TIG welding machine comparison test: Which product is the best in 2023

How to find the best product in the TIG welder comparison

There are many different types of TIG welders. Some are designed to work with specific metals; others can work with any metal. Regardless of the model, all TIG welders are marked with an AC to indicate they can weld aluminum. If you like the idea of ​​​​welding the seams yourself, you can buy a TIG welder and get to work. Before purchasing a TIG welder, it's a good idea to research its performance. Not all welders are the same; some are better than others. Also, different metals require different welding equipment. Devices marked DC are best for welding metal, while AC/DC combination models can weld different metals. You can find the best device in our comparison table.

Several TIG welding machine Recommendations see our table with our TIG welding machine buy recommendations. If you do this for the TIG welding machine Reviews interested and which ones TIG welding machine Bestsellers there is, this guide will give you a lot of useful information about it.

The most important purchase criteria for a TIG welding machine

For the right welding machine Performance criteria such as power consumption, control range and duty cycle are important. The handling also determines whether the device runs with a 2-stroke or a 4-stroke. Be sure to wear all protective gear, including masks and gloves.

Thick workpieces require a higher device power

Depending on the thickness of the material you want to join your TIG welder you will need adequate device performance. In amps. A very thin material, 1mm thick, can be welded at around 40 amps. On the other hand, when the metal thickness is 3 mm, a 120A TIG welder necessary. The TIG welder with AC and DC function is suitable for welding all kinds of

High-frequency ignition protection electrodes and workpieces

Make sure the TIG welder is high frequency ignition.  The arc required for welding is generated without contact. This means that the workpiece is processed much more gently than with the model without high-frequency ignition. Good TIG welders usually have this function already integrated.

Longer working time due to high duty cycle

A TIG welder will overheat if used for too long. The welder must be cooled before using it again. In addition, information on the duty cycle can be found in the product description. Typically, this information is expressed in percent per amp. For example, a maximum duty cycle of 30% would only take 3 minutes to weld at full power. Testing the TIG welder with a real version showed that it can work for up to ten minutes at a time. It is recommended that you follow the maximum safety rules when installing the ground wire to avoid electric shock from welding current. In addition, wearing a protective mask and gloves is mandatory.

Adjust the temperature individually via the control range 

Depending on the type of metal, you should adjust the temperature of the TIG welder before each weld. The easiest way is to use a model with stepless temperature control. Temperatures that are too high can damage materials, so it is important to know in advance the optimal soldering temperatures for different types of metal and not to exceed them when soldering.

The cycle determines how the burner works

Some devices work in 2 or 4 welding steps. With 2-stroke devices you have to keep the control button pressed until you want to weld. It's a bit tedious and tiring for hands with long welds. Use TIG welder mode for four-stroke work. Here you press the control button and press it once. Start the welding process. Only when you have finished welding do you press the stop button. This is a more suitable variant for longer welding times.

Long hoses on the welding device facilitate gentle work

Included is usually a suitable hose included. If possible, this should be a good length so that you have enough freedom of movement that larger pieces do not cause any problems. 

FAQ: Important questions and answers about TIG welding machines

TIG and TIG welding is the same thing. Do you have further questions about TIG welding? You might find the right answer here.

What is the difference between TIG welding and TIG welding?

The abbreviation TIG stands for Tungsten Inert Gas, i.e  is the English term for TIG welding (TIG=tungsten inert gas welding). The same device is available under TIG and WIG. However, this depends on the place of production and the manufacturer.

How do you weld aluminum? 

To weld aluminum you need an AC or AC/DC welder.  The abbreviation AC stands for alternating current welding and DC for direct current welding. So if you want to weld aluminum with a welder, look out for the AC mark. However, you have even more flexibility if you opt for a combination model that can weld all types of metal.

Where can I buy a TIG welder? 

Inexpensive TIG welding machines and welding accessories are not only available in local shops DIY & Tools. A larger selection of these devices can be found in various online stores specializing in the sale of tools. Our TIG welding equipment comparison chart is a quick way to see which welding guns are available at the best price. Stiftung Warentest has Do not have TIG welders tested. Need a welding machine to to connect metal only once? In this case, it's not really worth buying a new one. Rent a TIG welder at a tool rental or hardware store, including protective gear and shielding gas for the welder.

The following TIG welding equipment manufacturers and brands were convincingly tested

Have you decided on a TIG welder, but aren't sure yet? Which manufacturer offers a good machine? You will find TIG welders and other tools, such as B. from the following manufacturers and brands, which are often at the top of TIG welder tests.

• Steel mill
• stamos
• Berlan
• powertech
• welder
• WilTec