For welders who demand versatility from a single power source, the combination of TIG and Stick welding in one machine is the ultimate solution. This powerful duo covers an enormous range of applications: the precision of TIG for thin gauge steel, stainless, and aluminum (on AC/DC models), combined with the raw power and penetration of Stick welding for heavy steel, dirty metal, and outdoor repairs.
Whether you’re a mobile technician, a farm owner, or a serious DIYer, a TIG/Stick welder provides the flexibility to tackle almost any project that comes your way.
However, not all multi-process machines are created equal. The key to finding the right one lies in understanding your primary needs. Are you mostly working in a garage on clean metal, where advanced TIG features like high-frequency start are crucial? Or do you need a rugged, portable machine for field repairs where Stick welding’s simplicity reigns supreme?
Critical differentiators include AC/DC capability for aluminum TIG, amperage range, duty cycle, and whether the machine supports a live TIG torch for ease of use or requires scratch-start.
Navigating the options between brands like Everlast, AHP, Lincoln, and Miller can be complex. This guide is designed to simplify your search. We have compiled a list of the best 5 TIG/Stick welders on the market, evaluating them based on their performance in both processes, feature sets, durability, and overall value.
Our breakdown will help you identify the perfect multi-purpose machine that delivers the precision of TIG and the brute force of Stick, ensuring you’re equipped for any welding task without needing multiple dedicated machines.
Our Top 5 Tig Stick Welder Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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YESWELDER 205Amp Stick Welder Large LED Display with Lift TIG Torch | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
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ARCCAPTAIN 200A Stick/Lift TIG Welder with Torch | 8.8/10 | Check Price |
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YESWELDER 205A Tig Welder with Pulse Large LED Display | 8.5/10 | Check Price |
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YESWELDER 135Amp MIG Welder | 9.5/10 | Check Price |
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ARCCAPTAIN Stick Welder | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Tig Stick Welder Detailed Reviews
1. YESWELDER 205Amp Stick Welder Large LED Display with Lift TIG Torch
Rating: 9.3/10
The YESWELDER 205Amp Stick Welder is a powerful and versatile welding machine that can handle various welding tasks. It features a large LED display, dual voltage capability, and a 2-in-1 Stick and Lift TIG function. This welder is designed for both beginners and experienced welders, making it a great tool for DIY projects and professional use.
What We Like:
- It’s more powerful with up to 205 amps and Hot Start Arc force, which helps prevent rods from sticking.
- The large LED display makes it easy to see important welding information like current and mode.
- It’s very portable, weighing under 8.4 lbs, making it easy to take anywhere.
- Safety features like automatic voltage compensation and over-heat protection keep you safe.
- The 2-in-1 Stick and Lift TIG function offers more welding options for different jobs.
- Adjustable Hot Start and Arc Force make starting the arc easier and prevent the electrode from sticking.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it comes with a TIG torch, the TIG welding capability might be more basic compared to dedicated TIG welders.
- The instruction manual could be clearer for absolute beginners.
This YESWELDER welder is a solid choice for anyone needing a portable and capable machine for stick welding and basic TIG jobs. Its ease of use and safety features make it a great value.
2. ARCCAPTAIN 200A Stick/Lift TIG Welder with Torch
Rating: 9.3/10
Meet the ARCCAPTAIN 200A Stick/Lift TIG Welder, a versatile welding machine designed for a wide range of projects. Whether you’re a beginner learning the ropes or a seasoned pro, this welder offers smart features and a portable design to make your welding tasks easier and more efficient. It handles both stick welding with various rods and lift TIG welding, making it a great all-around tool for your garage, automotive work, or home DIY adventures.
What We Like:
- Comes with an upgraded lift TIG torch for dual MMA and Lift TIG welding.
- Works well with popular 6010, 6011, 6013, and 7018 welding rods.
- Features a large, clear LED display for easy-to-read welding data.
- Super lightweight at only 7.2 lbs, making it very portable with a handle or shoulder strap.
- Synergic control automatically sets current and voltage for beginners, or allows manual adjustment for pros.
- Advanced IGBT inverter technology and MCU control ensure stable and consistent welding.
- Adjustable hot start and arc force help with easier arc starts and smoother welds.
- Automatic anti-stick prevents electrodes from sticking to the weld puddle.
- Built-in safety features protect against over current, over voltage, overload, and overheating.
- TÜV and ANSI certified for safety and reliability.
- Comes with a 2-year warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- Users must wait for the fan to stop before powering off to prevent damage.
This ARCCAPTAIN welder is a solid choice for anyone needing a portable and feature-rich welding machine. Its user-friendly design and robust safety features make it a reliable tool for many welding applications.
3. YESWELDER 205A Tig Welder with Pulse Large LED Display
Rating: 9.3/10
The YESWELDER 205A Tig Welder is a versatile 3-in-1 machine that handles STICK, DC TIG, and PULSE TIG welding. It’s built for both beginners and pros, offering a user-friendly experience with a large LED display. This dual-voltage welder works on 110V and 220V, making it adaptable for different power sources. It’s a great tool for various metalworking tasks, from shop projects to outdoor repairs.
What We Like:
- The large LED screen makes it easy to see welding settings and adjust them.
- It starts up smoothly with Hot Start, preventing sparks and sticking.
- The Auto Memory function saves your settings, so you don’t have to re-enter them.
- It’s lightweight at only 10.7 lbs, so it’s easy to move around or take with you.
- It can deliver up to 200 amps, which is powerful enough for many welding jobs.
- High-Frequency (HF) non-touch starting makes igniting the arc reliable.
- The machine offers STICK, DC TIG, and PULSE TIG welding for different needs.
- It has a 5-pin foot pedal interface, allowing for better control over the welding current.
- Pulsed TIG welding helps create cleaner, more attractive welds.
What Could Be Improved:
- This welder cannot be used for welding aluminum.
This YESWELDER 205A Tig Welder offers a lot of features for its price, making it a solid choice for many welding projects. Its ease of use and portability are definite advantages.
4. YESWELDER 135Amp MIG Welder
Rating: 9.3/10
Meet the YESWELDER FLUX-135PRO, a versatile 3-in-1 welding machine designed to handle your welding projects with ease. This 110V welder offers Flux Core MIG, Stick, and even Lift TIG capabilities (with an optional torch), making it a great choice for various tasks. Its large LED digital display provides clear readings, and its IGBT inverter technology ensures reliable performance. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, this welder is built for convenience and efficiency.
What We Like:
- It’s a 3-in-1 welder, meaning you can do MIG, Stick, and Lift TIG welding.
- It’s budget-friendly, so it won’t break the bank.
- You can weld mild steel up to 2/5″ thick.
- The wire feeding speed is easy to adjust, and the voltage matches automatically.
- It has a clear digital display that shows you what’s happening.
- It’s super light at only 11.4 lbs, so you can take it anywhere.
- It comes with extra flux core wire, so you can start welding right away without needing gas.
- Safety features like over-current and over-heating protection are built-in.
What Could Be Improved:
- You need to buy a separate torch for Lift TIG welding.
- The maximum thickness for welding is 2/5″, which might not be enough for very thick materials.
This YESWELDER FLUX-135PRO is a fantastic option for anyone needing a portable and multi-functional welder. It’s ready to help you tackle a wide range of welding jobs.
5. ARCCAPTAIN Stick Welder
Rating: 8.8/10
The ARCCAPTAIN Stick Welder is a versatile and user-friendly welding machine designed for both beginners and experienced welders. It offers a 2-in-1 capability, allowing you to switch between stick welding and lift TIG welding. Its intelligent LED display makes it easy to see your settings, and the synergic control helps you get the right current and voltage automatically. This welder is built to be portable and durable, making it a great tool for various projects.
What We Like:
- The large LED display is easy to read, even without taking off your helmet.
- Synergic control makes it simple for beginners to get great results by automatically matching settings.
- It’s very lightweight at only 7.2 lbs, making it easy to carry anywhere with the included strap.
- The 2-in-1 design lets you choose between stick and lift TIG welding, giving you more options.
- Features like hot start, arc force, and anti-stick help you weld smoothly and prevent problems.
- It works well with common welding rods like 6010, 6011, 6013, and 7018.
- Built-in safety features protect the machine and the user from overloads and overheating.
- The machine comes with a 2-year quality service guarantee.
What Could Be Improved:
- The lift TIG function requires a separate torch, which is not included.
- The note about powering off might be a bit confusing for some users.
This ARCCAPTAIN welder is a solid choice for anyone needing a portable and capable welding machine. It balances ease of use with professional features, making it a valuable tool for many different welding tasks.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your TIG Stick Welder Companion
So, you’re looking to buy a TIG stick welder? That’s a great choice for making clean, strong welds! Whether you’re a beginner or have some welding experience, this guide will help you pick the right one.
What is a TIG Stick Welder?
A TIG stick welder, also known as a Lift Arc TIG welder, uses a special process called Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW). It uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to create the arc. A separate filler rod adds metal to the weld pool. This makes for very neat and precise welds, perfect for thin metals and projects where looks matter.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep these important features in mind:
Power and Amperage
- Amperage Range: This tells you how much power the welder has. For most home projects and light fabrication, a welder with an amperage range of around 20-150 amps is usually enough. If you plan to weld thicker metal, you’ll need a higher amperage.
- Duty Cycle: This shows how long the welder can run at a certain amperage before it needs to cool down. A higher duty cycle means you can weld for longer periods without stopping. Look for a duty cycle of at least 30% at a common amperage like 100 amps.
Power Source and Input
- Voltage Compatibility: Most TIG stick welders run on standard household power (120V). Some more powerful models also have the option to run on 240V, which gives them more power for thicker materials. Make sure the welder you choose matches your home’s electrical setup.
Portability and Build Quality
- Weight and Size: If you need to move your welder around your shop or take it to different job sites, look for a lighter and more compact model.
- Construction: A sturdy metal casing protects the internal parts. It should feel well-built and durable.
User-Friendly Controls
- Simple Interface: Look for welders with easy-to-understand knobs and buttons. Clear labels help you adjust settings quickly.
- Digital Display: Some welders have digital screens that show exact amperage and other settings. This makes it easier to be precise.
Important Materials and What to Weld
TIG stick welders are fantastic for a variety of metals:
- Steel: You can weld mild steel, stainless steel, and even some alloy steels.
- Aluminum: This is where TIG welding really shines. It’s perfect for making clean welds on aluminum.
- Other Metals: You can also weld copper, brass, and titanium with the right setup.
These welders are ideal for projects like:
- Custom car parts
- Motorcycle frames
- Bicycle frames
- Artistic metal sculptures
- Repairing tools and equipment
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things affect how good your welder is and how well it performs.
Good Quality Factors:
- Consistent Arc: A good welder provides a steady, stable arc. This makes it easier to control the weld puddle.
- Precise Amperage Control: The ability to fine-tune the amperage is crucial for welding different thicknesses of metal and preventing burn-through.
- Good Cooling System: An efficient fan and heat sinks help the welder run longer without overheating.
- Reliable Components: High-quality internal parts mean the welder will last longer and perform better.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Unstable Arc: If the arc sputters or wanders, it’s hard to make a good weld.
- Poor Heat Management: Overheating can damage the welder and lead to inconsistent welds.
- Cheaply Made Parts: Using low-quality components can cause the welder to break down sooner.
- Limited Adjustments: If you can’t adjust settings precisely, it limits what you can weld.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a TIG stick welder takes a little practice, but it’s very rewarding.
- Beginner Experience: For those new to TIG welding, look for models with features that simplify the process. Lift Arc starting is easier than High-Frequency start for beginners. Clear instructions and helpful online tutorials are also valuable.
- Advanced User Experience: Experienced welders will appreciate welders with more advanced features, like pulse TIG settings and the ability to fine-tune every aspect of the arc.
- Use Cases:
- Hobbyists: Perfect for creating custom metal projects around the house or garage.
- Mechanics: Ideal for repairing or fabricating parts for vehicles.
- Artists: Great for creating intricate metal sculptures and designs.
- Small Businesses: Useful for light fabrication and repair work.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the difference between TIG welding and Stick welding?
A: TIG welding uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode and often a filler rod to create clean, precise welds. Stick welding uses a consumable electrode coated in flux, which creates a stronger but less refined weld. Our focus here is on TIG welding.
Q: Is TIG welding hard to learn?
A: TIG welding requires more coordination than other welding methods. You need to control the torch, the filler rod, and the amperage all at once. However, with practice, most people can learn to TIG weld effectively.
Q: What amperage do I need for welding thin metal?
A: For thin metal, you need lower amperage. A welder with a good range that goes down to about 10-20 amps is best for thin materials.
Q: Can I weld aluminum with a TIG stick welder?
A: Yes, many TIG stick welders can weld aluminum. However, aluminum often requires AC (Alternating Current) output for the best results. Make sure the welder you choose has AC capability if aluminum is a primary material for you.
Q: What safety gear do I need for TIG welding?
A: You need a welding helmet with a dark lens, welding gloves, a fire-resistant jacket or apron, and sturdy boots. Always work in a well-ventilated area.
Q: How do I start a TIG arc?
A: TIG stick welders typically use “Lift Arc” start. You touch the tungsten electrode to the metal and then lift it slightly to create the arc. This is gentler than High-Frequency start.
Q: What is a duty cycle and why is it important?
A: Duty cycle is the percentage of time a welder can operate at a specific amperage within a 10-minute period before needing to cool down. A higher duty cycle means you can weld for longer without interruptions.
Q: Do I need a gas cylinder for TIG welding?
A: Yes, TIG welding requires a shielding gas, usually Argon, to protect the weld from contamination. This means you’ll need a gas cylinder and a regulator.
Q: Can I use any TIG torch with any TIG stick welder?
A: TIG torches are generally interchangeable as long as they use the same type of connection. However, it’s always best to check the welder’s specifications for compatibility.
Q: How do I maintain my TIG stick welder?
A: Keep the welder clean and free of dust. Check connections regularly. Store it in a dry place. Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines.
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.
