Best AC/DC TIG Welder for the Money

Are you facing a constant disappointment with the performance of your welder? You need a decent AC/DC welding machine within your budget that will give you a high-quality weld. Choosing the best AC/DC TIG welder for the money is difficult, especially when your budget is low. 

So, what is the best AC/DC TIG welder for the money? To solve your problem, we studied the features and reviews about the best AC/DC TIG welder for the money available in the market. We found out that Eastwood TIG 200 20565 AC/DC TIG Welder is the best AC/DC TIG welder for the money. Based on a large number of positive reviews from satisfied customers and outstanding welding features, we can consider it an ideal welder for aluminum and stainless steel.

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Comparison Table Of Best AC/DC TIG Welder For The Money

How to choose the best AC /DC TIG welder for the money?

Choosing the right AC/DC TIG Welder for your needs can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it is hard to know which one will work best with your budget and skill level. The following are some of the things that you should consider when buying an AC/DC TIG welder:

• Why should I use AC/DC TIG welder?
• What metals can I weld with an AC/DC TIG welder?
• What works for my budget?
• How much power does it have?
• How adjustable is the pulse?
• Does it have a good foot pedal?
• Does it have high frequency settings?
• What Is The 2T/4T Torch Control Feature On A Welder?

• Why Should I Use AC/DC TIG Welder?

TIG is usually used on thin metals. But it can also be used on other things. It might be used to fix your car or for work in your house. TIG welders are good for making joints and pipes. You can use them to fix stuff around the house, too.

So you want to buy a new welder and don't know what type to get. First, you have to figure out the basic properties that are important for your welding project. I recommend AC/DC TIG because it comes in handy for a variety of projects.

Plus, its hands-free operation means that it is safer than other types of welders like MIG or flux-core models. Speaking of safety, tungsten electrodes always give off far less flux fumes than metal-cored wires.

The welder can deliver any size arc with only 5% distortion at best: an even better rate when compared against MIG welders which require 30% distortion after welding one inch!

If you want quality in my opinion there is no better way to do it than AC/DC TIG welder, and you will not be disappointed.

AC/DC TIG welders allow users to adjust the amperage depending on the project they are doing: The amperage can go down as low as 20 amps for thin sheet metal up to 250 amps or more if you're working on a thick metal object.

This type of welder has different settings for power and time so you can use it on a lot of different metals. They also have an option to switch between alternating current or direct current, which lets you choose the one that, will work best on your metal.

The AC/DC TIG welder is a very special type of welder. It has many features, like adjustable current settings, up-and-down flow, foot pedal, and more. It also has many consumables to use. All these features in one machine give you much more flexibility than on other machines. You can do many things with this kind of welder that you couldn't do with others.

But one of the most important benefits is that it can be used for both ferrous and non-ferrous metals! This makes this type of welder perfect for newbie’s and experts alike.

• What Metals Can I Weld With An AC/DC TIG Welder?

Acetylene tungsten-inert gas TIG welding is a good choice for projects that require thinner materials, like copper sheets and aluminum. You can also use it to weld small pieces of stainless steel, copper, and non-ferrous alloys.

For most people outside the metal trade, the only welder they are likely to have seen in action is a MIG welder often used for heavy-duty metalwork like building car body panels or repairing railings.

The current must be at least 25% higher than an AC/DC TIG welder and some projects need a skilled operator as well because heat builds up when you're welding dense materials.

Both processes will work but what you want may depend on the size of your project. A TIG welder often produces cleaner and more precise results, and the only additional equipment you may need is the argon gas bottle if using an AC/DC TIG welder.

A MIG welder works well for larger projects with thicker sheets of metal; it's also a better choice than an AC/DC TIG welder if you're welding steel because it's the most popular metal to use for MIG welding.

There are other options as well, such as a flux-core wire welder which uses an inert gas and works best outside but can be used indoors with a ventilation system.

But if you're looking to start more complex metalwork projects, there's also a TIG welder that uses pure tungsten electrodes which work best with aluminum or stainless steel; it's a good option for beginners because you can also use it to work with non-ferrous metals like copper and brass.

Overall, TIG welding is preferable if you want cleaner and more precise results compared to MIG welding. You'll need to buy the argon gas tank as well so TIG welding may be more expensive than MIG welding.

But if you're looking to start metalwork projects like building car body panels or repairing railings, it's an excellent choice; just make sure you have a welding helmet and gloves because the temperatures can get extremely high.

• What Works For My Budget?

There are many different kinds of machines that weld metal together. Some are cheaper than others, but they all do the same thing. You get what you paid for when it comes to how long the machine lasts and how well it works. For example, a TIG welder like the Lotos TIG200 AC/DC is at a more affordable end of AC/DC TIG machines. On the other hand, an advanced machine such as Eastwood TIG 200 20565 AC/DC TIG Welder can be more costly because they have more things that make them work better.

So, if you want the best machine that will be most useful for you, you should set your budget according to what kinds of metalwork you are going to need.

• How Much Power Does It Have? 

This is a TIG welder, so it has high amperage.

There are two ways to think about it. The first way is to consider what you will be using the TIG welder for. Will you be mostly welding thin metals? Then go with less amperage and voltage, like 140 volts of AC or DC. Or will you be mostly welding thicker metals? Then go with more amperage and voltage, like 220 to 240 volts or more.

The other way to think about it is by considering where you will be using the TIG welder and the outlet types available there. If you can only use a 120-volt outlet, then maybe that is all you need in amperage. Or if you will mostly be welding near large industrial outlets, then maybe that is all you need.

If you are mostly doing TIG welding and not stick or MIG welding, then the amount of amperage needed will be lower than other welders. You can use less amperage on thinner metals than most people would recommend for general MIG welding. A TIG welder that has as little as 10 to 20 amps is fine for thin metals, such as those up to about 3/16ths of an inch. You could get away with one that has 40 to 50 amps on very thick ones, like ¼-inch mild steel or thicker. This is because TIG welding uses less heat than MIG welding.

You can figure this out by looking at the thickness of the metal you would be welding. It is unlikely that you will buy or rent a TIG welder, so if you do not know how thick the metal is, then assume it is ¼-inch mild steel. Then decide what amperage you will need for different types of metal. If you will be mostly welding ¼-inch mild steel and can use either 110 volts or 220 volts, then a TIG welder with about 70 amps would do the job of welding. If you are mostly going to weld 1/8-inch or thinner metal, then go with at least 60 amps. Or if you could use 110 volts or 220 volts, then a TIG welder with about 120 amps could be your best bet for welding those metals.

• How Adjustable Is The Pulse?

The pulse of a TIG welder can be adjusted using the lever of the machine.

Moreover, the pulse of the TIG welder actually depends on the preference of the user.

Being adjustable, it can be set according to how you want your welds to look.

An operator may prefer a ramp-like motion or a pulse motion depending on how he wants his weld puddle to move in order for him to get a more desirable finish.

For example, if you want to be able to achieve a faster puddle movement for better penetration into the material then it is best to set the pulse in rapid mode.

If you are thinking of making consistent weld puddles and moving at a steady speed then use the slower mode!

In addition, TIG Welders are designed to automatically adjust the pulse depending on what method you use.

For example, if you prefer a ramp-like motion when welding usually towards your work then set it in Auto mode.

If you prefer starting from zero and increasing as you go along, set the TIG welder in Manual Mode.

The auto feature automatically decreases the pulse and increases as you go along with your welding, which will result in a steady puddle movement.

In manual mode, the TIG welder automatically decreases your desired pulse at a slower rate.

The higher the number on your dial when set in Manual Mode, the faster it decreases or rather rises thus achieving a ramp-like movement.

• Does It Have A Good Foot Pedal?

TIG Welders use a foot pedal to build up the voltage, usually in increments and starts. This makes it easy to heat the materials without burning them or causing undesirable effects. One possible thing that may have happened is your welding technique might not be correct.

It's well worth learning how to weld with TIG for gasless applications like Aluminum or stainless steel where the flux is used if the need arises because of the complex thermal characteristics of these metals - especially when working thin material over eight inches wide. Around 2004, Lincoln began manufacturing their own type of TIG welding machine called LINCOLN® POWERTOUCH® PADSENSTOCK®, which has become increasingly popular due to its low noise levels and reduced amperage settings that make for cleaner welds.

It's not a traditional foot pedal, but it does have an on/off switch that turns the machine off when you take your foot away, and it has a very useful feature which is a thumb switch for increasing amperage levels. It also has another important feature that allows you to go from full power down to 20% power in increments of 10%; this is something I wish every other manufacturer would do.

If you're welding with somebody else, and they use the old school way which is stick-out (where the electrode holder extends into the workpiece), it may be a sign that your setup needs to be adjusted for better results. If you're working close to the edge of a piece, stick-out is fine. But be aware that the closer you get to the opposite side, will decrease your metal deposition rate dramatically. A lot has to do with proper setup; make sure all your wires are secure and tight.

I'm not saying a good foot pedal automatically makes every welder a winner, but when you're working with Aluminum and stainless steel types of metals, the foot pedal is a must.

• Does It Have High Frequency Settings? 

TIG welder is an incredible tool that's commonly used in the welding industry. It's a type of arc welding and it creates a highly focused, inert gas that flows at high frequencies to create welds with excellent mechanical properties.

High-frequency settings are important when you're using a TIG welder. These are the frequency output from the machine and they can be adjusted to accommodate different types of metals being welded.

Besides this, the high-frequency setting is helpful for cleaning, penetrating, and controlling your arc. This type of set comes in so handy when you're welding aluminum or magnesium because it prevents spatter, which is a big problem with these types of metal.

It also prevents contamination because it only takes 2mm or less to weld aluminum! This means you can have higher productivity and faster welding times.

Some TIG machines are more advanced than others, which is why they may offer high-frequency settings while others do not.

• What Is The 2T/4T Torch Control Feature On A Welder?

This tells you how to use a machine that will make the heat and filler metal flow as you weld. The 2T mode is if you know exactly how much heat or filler metal to use. But then the gas and arc will stay at that amperage until you change it. 4T mode lets you adjust the gas, but it stays at that amperage while welding. It takes some practice with these modes before they are easy to use.

Welding is used to connecting metal parts together and can be done using a TIG welder. After you release the trigger, the machine will go to set working amperage and stay there while welding. Pressing the trigger again will slop it to the ending amperage and terminate as you release the trigger.

The 2T and 4T modes are features on a TIG welder. The 2T mode allows you to weld in the amperage that you have set, but if you hold the trigger it will stay at that amperage until you release it. On the other hand, 4T mode has four different touches where pressing the trigger starts gas flow and arc at certain start amperage, but then stays there while welding. If you want to change how much gas is flowing or turn off the arc, then press the trigger again.

In order to know how much filler metal you need, you have to be able to control the heat and the amperage as you weld. Welders have had a foot pedal for this, but with the 2T/4T modes on a TIG welder, you can control the amperage and gas flow with the trigger on the torch. It takes some practice to get used to it, but once you know how to use these modes, your welds will be stronger and more consistent.

What Are The Best AC/DC TIG Welder For The Money?

Here are some of the best AC/DC TIG welder for the money we found:

1. Best AC/DC TIG Welder For Beginner: Eastwood TIG 200 20565 Reviews (AC/DC Welder Aluminum Stainless Mild Steel Weld)
   
2. Best DIY TIG Welder: Hobart 500511 EZ-TIG 165i AC/DC TIG Welder 230V
3. Best TIG/Stick Welder: 2018 AHP Alpha TIG IGBT AC/DC Welder With PULSE 
4. Best Single Phase AC/DC TIG Welder: 2019 Everlast Power TIG 200DV 200amp 110/ 220V Welder
5. Best Budget AC/DC TIG Welder: Lotos TIG200 AC/DC Dual Voltage 200A Aluminum TIG Welder

Suitable for both Pro and novice welders, the Eastwood TIG 200 is capable of welding up to ¼" steel and aluminum. It can work on dual voltage 120V / 240V power input and create output amperage from 10 – 200 Amp.

A simple control panel for setting arc, welding mode, and amperage makes it easy for beginners. It offers functions that are required by professional and expert weld operators. The AC/DC adapter cord makes it simple to switch between the modes.

Its weight is only 45 pound that makes it easy to carry. It can be plugged into an available 120V/ 240 V power input source to weld metals of varying thickness. 60% duty cycle enables the operator to continuously weld for 6 minutes resulting in a fast welding operation.

Its high-frequency start-up and square wave AC inverter functions for clean and accurate welding through precise arc control. Stick welding can be done on AC/DC mode Positive/ Negative. The variable foot pedal can adapt to the voltage between 10 – 200 Amp.

The pre gas flow range is 0.1 to 1.0 per second. The post flow gas range is 2 to 8 seconds. AC settings are suitable for steel and stainless steel. DC settings are ideal for welding aluminum.

The Hobart EZ-TIG 165i is an AC/DC TIG welder that works on 230V input power supply. It can produce up to 165 amps output with maximum weld thickness up to 3/16”.

The welder is easy to operate. The operator has to select the metal, and the required thickness and rest of the settings are automatic. The unique single-knob control quickly sets up the welder for AC/DC welding.

Fan operates when it is turned on by the operator. It helps reduce the amount of dust and debris coming inside the welder. It also saves operation energy.

Noncontact arc start-up prevents tungsten and material contamination, resulting in a neat and clean weld. You can initiate the arc by pressing the pedal because of the high-frequency arc start feature.

The auto post flow feature allows optimum amperage based shielding to minimize waste. It will give you the best value for money as it’s cheaper than miller but offers similar functions and reliability.

It offers adjustable AC/DC power control over amperage for the most exceptional welding of thinner gauge materials.

Build on the latest inverter technologies IGBT and PMW; this AHP Alpha TIG 200 X is lightweight and easy to carry TIG/ stick welder. This dual voltage 110 / 220 V AC /DC MIG/stick welder performs well on both voltages.

It provides a high range of pulse features along with cleaning control. Its PULSE frequency range is 5 to 5 HZ, and the Amperage variation is 10 – 200 Amps. Pulse time is 10-90% of the pulse cycle. These pulse modulation features provide greater operator control over the weld quality.

It features high frequency start TIG and foot pedal for greater control. Unlike the other TIG welders, this can also weld aluminum up to 0.25”. Square wave inverter allows aluminum welding.

The AC balance is flexible and allows a 30 – 70 % adjustment. It cleans aluminum oxide and delivers a reasonable weld penetration.

The AHP Alpha TIG comes with a flex head torch (WP17). It also features a torch lock in the form of a 2T / 4T switch. This unique feature eliminates the need to hold the torch trigger when making long beads in MIG welding.

The Everlast Power TIG 200 DV is a versatile, dual voltage, and an IGBT inverter controlled TIG welding machine. It is a lightweight and portable AC / DC TIG welder that can be connected to a 120 V/ 240 V power input single phase 50/60 Hz.

It can start TIG welding at amp as low as 5 for DC and 20 for AC. The PULSE frequency range is 5 – 150 Hz in AC/DC modes. Controls are color-coded for easy identification. You can use the lift start function when you don't want HF. It enables you to control Pre flow and post flow for gas.

For stick welding, its unique feature Arc Force Control (DIG), reduces spatter and yields better arc performance. You can attach a water cooler WC 300 to enhance cooling action.

In general, this is a reliable welder that can make good quality welds. Its price is reasonable than other high-end brands.

The LOTOS TIG200 is an AC/DC TIG welder that can weld aluminum, steel, and other materials. It can TIG weld aluminum, mild steel, stainless steel, and other thinner gauge metals with accuracy and precision. The estimated power efficiency of this welder is 80%.

It features HF start hand torch for consistent arc and clean welds. Foot paddle control helps accurate heat control for thinner gauge metals. For perfect Aluminum welding on AC mode, it uses the AC Square wave inverter.

It features the PAPST cooling system for extending the life and durability of the welder. It is a reasonably priced TIG welder suitable for both home and industrial use.

For stick/ MMA welding, it can yield up to 15 – 200 Amp output. Stick welding features include smooth start arc, deep weld pool, consistent arc, clean weld, adjustable arc current. It can perform welding with different kinds of acid and primary electrodes.

It comes with all essential parts, including a TIG torch, stick electrode holder, foot pedal, argon regulator and hose, and all necessary consumables.

What does AC/DC welder mean?

DC stands for direct current and the AC in AC DC welder refers to alternating current. An AC/DC welder is an electrical device that can be used to join together metal components.

AC and DC welding are two types of arc welding that use different currents to produce an electric arc. The electric arc provides heat, which is used to fuse the metals together. A power supply generates this current into a small arc for AC or a more powerful one in the case of DC.

Both these processes can be highly dangerous if not done properly due to immense amounts of energy being released by it when generating welds.

The electricity produced by a DC welder flows in only one direction, which allows the user to easily connect parts of metal without having to worry about polarity issues.

Alternating current (AC) changes direction 50 or 60 times per second and reverses itself back and forth.

Why should I use AC/DC TIG welder?

An AC/DC TIG welder is great for welding a wide variety of metals, such as stainless steel, aluminum, and carbon steel. You can also use it to weld titanium, copper, nickel alloy. And you have flexibility in choosing AC/DC mode because the machine works with both types of current.

Moreover, AC/DC TIG welder can be used in many types of projects. You can even build a car with it. Yes, you can weld thin metals such as aluminum and stainless steel just as easily as you weld thick metal pieces like carbon steel.

It also lets you control the heat input, which is perfect for welding roof seams on a classic car or repairing an engine bay.

The TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) process is one of the most versatile welding processes around and can be used to weld thicker metals as well as to conduct more complex operations like gas metal arc welding (GMAW). With AC/DC DC TIG welders, you get all of this power with a low price tag.

There's no need to constantly adjust and monitor the welder, unlike MIG or stick welders. It has a short learning curve and is easy enough for beginners to use. The TIG process uses only tungsten electrodes, argon gas shielding, and an arc ignition system. That means you don't have to buy add-ons or extras like gas tanks, regulators, and hoses.

And finally, the AC/DC TIG welder is perfect for welding thin metals such as aluminum and stainless steel just as easily as it welds thicker metal pieces like carbon steel.

What is the difference between an AC and DC welder?

The flow of electrons through a conductor may produce direct or alternating current. This difference in flow creates AC/DC polarity.

In DC welding, the electrons flow in a single direction, with a constant polarity. The polarity may be positive or negative. DC is applicable in many small devices like cell phones and remote control batteries.

In welding, DC produces smooth and clean welds. It gives a smooth arc resulting in minimum spatter. DC negative is associated with an increased deposition rate but minimal penetration. It is beneficial when working on thinner metals. DC positive polarity gives high penetration in steel welding. DC is more often used in stick welding.

AC welding is applicable for high-frequency aluminum TIG welding. It is also used in the repair and maintenance of machinery. The machines usually have a magnetic field, and DC can not be applied there. Machines may have rusted surfaces where high welding temperature is required.

AC polarity combines DC negative and DC positive. It changes its polarity 60 times to 120 times per second. It is measured as 60/120 hertz. During this shift in polarity, the output amperage becomes zero for a split second. It causes a fluctuation in arc consistency, resulting in spatter.

AC welding offers an advantage when welding magnetic surfaces. Magnetic surfaces can cause arc blow problems. In this situation, the alternating current gives a steady arc by switching between positive and negative polarities. The arc blow problems are also caused by the arc's current or the wind.

Advantages of DC welding:

• Minimum spatter.
• Easy start-up.
• Preferable for vertical welding.
• Consistent Arc.
• Better for thinner metals.

Disadvantages of DC Welding:

• More expensive than AC welding.
• Not suitable for high-intensity heat.
• Not suitable for aluminum TIG welding.
• Cannot fix arc blow.

Advantages of AC welding:

• It is used for magnetized and rusted metals.
• It is used in aluminum welding.
• Reasonable and affordable price.
• Lightweight and easily portable.
• Less voltage drop.

Disadvantages of AC welding:

• It emits more spatter.
• It does not produce smooth welds.

Why is DC preferred over AC?

DC TIG welding is where the current flows in one direction only. DC can be used for mild steel and stainless materials, while AC would work on aluminum.

For the TIG welding process to take place, electricity needs to flow between a tungsten electrode and the workpiece. The resistance causes energy to be released from the electrodes in the form of light; which is what we see as 'arc'.

AC flows through both positive and negative; whereas DC has two poles-positive and negative.

With AC you have a positive and negative flow, so it doesn't matter which way you hook up either pole to the work or torch; but with DC, it matters.

A tungsten electrode needs to remain constant in one direction for the arc to strike, if not the electrode will burn out extremely fast.  This is why DC is the preferred option, it has a constant flow that burns at a fast rate without heating up as much.

AC produces what we call alternating current or erratic power fluctuations that lead to inconsistent welding results. The reason for this being is that every single time the polarity changes; the electrode cools down and causes lumps of metal to build upon the tip.

The AC welding process is where the flow of electricity creates a sine wave motion, from zero to peak and back to zero again. So every time an electron moves along the conductor; it returns and starts over again in a continuous loop.

Now with DC, electricity flows through one direction only, down the positive side from the electrode and back to the work.

As it flows in one direction, it spends more time at peak flow than AC which makes it have a faster melt rate because there is greater resistance for electricity to flow through.

With this continually higher level of resistance, DC does not generate as much heat; which decreases spatter and chances of contaminating the weld because of a reduction in smoke.

In most of the cases, DC welding offers more advantages than AC welding. DC welding is preferred over AC because of the following reasons:

Quality of Welding: AC welding does not produce a clean and smooth weld. The linear direction of current in DC produces cleaner welds with minimum spatter.

Arc Characteristics: DC produces a consistent, stable arc. This arc is easier to manage and more reliable than arc produced by AC.

Polarity: Both DC positive and DC negative have different characteristics. They can be adapted to the type of welding required.

However, DC welding does not produce high-intensity heat required for Aluminum welding.

Which is cheaper, AC or DC?

AC welders are reasonable in price and cheaper than DC welders. The AC welders are lighter in weight than DC welders.

The electric current coming from the power source is AC. The welder needs an internal conversion device that changes the AC-current into DC-current. It increases installation and maintenance costs. The maintenance of AC welders is cheaper and more comfortable than DC welders.

The energy consumption of an AC welder is 3 to 4 kWh while the energy consumption by a DC welder is 6 to 10 kWh.The arc blow of AC welders is comparatively easy, while it is difficult to control when using DC welders. Therefore operating on DC welders needs more expertise of the operator.

Conclusion

There are hundreds of TIG welders available in the market. To choose the best AC/DC TIG welder for the money, consider reliability, durability, power consumption, features, and specifications concerning the type of your welding projects or job.

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