Are your searching for the best TIG welder for home use? We have compiled a list of five models which in our opinion are the best suited for hobbyist welders.
While the quality of home welding projects depends greatly on the operator, having the best equipment by your side will ensure better results and greater fulfillment. Reliability, ease of operation, and user safety are some of the major factors that you should consider in finding the one the suits you best.
Let’s take a look into some of the best TIG welders for beginners, hobbyists, and home craftsmen. We’ve listed 5 of the best brands to guide you in choosing the right TIG welder to unleash the creativity in you.
Reviews of Top 5 TIG Welders for Home Use
| Model | Duty Cycle | Weight | Input Voltage | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Hobart 500551 EZ-TIG 165i | 20% @ 165A | 60.0 lbs | 230V | Check Price |
| 2. Lincoln Square Wave TIG 200 K5126 | 60% @ 13A | 46.5 lbs | 120/230V | Check Price |
| 3. Amico TIG 160 Amp Torch ARC Stick DC | 60% @ 160A | 15.0 lbs | 110/230V | Check Price |
| 4. Amico TIG-205/200 Amp HF TIG/Stick/Arc | 60% @ 200A | 20.0 lbs | 115/230V | Check Price |
| 5. Blue Demon BLUEARC-90STI | Peak: 20% @ 90A | 12.7 lbs | 120V | Check Price |
1. Hobart 500551 EZ-TIG 165i
The EZ-TIG 165i is the definition of control when it comes to TIG welders for home use. It has an inverter-based power source that allows for a reliable operation with less power consumption. It’s easy to set up and convenient to operate. The 165i has a broad range of settings that can meet the demands of even the more serious craftsman or welding hobbyist. Its HF start allows for a non-contact arc start, thereby eliminating any possible material contamination. Plug it into a 230v input and you’ll be on your way to creating great results.
This product operates with an infinite amperage control, a feature that allows you to have more flexibility with the kind and thickness of the materials that you will be working on. Use the single knob control and operate the machine at a breeze. The EZ-TIG 165i features an automatic high-temperature shutdown for your safety. It also has fan-on-demand which puts the fan to use only when needed, reducing the chances of dust or debris from being pulled into the machine. Very practical!
The Hobart 500551 EZ-TIG 165i measures 26.8 x 13.7 x 20.8 in and weighs 60lbs. This product comes in with an option for a 5-year, 3-year, or 1-year warranty.
PROS
- Inverter-based power source
- Capable of high-frequency start
- Infinite amperage control
- Automatic high-temperature shutdown
- Fan-on-demand
- Warranty option
- Good for home use and light industrial fabrication
CONS
- More expensive than other models for home use
2. Lincoln Square Wave TIG 200 K5126
Lincoln Electric Square Wave TIG 200 is a versatile welding machine that lets you express your creativity regardless of your skill level. Whether you are working on steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or chrome-moly, the Square Wave TIG 200 delivers smooth and reliable functionality that is easy to set up and convenient to use. TIG weld for that precise and fine bead appearance or use the stick to handle thicker materials and do outdoor work. Its combined TIG and stick from one power source will make a better craftsman out of a plain hobbyist.
This advanced portable machine allows you to conveniently adjust the AC frequency for a wider or tighter bead appearance. Use it on a maximum steel thickness of 3/8” on 110v and ½” on 230v. The Square Wave’s steady arc and well-made foot pedal will deliver excellent quality results on both voltages. Although not intended for large fabrications, its reliability and advanced features will certainly do a great welding job in your garage.
The Lincoln Square Wave TIG 200 measures 14 x 10.75 x 19.25 in, weighs 46.50 lbs. and comes with a 3-year full warranty.
PROS
- Multifunction, TIG and stick from one power source
- Easy to set up and use
- Reliable function
- Steady arc
- Portable
- 3-year full warranty
CONS
- Pulse feature is limited to 20 PPS, less heat control when working on thin metal
- More expensive than other models for home use
3. Amico TIG 160 Amp Torch ARC Stick DC Welder
Size does matter, but don’t be deceived. The Amico TIG 160 is a powerful multifunction TIG and stick dual voltage welding machine in a small and lightweight package. This product features an advanced inverter technology that lets you operate more efficiently on top of the usual benefits that you get from a full-sized TIG welder. Working on a variety of materials such as 3/8” stainless steel, alloy steel, mild steel, copper, cast iron, and chrome will come in easy with this machine’s 110/230v capability. With TIG 160’s convenient digital dial, adjusting for a softer or harder arc will not be an issue.
At a weight of just 15 lbs. and a small dimension of 16.6 x 7.7 x 11.8 in, this welder is what ease of operation and portability is all about. Despite its small size, it does the job well with no reported overheating issues to this date. Use the TIG or do traditional welding, this machine is packed with features that can rival the pricy competition.
Although the TIG 160 has a limited warranty of just 1 year, this machine is certainly worth its value.
PROS
- Multifunction, TIG and stick weld
- Easy to use, with digital dial to adjust for a softer or harder arc
- Inverter technology
- Optimized function for less spatter
- Dual voltage
- Very lightweight
CONS
- Not capable of high-frequency start
- Not suitable for welding aluminum
- Short warranty period
4. Amico TIG-205/200 Amp HF TIG/Stick/Arc Welder
Never put your safety to the side! No matter how heavy or light your fabrication projects are, the risks of accidents and machine failures will be there. The Amico TIG 205 prides itself with outstanding safety features that are not available on its older models and even on most of the other brands for home use.
How about an automatic voltage fluctuation compensation? The TIG 205 can most probably have a longer service life, knowing the machine is protected against any erratic current or load. Similar to the TIG 160, the 205 model delivers superb function and high-quality results. An LCD amperage display makes it more convenient to keep on track and make sure you are working with the optimum settings. What’s more is that this multifunction welder has automatic temperature control and fan dormancy feature. You avoid overheating your machine and you avoid dirt and unwanted materials from being sucked into the unit. Great results and superior safety features, this machine will make a good investment from the beginner up to the more serious TIG weld enthusiast.
The Amico TIG 205 measures 16 x 6.5 x 12 in and weighs 20 lbs. Warranty can be requested from the manufacturer.
PROS
- Multifunction, TIG and stick
- High frequency start
- Stable arc
- Voltage fluctuation compensation
- Automatic temperature control
- Fan dormancy feature
- Dual Voltage
- Highly portable
CONS
- Button on the TIG torch is hard to use
- Electrode holder can be faulty
- Manufacturer’s warranty is not explicitly disclosed
5. Blue Demon BLUEARC-90STI
How about 12 lbs. for a stick and TIG weld machine? The Blue Demon BLUEARC-90STI can possibly be the lightest 2-in-1 welding machine there is. This small welder operates with an inverter-based system that lets you do your work consistently and with efficient power consumption. Although primarily a stick welder, this small but highly functional machine can handle TIG welding much like its bigger brothers.
This machine’s transformer delivers increased power output despite its very minimal size. While its TIG function is more suitable to lighter materials, its inverter stick can very well handle various materials that include carbon steel, stainless steel, cast iron, and hard surfacing.
Whether you are a beginner or you are into smaller fabrication tasks, a highly portable, sleek, and functional machine might just be right for you. The BLUEARC-90STI measures 14 x 8 15.5 in and weighs 12.7 lbs. Manufacturer’s warranty can be requested.
PROS
- Multifunction, TIG and stick weld
- Inverter-based system
- Suitable for smaller fabrication
- Very lightweight
- Low-priced
CONS
- Not suitable for aluminum
- Inconsistent arc
- Manufacturer’s warranty is not explicitly disclosed
Our Recommendation
Different brands would have several characteristics that are present in every variant. The capability to weld a wide range of materials, user-friendly features, and portability are basic characteristics that manufacturers talk about. Any undiscerning TIG enthusiast will fall into the promises of reliable operation and durable service. But beyond these parameters, you as the welder should know exactly what you need. In this review, we picked at least 2 of the most viable options that you can choose from.
The Hobart 500551 EZ-TIG 165i is our number one choice. On the technical side, this model offers one of the most versatile control systems there is. The flexibility to adapt and optimize settings to the kind of material and its thickness with just a single knob control makes it a good choice for a welder of any skill level. While on the safety aspect, the automatic high-temperature shutdown gives you the confidence that you are protected and your home is safe. With an option for a 5, 3, or 1-year warranty, the 165i beats the competition.
The second on the list is the Lincoln Square Wave TIG 200 K5126. Its TIG and stick weld from the same power source will be very practical when doing fabrication at home. The easily adjustable AC frequency and the ability to handle almost any material suits any welder, from the hobbyist to the more experienced enthusiast. And how about a 3-year full warranty?
In conclusion, while some brands would have features that are similar to our recommended models, the ranking we made was based on the most practical combined feature-benefits, together with the available user reviews.