TIG welders aren’t tools that will be needed for everyone. They are specialist tools that are therefore only needed for specialist jobs, but this does mean that they are the only tool for the job if you are looking to complete something rather specific. TIG welders are used to weld two different types of metal together – they will allow you to achieve a professional finish which will be stronger and neat enough for a wide range of purposes.
If you are new to the world of TIG welding then there is a lot to learn. There are many aspects to consider such as the power and the duty cycle. So our article aims to explain all of that!
Best Pick – R-Tech TIG Welder
- The R-Tech Tig170EXT is a high specification Digital AC/DC Inverter TIG welder & MMA welder
- 240V 13A input with 170amp output at a industrial 60% duty cycle,
- Includes 4M SuperflexTIG torch, welding leads and torch consumables pack
- 5 year collect & return warranty (UK)
Last update on 2024-05-06 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Important Note
TIG Welders are very specialised and advanced pieces of equipment and potentially dangerous in untrained hands. We always recommend you undertake specific training from a qualified instructor before using one.
How does a TIG welder work?
TIG welders are very clever in the ways in which they work, using science and engineering to help produce one of the neatest, smoothest but also strongest lines that you could also for when welding. TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) basically means that you use tungsten welding gas, along with a tungsten metal electrode to weld two metals together.
The main difference with TIG welding is that the tungsten electrode in the nozzle is non-consumable, which means that it doesn’t melt – as with many other types of welding. The electrode creates an arc of electricity to create the weld puddle (which is again protected by the tungsten welding gas). Due to the strength of the tungsten metal – you can be sure that you are going to get a strong weld.
Here is a video that explains the process in much more detail.
TIG Welder Features
It is important to understand the different features of a TIG welder, so that you know what you need to watch out for when you make your purchase! Here are some of those key features that we would recommend you check out before buying!
Power
You will have two main power options available to you when considering a TIG welder to purchase. These are either 120 or 240V. Obviously it really depends what job you are working on and where you are working as to how much power you need. If you are only completing small jobs, possibly from a workshop attached to your home, then you will probably be able to work with a 120V model, which will be able to connect to your mains electricity no problem! However, if there is any chance that you are going to work your way up to bigger jobs then we would recommend opting for a 240V model that you know will be up to the task (but make sure to check whether you are also going to need a generator to use this option as this is obviously going to up your initial costs!).
NOTE: Some of the best TIG welders available on the market can actually switch between 120 and 240V, which is perfect for if you are going to be completing a range of different jobs and quite often in different locations. These models will be able to work on 120V for smaller jobs, but then with a flick of a switch, be converted to 240V for those more heavy duty jobs!
Material thickness
The material thickness that you are going to be working with will determine what amperage you need. It is going to be important to opt for models with a higher amperage if you are welding thick materials together, otherwise the weld will not be strong enough to hold, which could not only ruin the materials that you are working with but prove dangerous as well!
High performance at a lower amperage will allow for better arc stability but higher amperage will help you work with particularly heavy duty materials, therefore it is important to buy a TIG welder that has a wide amperage range.
Duty Cycle
The duty cycle of a TIG welder is the amount of time – usually in a 10 minute period – that the welder will be able to work for before it needs time to cool and prepare for another cycle of welding. Some models have a short duty cycle of around 30% whereas others can go up to 70% (and sometimes higher). To put this into context….a 30% duty cycle means that you will be able to use your welder for 3 minutes, but it will then need 7 minutes to cool before you can start working again.
NOTE: Three minutes of welding might not sound like a long time, and if you are completing large and professional jobs then admittedly it may not be long enough for you. But, you can actually get quite a lot of welding done in that time. Try holding a stick or pen etc for 3 minutes and moving it around – you will see the amount that can be done in that time!
Ease of Use
TIG welders are arguably the hardest to use out of many of the DIY welders. It takes time to get the control of the tool perfectly right so that you can create professional looking welds. Therefore, we would suggest looking for a model that is going to make this process as easy as possible for you!
Look for things like easy to use knobs with clear markers for the different power and speed levels, and foot pedal control for easy use but also to reduce fatigue when you are working.
Portability
Portability may not be an issue for you – if you have the workshop of dreams then chances are you will have the space to leave your TIG welder in one place whether it is in use or not! But, if you are like the rest of us then chances are your TIG welder is going to have to be stored in one place and then brought out to be used. You may even need to move your welder between locations if you are completing jobs for other people – although this is easier said than done when you have a gas tank to consider as well! If this is the case then you want to opt for a model that is lightweight, not too bulky, and possibly has extra features such as wheels on the base or a handle on the top to make it easier to transfer between jobs.
WORTH A MENTION: Some TIG welders have space at the side or in the rear of the machine for all your extra components, such as the nozzle, cabling etc. These are perfect for if you are moving your TIG welder as not only will it keep those extra parts protected but it will make sure they don’t get lost along the way
Best Budget – Rohr TIG ARC Welder
- 12 month warranty and free to call UK based technical support line
- Auto hot start, anti stick, arc force stabilisation, thermal overload protection, 60% duty cycle
- HF (High Frequency Start), standard UK 3 pin 13 amp plug, dual MMA / TIG output
- Comes with lots of accessories - earth clamp, clipping hammer, wire brush, mask
- For experienced and DIY users alike with it's intuitive design
Last update on 2024-05-06 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Additional TIG Welder Features
There are always going to be some extra features that it is worth looking out for when purchasing a TIG welder. We have listed some below to help you find the best TIG welder for you.
- Automatic voltage and amperage control – This feature will help you to ensure anti-stick and arc force stabilization. The machine will automatically adjust the voltage or amperage depending on your settings to produce a more consistent weld
- Inverter technology – allows you to control the size of bead that you create, which will enable you to create that professional finish first time!
- Auto hot start – saves you having to waste time waiting for the welder to heat up!
- Multi purpose machine – Some TIG welders can be alternated between TIG welding and other types such as ARC or MIG. This is handy for if you are completing a range of welding jobs as you can find the one that works best for you and the job at hand!
Best of the Rest
No products found.
- 12 month warranty and free to call UK based technical support line
- Auto hot start, anti stick, arc force stabilisation, thermal overload protection, 60% duty cycle
- HF (High Frequency Start), standard UK 3 pin 13 amp plug, 4-in-1 combo
- Comes with lots of accessories - earth clamp, clipping hammer, wire brush, mask
- For experienced and DIY users alike with it's intuitive design
Last update on 2024-05-06 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Frequently Asked Questions
What warranty will I get with a TIG welder?
Warranties for TIG welders range quite considerably. Some are as little as 1 year whereas others go up to 3 years, so this is well worth checking before you make your purchase, as the length of warranty gives indication to the quality of the product. Equally, some warranties for TIG welders are broken down into the parts, with nozzles having a 6 month warranty and the main machine having a 3 year warranty so this is worth checking!
Do I have to use the manufacturers consumables with my TIG welder?
No! For TIG welders you will be able to use any consumables that are compatible with your TIG welder, but it is worth checking which electrodes your TIG welder will be able to work with. Some TIG welder manufacturers will produce consumables that are specifically designed for their products, which although may be more expensive, do have the benefit of being specific for your TIG welder so could extend the life of the machine.
Do I need to have training to use a TIG welder?
TIG welding is arguably harder to complete than other types of welding, so it may be necessary to complete some training to ensure that you are completing the process safely and to a high standard! However, you don’t actually need any training to be able to complete TIG welding jobs at home.
Is TIG welding better than MIG welding?
Yes! TIG welding is arguably going to create a better finish than MIG welder. They will also usually form a stronger joint than MIG welders will. It is also much better for the environment as you don’t need to worry about using consumables!
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