Last reviewed: July 2026 · MLC editorial team · US market edition
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TIG pricing splits on one letter: DC-only machines weld steel and stainless beautifully for modest money, while AC capability - what aluminium demands - is where the price doubles. The inverter generation means a garage 240V supply now runs machines that out-weld the transformer units workshops paid five figures for.
How we picked these
- AC/DC if aluminium is in your future; DC-only saves real money for steel-only work
- HF (high-frequency) arc start - lift-arc is workable, scratch-start is a false economy
- Pulse function for thin material control
- Duty cycle at the amperage you will actually run, not the headline maximum
Prices shown are typical street prices in $ at review time and move with promotions. Links are affiliate links - MLC earns a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you, which funds the free reference charts on this site.
Reviewed picks
PrimeWeld TIG225X (AC/DC)
The US hobby-TIG phenomenon: AC/DC with pulse, a CK Worldwide torch in the box, and customer service with a cult following. Unbeatable value.
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Typical price: $550-$700 · Check price on Amazon (ad)
Everlast PowerTIG 200DV (AC/DC)
A step up in duty cycle and controls; dual-voltage and a strong warranty for the money.
Typical price: $700-$900 · Check price on Amazon (ad)
YESWELDER TIG-205DS (DC)
Steel-only starter with HF start - the least money that produces genuinely clean DC TIG welds.
Typical price: $250-$330 · Check price on Amazon (ad)
Lincoln Square Wave TIG 200
The name-brand AC/DC machine - approachable interface, dealer support network, resale value. What schools buy.
Typical price: $1,500-$1,800 · Check price on Amazon (ad)
Miller Multimatic 220 AC/DC
TIG, MIG and stick in one premium box - the do-everything machine when budget follows ambition.
Typical price: $3,500-$4,000 · Check price on Amazon (ad)
Recommendations at a glance
| Pick | Typical price | Link |
|---|
| PrimeWeld TIG225X (AC/DC) | $550-$700 | Amazon |
| Everlast PowerTIG 200DV (AC/DC) | $700-$900 | Amazon |
| YESWELDER TIG-205DS (DC) | $250-$330 | Amazon |
| Lincoln Square Wave TIG 200 | $1,500-$1,800 | Amazon |
| Miller Multimatic 220 AC/DC | $3,500-$4,000 | Amazon |
Related reference on MLC
Frequently asked questions
Do I need AC to TIG weld aluminium?
Yes - aluminium's oxide layer melts far above the base metal, and AC's electrode-positive half-cycle blasts that oxide off while the negative half does the welding. DC-only machines cannot do this; no setting works around it.
What can a DC-only TIG welder do?
Mild steel, stainless, chromoly, copper, titanium - everything except aluminium and magnesium. If your projects are steel, a DC machine saves several hundred pounds that buys a lot of argon and filler.
How much amperage do I need?
The working rule is one amp per thousandth of an inch of steel - so 125A handles 1/8in (3mm), 200A covers 1/4in (6mm) with headroom. Aluminium wants roughly 30% more due to its conductivity.
Why do TIG welders need argon, and what does it cost?
TIG shields the molten pool with pure argon - no gasless option exists, unlike flux-core MIG. A UK hobbyist cylinder rental plus refills runs a few pounds a week averaged; US users typically buy an 80cf bottle outright and swap it.