2026 Budget TIG machine

[rattle_snake]

Looking to get into another TIG machine. Use is light duty, SS and Aluminum. Exhaust pipe, intake piping, radiator modifications. So mostly thinner sheetmetal type stuff. I have a MIG spool gun for larger AL stuff, and an Argon bottle.

ArcCraptain?
MaybeWelder?
Alpha?
??

 

[loganb]

Primeweld should be on the list, their Tig 225x gets stellar reviews

 

[finn]

Primeweld for the win.

Unmatched customer service, and a three year warranty. Plus they pay the shipping if there’s a problem that can’t be resolved.

I have Miller and HTP equipment but my last two purchases have been Primeweld.

 

[txvwnut]

AHP user here and highly recommend them.

 

[pancholasvegas]

How serious do you need to get? I'm likely to catch flak for this, but I took a chance on the HF Vulcan PROTIG 205 and have been nothing short of satisfied. 120/240V, Pulse, Pre/Post-Flow Adjustment, Pulse Frequency, etc.

It's got more modularity than I have skill - If it died tomorrow, to be honest I'm not sure that I'd bother shopping around for something different, I'd probably just buy the same one over again and finish the project. I've put this thing through it's paces and have been thrilled with the performance.

 

[dr_clyde]

What is your actual budget?

Are you ok with used?

Are you space limited or weight limited?

What electric service do you have available?

I ask these things because it is assumed here that you want a brand new inverter machine. However, I have seen old Syncrowaves and A/BP 330 machines go for scrap price or free.

I have two Syncrowave 250 machines in my shop that were literally free. But some people can't power them, or they're too big or too heavy.

But they weld great. And the price is right.

 

[rattle_snake]

How serious do you need to get? I'm likely to catch flak for this, but I took a chance on the HF Vulcan PROTIG 205 and have been nothing short of satisfied. 120/240V, Pulse, Pre/Post-Flow Adjustment, Pulse Frequency, etc.

It's got more modularity than I have skill - If it died tomorrow, to be honest I'm not sure that I'd bother shopping around for something different, I'd probably just buy the same one over again and finish the project. I've put this thing through it's paces and have been thrilled with the performance.

Not that serious. It's not something that will get used a lot. I have blue and red machines, but I don't care what name is on it.

What is your actual budget?

Are you ok with used?

Are you space limited or weight limited?

What electric service do you have available?

I ask these things because it is assumed here that you want a brand new inverter machine. However, I have seen old Syncrowaves and A/BP 330 machines go for scrap price or free.

I have two Syncrowave 250 machines in my shop that were literally free. But some people can't power them, or they're too big or too heavy.

But they weld great. And the price is right.

Good questions I shoulda provided that up front.
Under $1000.
Used is fine.
40A service.
Yes space limited. I had a 800# water cooled Lincoln IdealArc 300. Took up too much space for the amount of use, so it went down the road. So yes looking for a modern machine with small foot print. Will probably add a 3rd level to existing welding cart.

 

[pancholasvegas]

Not that serious. It's not something that will get used a lot. I have blue and red machines, but I don't care what name is on it.

Good questions I shoulda provided that up front.
Under $1000.
Used is fine.
40A service.
Yes space limited. I had a 800# water cooled Lincoln IdealArc 300. Took up too much space for the amount of use, so it went down the road. So yes looking for a modern machine with small foot print. Will probably add a 3rd level to existing welding cart.

Sounds like you're set-up for whatever it is that you pick up in that case.
I'll still throw a good recommendation out for the HF Vulcan PROTIG 205 - Have nothing bad to say about the machine. With coupon, you're probably under $1000 out the door.


If anyone knows of any reason not to recommend this machine, please feel free to share - The only thing that I'm not sure about is aftermarket support for different torches or controllers if you wanted to go wireless or otherwise.

 

[eviltwin]

All the HF welders are like 30% right now too

 

[hbabler]

I’ll recommend primeweld as well. I love my 225

 

[tarbellb]

AHP occasional use has been excellent

 

[Shitbox]

AHP user here and highly recommend them.

Add another thumbs up for the AHP tig

 

[Crazyjake8493]

Add me to the AHP fan club!

Still using the 2015 model AlphaTIG 200x. I was a little skeptical at the time (for $680) and knew it would pay for itself in a few jobs so I could always upgrade after a few years. It's still going strong and has paid for itself many times over now.

 

[Aaron_W]

How serious do you need to get? I'm likely to catch flak for this, but I took a chance on the HF Vulcan PROTIG 205 and have been nothing short of satisfied. 120/240V, Pulse, Pre/Post-Flow Adjustment, Pulse Frequency, etc.

It's got more modularity than I have skill - If it died tomorrow, to be honest I'm not sure that I'd bother shopping around for something different, I'd probably just buy the same one over again and finish the project. I've put this thing through it's paces and have been thrilled with the performance.

I don't think you are crazy.

I have a Miller, but if I were buying today, with todays prices Primeweld would probably top my list, but HF's Vulcan and Titanium welders wouldn't be far behind. They actually seem to be decent and I have a HF within 10 minutes so getting a dud is a simple fix of toss it through the door and get another. Rinse and repeat until I get a good one.

At the moment HF has welders at 30% off which puts that ProTIG205 at $840.



Curse this thread, with the 30% off that little Titanium flux core welder is just a hair over $100. Hard to resist.

 

[jlenander]

Looking to get into another TIG machine. Use is light duty, SS and Aluminum. Exhaust pipe, intake piping, radiator modifications. So mostly thinner sheetmetal type stuff. I have a MIG spool gun for larger AL stuff, and an Argon bottle.

ArcCraptain?
MaybeWelder?
Alpha?
??

Maybe used?

Welder - tools - by owner - sale - craigslist

Ahp alpha tig 201XD Great condition Comes with: Tig torch Stick torch Tig foot pedal 240-120v adapter Asking 400 Call or text 928-8nine2-0428

phoenix.craigslist.org

 

[rattle_snake]

I ended up ordering the Primeweld 225x, will see how it does in a few weeks.

 

[larry4406]

I ended up ordering the Primeweld 225x, will see how it does in a few weeks.

Keep us posted and let us know your thoughts once you start using it.

I’ve thought about a TIG machine for body work projects vs my Lincoln ProMig 175 that I have.

 

[rattle_snake]

One reason for TIG is to not have to swap the spoolgun/mig torch to do a minor aluminum job. Would also like to be able to do cast and fragile stuff like radiators and so on. Going to be messy until I get my skills sorted out.

who doesn't need another welder?

 

[vpd66]

I have a AHP that I bought in 2016 and it's still going strong. That machine has paid for itself many times over!

 

[Crazyjake8493]

I have a AHP that I bought in 2016 and it's still going strong. That machine has paid for itself many times over!

Still using my 2015 model. Had a few jobs that paid for the machine right away and I figured if I got 4-5 years out of it I'd be happy. Just used it this morning.

 

[vpd66]

Still using my 2015 model. Had a few jobs that paid for the machine right away and I figured if I got 4-5 years out of it I'd be happy. Just used it this morning.

Same here.

 

[txvwnut]

Still using my 2015 model. Had a few jobs that paid for the machine right away and I figured if I got 4-5 years out of it I'd be happy. Just used it this morning.

Mine still welds but the readout doesn't stay stable. Will bounce from 50 to 185 to 80 to 130 etc. I bought 203xi and relegated the 201x to portable stick duty.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

Mine still welds but the readout doesn't stay stable. Will bounce from 50 to 185 to 80 to 130 etc. I bought 203xi and relegated the 201x to portable stick duty.

If mine ever does start acting up I'll be happy to buy a new one at their price.

 

[Willie Makeit]

Another vote for PrimeWeld. My 225x has been bulletproof.

 

[gearhead1]

I have the PrimeWeld 225x here also. Zero issues, well built, would buy again.

 

[Jakeweldsalittle]

Looks like you already ordered, but the Primeweld guys online seem to love that machine. I think you'll be happy. I bought a Lotos 200 from home depot years ago, and It's been a very decent startup machine for me. Just wish it had pulse, but oh well. I may make a step up purchase here in the future for more bells and whistles. My dad has an Eastwood that he's been happy with, although he doesn't use it much. He'd much rather stick or mig something.

 

[rattle_snake]

I was tempted to buy a DC only TIG machine as the cost and complexity is lower. But for a few hundred more the Prime 225x has AC and the features that should make aluminum welding easier, in theory. Push peddle, stick electrode to workpiece, stop and grind.

 

[Jakeweldsalittle]

I was tempted to buy a DC only TIG machine as the cost and complexity is lower. But for a few hundred more the Prime 225x has AC and the features that should make aluminum welding easier, in theory. Push peddle, stick electrode to workpiece, stop and grind.

Completely agree with that logic. Mine and my dads are both ac/dc and mine is stick (I don't believe his is). I want to think when I got my lotos it was sub $600. I did get up and downslope, a/c balance, all that stuff, just no pulse. In hindsight, I should have spent more just for that feature, but I was just starting out and didn't know how valuable that could be. With that said, not having pulse on my first machine I think made me better at controlling my puddle myself, but now there's time I definitely wish I had it.