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TIG welding is one of the most important and complicated processes in metal fabrication. If you’re looking for the best TIG welder under 2000 dollars, you’re in the right place.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the best options that you can find within this price range.
To make the search process easier for you, I’ve compiled thoroughly detailed reviews of the best TIG welders that you can find on the market within this price range. Let’s have a look at each one of these welders and see what it has to offer.
Kicking off the list with one of the most popular names in the field of welding. Everlast is one of the most rapidly growing manufacturers in the industry. They produce premium quality products that are great for both hobbyists and professional welders.
The 2019 Everlast 211Si is the latest entry to the PowerMTS series. It’s a multipurpose welder with various features and relatively affordable price. So, it’ll spare you a large sum of your budget, let’s see how it ranks as a TIG welder.
The unit is completely redesigned when compared to older models like the MTS 2017. The new ergonomic design is much easier to hold and take less space horizontally.
The all-new PowerMTS 211SI has all the characteristic features of the line with adding some new ones. For example, the synergic capability of the MIG part of the Stick/MIG/Tig Welder.
The standard MIG mode comes with a setup that’s fully controlled by the user. This makes it easy to use by average and advanced users.
Additionally, all the menus on the welder are highly comprehensive. This allows you to adjust everything, including modes, metal type, and wire diameter. This is a huge improvement from older models and other competitors in the market.
There’s also the manual override mode, which allows you to fine-tune the unit settings to your expectations. Also, the TIG welder comes equipped with a synergic spool gun mode, which is important for aluminum works.
The unit runs on a DC current only. This makes it a great option if your main line of work is hard metals like steel and stainless steel. However, if you TIG weld aluminum more often, the synergetic spool gun for MIG welding is there to do this task.
Additionally, the welder comes with a TIG torch and a foot pedal that is directly connected to the front. The good news is, you won’t need any specific tools to TIG weld, such as a manual gas valve.
Unlike other lesser brands, the gas valve in the PowerMTS 211SI is automatically controlled. You can easily program it for the control panel for pre and post flow operations.
The machine weighs about 80 pounds and has a durable handle to allow you to carry it. This makes it a bit easier to carry, as it’s a bit heavy when compared to some other options on the market. However, you might still need to move it on a cart if you walk long distances.
As you know, every welding job requires a specific discipline. Some might work with stick welding while others might need MIG or TIG welding. Buying a separate welder for each one isn’t a good idea if you’re on a budget.
Forney 324 welder is one of the most versatile units available out there. It’s a multi-process welder that can do different disciplines of welding. Not only will this help you to save some money, but it’ll also spare some space in your workshop at the same time.
The welder is designed to perform the three welding processes and transition between them with relative ease. All that thanks to Forney’s Euro Connect feature, which saves you a lot of time.
The unit comes ready with all accessories needed for MIG and Stick welding. However, it doesn’t have the needed tools for TIG welding and you’ll have to purchase the tungsten inert gas system separately.
Moreover, you’ll need to buy other accessories for TIG welding, such as foot pedal and torch for TIG welding. While this might sound upsetting, it’s very easy to find these attachments and there’s an option to include them all in your purchase.
The remarkably low price of the Forney 324 unit should make up for the additional purchases. In fact, even after paying for all these extras, you might still end up paying less than some other options.
Along with the welding unit, you’ll receive a flow meter and a gas hose. Coupled with a single-stage piston, the flow meter will help you achieve perfect gas regulation while operating the welder.
According to Forney, the unit works with electrodes of about 1/8-inch diameter. However, some users reported that 5/32-inch electrodes worked with the welder. As for spools, it accepts sizes of 4 or 8 inches with a maximum wire diameter of about 0.035 inches
You should also know that this one is also a DC-only TIG welder. In other words, you won’t be able to TIG weld aluminum with it.
Instead, you’ll have to use the MIG spool gun. However, this method is highly limited, so it’s not recommended to go for this welder if aluminum is your main line of work.
The machine is cased in a rugged metal case, which protects it and helps it stand the test of time. Also, it can use voltages between 115 to 220 volts, allowing it to work on the household current of 120 volts.
The machine weighs about 17.6 pounds, which should be a breeze to carry with the top fitted handle.
Another Welder from Everlast, which gives you an idea of the level of quality it offers. The 200DV is the newest model in the analog inverter TIG welders line from Everlast.
Similar to the MTS 221SI, Everlast designed the new line to be as straightforward and easy to use as possible. The panel is color-coded to make all the controls easier to identify and adjust.
The menu is revamped and designed to be much easier to operate with having to open the cover or accessing complex settings. However, some of the menus might still look a little basic for the most advanced users.
One of the highlights of the 200DV TIG welder is that it’s highly versatile. The welder can work with dual voltage input. This allows you to easily use it to operate on both 120-volt and 240-volt single phase of 50 to 60 hertz.
Unlike the Forney 324, this one comes ready with TIG welding equipment, such as a holder for the TIG system. Also, it has a lift start function similar to the one in the MTS 221SI. This function is available to use if you don’t need high frequency.
Moreover, Everlast backs the unit with arc force control (DIG). This feature automatically adjusts the energy needed for welding. This reduces splatted and improves the overall performance of the arc.
Additionally, the Powerful TIG welder comes with an IGBT inverter that’s digitally controlled, which adds to the reliability of the welder. You can also control the flow of the inert gas during welding thanks to the pre and post flow controls.
Unlike other options on the list, this one has an AC/DC mode. The DC welding can start at 5 amps while the AC starts at 20 amps. This makes this unit ideal for welders who frequently work with aluminum.
As for DC welding, it offers a highly stable and smooth welding arc. The 200DV is especially spot-on when it comes to welding thin materials. However, it also does a decent job with thicker welds that proved difficult to many TIG welders of a similar price range.
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If you’re looking for a welder that combines reliability and relative ease of use, this one should be in your considerations.
The Hobart 500551 EZ-TIG is a great option for professional users who need a high-performance TIG welder. Yet, it’s also perfectly simple for beginners and hobbyists to use it for DIY projects.
Despite being on the pricier end of your budget scale, it’s actually a great value for its price. In fact, this one performs as good as many top-flight models.
The control panel on the Hobart EZ-TIG welder is designed to eliminate complexity. You can easily control everything with one-click operations. Also, everything on the user interface is labeled with large-sized letters, so you can read them from afar.
Similar to Everlast’s PowerTIG 200DV, this one also has both AC and DC modes built into it. Not only that, but you’ll find it much easier to switch between both modes according to the material you’re working on.
This makes it a great option for welders who work with different types of metals. These types include hard and mild metals like steel and aluminum respectively.
Besides the pre flow controls, you’ll also get a controlled post flow. This provides excellent flow of inert gases while working to save as much gas as possible. The post flow is automatic, so you won’t have to go through the hassle of adjusting it yourself.
Hobart’s fans are also automatically controlled. If you don’t use the machine, the fans will shut themselves off automatically.
While this feature might not sound like much, it adds to the longevity of the unit by reducing the amount of dust that could reach the motor.
Similar to the Everlast’s 200DV, the power source in Hobart’s EZ-TIG is also inverter-based. This feature enhances the performance of the unit while using much less electric power. This saves you a lot of money, which is great for both professionals and hobbyists.
Saving one of the best TIG welders for the last. Miller is one of the best welding equipment providers in the world. For a company that has been around for almost 100 years now, it’s no surprise that one of its welders will grace the list.
The machine is able to work with flux-core, MIG, Stick, and TIG welding. This is great news for anyone who doesn’t want to flood their workplace with different equipment for different welds.
The main package includes a MIG torch, a power adapter, arc lead, and a spool adapter. This adapter is used to switch between 2-pound wire spool and 10-pound spool.
Also, the TIG welder comes with two gas inputs for both TIG and MIG, so you don’t have to buy them separately.
With these separate gas inputs, you won’t need to remove the MIG tank to replace it with the TIG tank. Instead, you can keep your 75/25 MIG tank connected while using the 100% argon from your tank for TIG welding.
Similar to the Forney 324, it’s designed to TIG weld but it doesn’t come ready with TIG equipment. However, the total price after you opt for a pedal and a TIG torch, you’ll still be paying a little less than other products that come equipped fully.
The Miller Multimatic has got dual input power, allowing it to operate on 120 and 240 volts. You won’t need to do any configurations to use the product.
Simply change the plug on the power wire and choose the one that suits your power outlet. The welder comes with a power-based onboard inverter with sensors that will recognize the voltage input.
Adjustability is one of the Multimatic 215’s strongest assets. For example, there are a number of knobs that you can find in the control panel of the welder. You can adjust the volts and wire feed speed to your likings.
The good thing is that it doesn’t limit you to a certain number. Instead, you can choose a range and then fine-tune your setup to reach the ideal settings for you.
If you prefer presets, you can rely on the Auto-Set Elite feature. This one will adjust the welder to the right settings for you. This allows you to choose the setting according to the material and thickness of the metal.
Within a 2000 dollar budget, there’s a wide variety of TIG welder options that you can find on the shelves. However, with this guide, you’ll be able to find the best TIG welder under 2000 dollars.
With that said, I pick the Hobart 500551 EZ-TIG 165i AC/DC TIG Welder as the best option within this price range.
While it could be a bit pricey, you shouldn’t need any additional accessories or special TIG welding equipment.
It can handle a wide variety of welding operations while changing a very limited amount of configurations.
Now that you know more about TIG welders, you should also know that they vary dramatically in price ranges.
When you’re making a 2000-dollar budget investment, you need to make sure that you make the most out of your money. In the following section, I’ll state the most important aspects that you should check before making your final decision.
The materials that you’ll use your new machine to weld might steer your attention towards a specific type.
For example, aluminum is one of the trickiest metals when it comes to welding. It requires more heat than regular steel. However, being a soft metal, it can oxidize much quicker.
For that reason, you need both DC and AC currents. The DC to melt the metal and AC current to deoxidize the oxidized parts of the metal to protect the final structure from being weak.
So, if your work requires a lot of aluminum welding, you need to consider a welder with AC/DC currents.
On the other hand, you can weld harder metals like stainless steel and steel using DC current only. In that case, a DC welder with even a MIG electrode can be enough for the rare aluminum work.
Choosing an AC/DC welding might sound like a future-proof investment, as you won’t have to worry about the used metal. In that case, Everlast PowerTIG 200DV Welder is an excellent choice to opt for.
Unlike many other trades, welding requires transportation. This includes metal works on construction sites, in a farm, or some outdoor home improvement projects.
In such situations, you’ll have to appreciate a welding system that’s easy to transport. That’s why it’s important to check for the portability features available in the TIG welder.
For example, you need to make sure that the main welding unit is lightweight enough to be transported.
Additionally, the welder needs to be fitted with a strong and comfortable handle to allow you to carry it.
Also, you should make sure that the machine endures transportation without being damaged. With a total weight of about 17.6 pounds, Forney 324 Welder is the go-to option if portability is a top priority for you.
Within a 2000 dollar budget, you need to make sure that you can adjust the machine to your liking. For example, the TIG welder must have a pulsing width modulation.
This feature allows you to control the amount of heat and cooling down delivered to the metal you’re welding. Such a feature is crucial when dealing with heat-sensitive metals to protect them from warping.
Moreover, each welder might have his own working stylem, especially if they’re working with different materials or specific projects.
For these reasons, you’ll need a machine that ticks all the boxes for you. If you’re looking for a highly adjustable machine, Miller Multimatic 215 should be an ideal pick for you.
Arc welding, in general, depends on using a high voltage electric arc to produce high heating power, hence the name. This power is able to make the metals melt, so you can join or weld them together as they cool down.
Tungsten Inert Gas Welding, also known as “TIG Welding” for short, is one of the most popular types of arc welding techniques. That’s why some also call it gas tungsten arc welding.
In TIG welders, the electric current passes through a tungsten electrode and uses the metal to weld as the other part. The reason for using tungsten as an electrode is the very high melting point of the metal, which is also why it’s used in electric lamp filaments.
As the high current passes, the base metal melts but the tungsten doesn’t. During melting you can use a specific filler rod to melt with the base metal.
In Metal inert gas welding (MIG welding), other metals are used. Unlike tungsten, these metals are consumable.
The oxygen in the air can react with the metal due to the extreme amount of heat, causing the structure to be generally weak from over oxidation. That’s where the inert gas part comes in.
The inert gas, mostly argon and helium, acts as a physical barrier to prevent oxygen from reaching the weld pool and oxidize the heated metals.
Since TIG welding isn’t consumable, it’s considered the highest quality among welding types. It’s always more precise and produces a cleaner weld than other arc welding types, such as MIG and stick methods.
However, this doesn’t mean that TIG welding can replace other types in all situations. You might still need to shift into MIG or stick if your job needs any of them specifically.