Best TIG Welder Under $1,000: AHP AlphaTIG 200X
After countless months of trials, we’ve finally found the one model that every DIY-er should get: the AHP AlphaTIG 200X.
Although it’s not a top-of-the-line machine, it produces great-quality welds while working efficiently at its max output.
Here’s an overview of AlphaTIG 200X’s key specifications—
- 3/8-inch Welding Capacity
- 110V/220V Input Power
- 60% Duty Cycle @ 200A
- Works on Aluminum
First of all, we need to appreciate the fact that not-so-well-known manufacturers are producing high-quality TIG welders for the budget-conscious.
AHP’s AlphaTIG 200X is just that—it delivers deep 3/8-inch penetration through mild steel sheets and plates.
If you work with aluminum regularly, you’ll appreciate the AlphaTIG 200X’s ability to weld through the non-ferrous metal without leaving a mark.
This machine can join 1/8-inch aluminum sheets with a single pass of the welding gun.
The AlphaTIG 200X kit comes with all of the necessary hardware you need to get started. Plus, if you work outdoors, you’ll love this TIG welder’s ability to convert into a stick welder.
Pros
- Incredibly versatile and lightweight
- Durable construction
- Easy-to-use control dials
- Can weld aluminum
Cons
- Could start up quicker
Durable, powerful, portable, and every -able you can imagine, the AlphaTIG 200X is the greatest all-around TIG welder available.
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A TIG welder is the next natural step after MIG welding for dealing with thinner sheets and plates. If you’re looking TIG welder for a reasonable price, you’ve come to the right site.
In this guide, we’ll show you what we think is the best TIG welder under $1,000.
After long hours of researching, we’re sure you’ll be happy with what we’ve uncovered.
Top TIG Welders Under $1,000 Compared
Here’s a comparison between Top TIG Welders Under $1,000:
| Product Image | Product Name | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best TIG Welder Under $1,000 – AHP AlphaTIG 200X |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Best Premium - Everlast PowerMTS 211Si |
| Check Today's Price |
| Best Budget - Weldpro TIG 200GD |
| Check Today's Price |
|
 | PRIMEWELD TIG225X |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Forney 190 MP |
| Check Today's Price |
Reviews of Top TIG Welders Under $1,000
Our testing of 15-plus TIG welder models on the market has yielded some pleasant results. You can see other noteworthy under-$1,000 TIG welders down below.
Best Premium - Everlast PowerMTS 211Si
Key Specifications
- 3/8-inch Welding Capacity
- 110V/220V Input Power
- 35% Duty Cycle @ 200A
- TIG/MIG/Stick Welder
Whatever your budget, Everlast has an excellent TIG welder for you. This time, we’re talking about the PowerMTS 211Si, one of their most premium welders on the market.
The PowerMTS 211Si can weld 3/8 of an inch of mild steel with every pull of the welding gun. It runs on either 110V or 220V power, making it a viable option for both homeowners and professional metalworkers.
Its duty cycle of 35% at peak power isn’t all that great, but you can increase its efficiency and your productivity by bringing down the power by several notches.
Plus, the PowerMTS 211Si functions as a TIG, MIG, and stick welder.
Plus, being made nearly complete out of durable steel. The PowerMTS 211Si can withstand bumps and bruises like a champ—a real nice feature for on-the-go welders.
Pros
- Incredible versatility
- Great welding performance
- Durable design
- Easy-to-find consumables and replacement parts
Cons
- Could come with a foot pedal
The PowerMTS 211Si opens up new doors to all sorts of welding possibilities, not just 3/8-inch TIG magnificence.
Best Budget - Weldpro TIG 200GD
Key Specifications
- 3/8-inch Welding Capacity
- 110V/220V Input Power
- 40% Duty Cycle @ 200A
- Complete list of accessories
If you’re looking for a TIG welder with all the frills at a more budget-friendly cost, then the Weldpro TIG 200GD is the perfect fit for your garage workshop.
Like the previous models, the 200GD can penetrate up to 3/8-inch mild steel sheets and plates with ease. It runs on either 110V or 220V power, allowing you to take the machine wherever your clients need welding.
It has a decent 40% duty cycle at max output, and it also doubles as a stick welder for outdoor welding jobs.
The best thing about the 200GD is that it comes with every necessary component to get you started right away, including a couple of electrode consumables.
Learn about the 200GD by watching this Weldpro-made video:
Pros
- Excellent performance
- Digital control board
- Durable, portable design
- Comes with all supplies and hardware
Cons
- Construction could be better
The Weldpro TIG 200GD offers the best bang for your investment, though you need to be careful when transporting the unit.
PRIMEWELD TIG225X
Key Specifications
- 3/8-inch Welding Capacity
- 110V/220V Input Power
- 40% Duty Cycle @ 200A
- Pulse Function
The PRIMEWELD TIG225X was one of the most fascinating TIG welders to enter our shop. Like the previous models, it has a 3/8-inch welding capacity on mild steel.
Its duty cycle is also great at 40% at 200A. This machine also doubles as a stick welder for outdoor purposes.
With its pulse function, you can weld thinner materials and leave a visually pleasing bead without the risk of burning your material.
You should definitely use pulse welding action to join pieces of aluminum together to avoid spatter and melt-off.
The TIG225X comes with a wide range of accessories, including a foot pedal for better heat control. However, the pedal isn’t that well-built and, based on customer reports, can come apart rather easily.
Pros
- Excellent welding performance
- Ultra-customizability
- Great pulse welding
- Smooth, quiet AC arc
Cons
- Pedal could be built better
If you’re willing to go off-brand, the PRIMEWELD TIG225X is one of the best TIG welding machines you can get at a reasonable price.
Forney 190 MP
Key Specifications
- 3/16-inch Welding Capacity
- 115V/220V Input Power
- 20% Duty Cycle @ 100A
- TIG/MIG/Stick Welder
The final item on our list is from the ever-popular Forney Industries, the 190 MP. From its performance ratings, it’s clear that the 190 MP isn’t up to par with the four previous models, but it certainly deserves some recognition.
First, it has a 3/16-inch welding capacity on mild steel, which makes it more appropriate for at-home welding projects. However, it’s a 3-in-1 welding machine that can also MIG and stick weld on demand.
The control board is a lot simpler compared to the other TIG welders on this list, but this just makes it more appealing to novice welders.
Forney’s descriptive video of the 190 MP can be found here:
Pros
- Excellent light-duty welding machine
- Easy to start up and operate
- TIG, MIG, and stick welds
- Durable cast aluminum shell
Cons
- Power cord could be longer
If this is your first welding machine, or if you don’t need an ultra-powerful TIG welder for your projects, then the Forney 190 MP is a great alternative.
FAQs
Here’s where we’ll address some of the most frequently asked questions about TIG welders.
That’s entirely up to you. TIG welders typically go for between $200 and $5,000, with the pricier models being feature-rich and exponentially more powerful than their cheaper counterparts. However, your first consideration should be how thick of a material you’re welding. If you can get by with between 3/16 and 3/8 of an inch, any of the TIG welders above will do.
From our list, the two lesser-known manufacturers are AHP and PRIMEWELD. We can’t speak for how great their after-sale services are, or whether they supply replacement parts for your machine down the road. What we do know is that they outshine many name-brand models, including those listed above and those that didn’t make the cut. Plus, with more manufacturers entering the TIG-welder fray, you’ll come across more brands with similar performance ratings as the best of them.
A TIG welder will always be able to stick weld. The more versatile models, such as the Everlast PowerMTS 211Si and Forney 190 MP, also come with a MIG welding function for joining thicker plates together in fewer passes. When it comes to their additional MIG welding action, there’s no doubt that they work without a hitch. You should get a 3-in-1 welder if you’re new to the welding game and want your welder to grow with you as you gain experience.
For TIG welding, you’ll need 100% argon or a mixture between argon and helium. Helium enhances welding penetration for thicker plates by creating a more fluid weld pool, and it will come in handy in a wider range of applications. If you don’t have flux-cored wire, you’ll need to pick up a tank your shielding gas of choice.
Summary
By researching over a dozen models, we were able to identify the best of the best TIG welders under $1,000 or around that price.
We have great confidence that you’ll find the most suitable TIG welder for your home or workshop from our list.
If you have anything on your chest, you’re free to pour your heart out in the comments section.
Last update on 2024-12-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API