Which TIG Welder Provides the Best Bang for your Buck?

Portable TIG welders make it easy to get the job done wherever you may need it. The problem is, there are so many different machines on the market at so many different price points it can be difficult to come to a decision as to which machine to buy. This guide compiles what we see as the best value welders on the market, so that you can compare specifications and buy what gets the job done for your needs.

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• Overview: This is our favorite machine, with the best value with Lincoln’s quality and reputation. This machine is built well, simple to use, and has wonderful functionality.
• Amperage: Minimum of 10 amp output, can handle 10-125 amps TIG welding on 120V, 10-9 if stick welding on 120V, 10-200 if TIG welding on 230V, and finally 10-170 amps if stick welding at 230V.
• Power: 120V & 230V AC/DC Welder with AC balance and frequency adjustment
• Max Weld Thickness: Up to 3/8″ on a single pass
• Weight & Portability: Weighing in at 46 pounds, the Lincoln is easy to carry in between jobs and comes with a carrying handle.
• Versatility: The Lincoln machine allows you to effortlessly switch between TIG welding and stick welding.
• Price: $1590 USD

• Overview: This option provides a slightly cheaper alternative to the others on this list, while still providing similar features at a bargain price.
• Amperage: 5-230 amps output range
• Power: 100-220V AC/DC Welder
• Max Weld Thickness: Anything from 1/4″ aluminum to 3/8″ Mild Steel.
• Weight & Portability: Weighing in at 50 pounds, it is also portable and easy to set up anywhere and use.
• Versatility: Also allows you to switch between TIG and stick welding.
• Price: $799 USD

• Overview: The best choice if you find yourself looking for a TIG welder that is small, light and versatile. One of the more expensive on the list.
• Amperage: Up to 200 amps output
• Power: 115 & 220V AC/DC Welder
• Max Weld Thickness: .19-.31″ recommended average maximum material thickness (according to product manual)
• Weight & Portability: Weighing in at a measly 32 pounds, it is also portable and easy to set up anywhere and use.
• Versatility: Also allows you to switch between TIG and stick welding.
• Price: $2035 USD

• Overview: This is the most expensive welder on the list, however it does not provide the versatility of some of the other machines on this list.
• Amperage: Maximum 150 amp power output
• Power: 120 & 240V AC/DC Welder
• Max Weld Thickness: About 3/16″
• Weight & Portability: The Miller Diversion weighs only 50 pounds, and is fairly portable.
• Versatility: Is not able to stick weld, as the TIG torch is not removable.
• Price: $2353 USD

• Overview: Initialy we loved this machine – and the price point certainly helped this decision. However, this machine then became plagued with malfunction after malfunction while Everlast technical support was unhelpful and contentious. After finally demonstrating all the symptoms and attempted remedies (switching torches, switching foot pedals, etc.) Everlast was willing to honor the warranty but demanded we pay shipping both ways.
• Amperage: 5-200 amp power output
• Power: 120 & 240V AC/DC Welder
• Max Weld Thickness: Any metal up to 1/4″ in a single pass
• Weight & Portability: This machine weighs a whopping 65 pounds, making it the heaviest and least portable on the list.
• Versatility: All Everlast consumables & accessories are proprietary, so if planning on using parts other than Everlast look elsewhere. Also able to weld both TIG and stick.
• Price: $1214 USD

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