact, weighing only 5 lbs, so you can take it anywhere.
- Dual voltage (110V/220V) means you can use it in different places.
- Built-in safety features like over-current and overheat protection keep you safe.
- It comes with a 1-year warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The TIG torch is not included, so you’ll need to buy that separately.
- It’s best for smaller jobs with electrodes up to 1/8″ (3.2mm) for stick and 2.4mm for TIG.
This SSIMDER welder is a fantastic choice for anyone wanting to get into welding or for those who need a portable and reliable machine for various projects. It’s a gift that any DIYer or metalworker would appreciate.
4. YESWELDER 135Amp MIG Welder
Rating: 9.0/10
The YESWELDER FLUX-135PRO is a versatile and affordable 3-in-1 welding machine that can handle Flux Core MIG, Stick, and even Lift TIG welding (with an optional torch). It’s designed for a variety of welding jobs, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced welders.
What We Like:
- It’s a 3-in-1 welder, so you can do MIG, Stick, and Lift TIG welding.
- It can weld mild steel up to 2/5″ thick.
- The synergetic control makes it easy to set the voltage and wire speed.
- The large LED digital display shows you the current welding information.
- It’s very light at only 11.4 lbs, so you can easily take it anywhere.
- It comes with extra flux core wire so you can start welding right away.
- It has safety features like voltage fluctuation compensation and protection against over-current and overheating.
What Could Be Improved:
- Lift TIG welding requires an additional torch, which isn’t included.
- It only uses 110V power, which might limit its use for very heavy-duty projects.
This YESWELDER welder offers a lot of features for its price, making it a smart buy for many DIYers and professionals. It’s ready to tackle your next welding project with ease.
5. 135A Stick Welder
Rating: 9.5/10
Meet the 135A Stick Welder, a powerful and portable welding machine designed for both beginners and seasoned pros. This 110V welder uses advanced IGBT inverter technology for stable and consistent welding. It’s easy to use and packed with features to make your welding projects smoother and safer.
What We Like:
- The synergic control makes welding super simple. Just pick your welding rod size, and the machine automatically sets the right current and voltage. This is a huge help for anyone just starting out.
- Hot Start and Arc Force features give you a quick and easy start to your weld. They also stop the welding rod from sticking, which is a common problem for new welders.
- Anti-Stick technology means you won’t have to fight with stuck welding rods anymore. This makes your welding cleaner and less frustrating.
- It’s incredibly portable. Weighing only 5 lbs and having a built-in handle, you can easily take it anywhere your work needs to go.
- Safety is a top priority. It has VRD (Voltage Reduction Device) to prevent electric shock, plus protection against overheating, over-current, and overloading.
- The digital display makes it easy to see and adjust your settings.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for stick welding and lift TIG, some users might want more advanced TIG features.
- The 110V power input limits its use to areas with standard household outlets.
This welder is a fantastic tool for anyone looking for an easy-to-use, portable, and safe welding solution. It truly empowers you to tackle various welding tasks with confidence.
Finding Your Budget-Friendly TIG Welder: A Smart Shopper’s Guide
So, you want to TIG weld without breaking the bank? Great! TIG welding gives you precise, clean welds, perfect for projects where looks matter. This guide helps you find a cheap TIG welder that still gets the job done right.
What to Look For: Key Features on a Budget
When you’re shopping for a TIG welder that’s easy on your wallet, focus on these essential features:
- Amperage Range: This tells you how much power the welder has. For most DIY projects and light repairs, a range from around 20 amps to 100 amps is usually enough. Higher amperage lets you weld thicker metal.
- Duty Cycle: This is how long the welder can run at a certain amperage before it needs to cool down. A duty cycle of 20% at 100 amps is pretty good for a cheap welder. It means you can weld for 2 minutes out of every 10.
- Power Input: Most small TIG welders use standard household power (110V or 120V). This is convenient because you don’t need special electrical work. Some might offer 220V, which gives more power for thicker metals.
- Included Accessories: Does it come with a TIG torch, ground clamp, and maybe some starter tungsten and cups? Having these included saves you money upfront.
- Weight and Portability: If you need to move your welder around, a lighter one is better.
Important Materials and Build Quality
Even cheap TIG welders should be built to last. Look for welders with:
- Sturdy Casing: A metal or tough plastic casing protects the internal parts.
- Good Quality Cables and Torch: The cables should feel flexible and well-insulated. The TIG torch should feel comfortable to hold.
What Makes a Welder Good (or Not So Good) on a Budget
Several things can make a cheap TIG welder a great deal or a waste of money:
- Simplicity: The best budget TIG welders are often simple to use. They have straightforward controls for amperage and gas flow. Too many fancy features can increase the price and confuse beginners.
- Reliability: Read reviews! Many users share their experiences. A welder that consistently works well is worth more than one that breaks down often.
- Brand Reputation: Even for budget options, some brands are known for making decent, affordable tools. Researching brands can help you avoid poor-quality machines.
- Limited Features: Cheaper welders might not have advanced features like pulse TIG or AC output for aluminum. This is okay for basic steel welding, but know what you’re giving up.
User Experience and What You Can Do With It
A cheap TIG welder is perfect for hobbyists, DIYers, and students learning to weld.
- Learning TIG: It’s a fantastic way to learn the basics of TIG welding without a huge investment. You can practice controlling the arc and adding filler metal.
- Small Projects: These welders are great for repairing exhaust pipes, crafting metal art, welding bike frames, or working on small automotive projects.
- Thin Metals: They excel at welding thin steel and stainless steel, where precise heat control is important.
Remember, a cheap TIG welder is a tool for learning and small jobs. It won’t replace a professional-grade machine, but it can open up a world of creative possibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheap TIG Welders
Q: What is the main advantage of TIG welding?
A: TIG welding gives you very clean and precise welds. It looks great, especially on projects where appearance matters.
Q: Can a cheap TIG welder weld aluminum?
A: Most cheap TIG welders are designed for DC (Direct Current) welding, which is best for steel and stainless steel. Welding aluminum usually requires AC (Alternating Current) output, which is less common on very budget-friendly models.
Q: What kind of metal thickness can I expect to weld with a basic TIG welder?
A: You can typically weld metal up to about 1/8 inch (3mm) thick with a standard 100-amp TIG welder running on household power. Thicker metal requires more amperage.
Q: Do I need special safety gear?
A: Yes, always! You need a welding helmet with a dark lens, welding gloves, a welding jacket or sturdy clothing, and safety glasses.
Q: What’s the difference between TIG and MIG welding?
A: MIG welding uses a wire that feeds through the gun and melts. TIG welding uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode and you add filler metal by hand. TIG is slower but more precise.
Q: How much power do I need to run a cheap TIG welder?
A: Most small, budget TIG welders run on standard 110V or 120V household outlets. You might need a dedicated circuit for continuous welding.
Q: Will a cheap TIG welder be good for professional work?
A: Generally, no. Professional work often requires higher amperage, better duty cycles, and advanced features like AC/DC output and pulse TIG. Budget welders are best for learning and hobby use.
Q: What are the most common problems with cheap TIG welders?
A: Some common issues include shorter lifespans, less consistent arc quality, and limited power for thicker materials.
Q: How do I maintain a cheap TIG welder?
A: Keep it clean and dry. Make sure the tungsten electrode is sharp and the gas lens is clean. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for any maintenance.
Q: Is it worth buying a used cheap TIG welder?
A: It can be, but be cautious. Inspect it carefully, and if possible, test it before buying. Look for signs of damage or heavy wear.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
I’m Darrell Julian, the founder, lead writer, and hands-on welding enthusiast behind ArcWeldingPro.com. With more than 15 years of real-world welding experience, I created this platform to share what I’ve learned in the field, in the shop, and in the heat of the arc.
