[Top 5] Best Hobby Tig Welder Machine Reviews

Do you have an idea about Best Hobby Tig Welder Machine for welding a machine? Are you struggling to get the finesse while working, but your welding machine is causing troubles? Then let us tell you that it is high time to get the right welding machine for you, which has the following features.

 best tig welder for beginners

  • Good arc strength
  • Dual input voltage
  • Foot pedal to control the amperage
  • Easy front panel with LCD screen
  • Easy start-up
  • Have a Tig/Mig and stick setup.

Further, it is not easy to do the job with less efficient machines because your welding performance depends on your welder machine. 

We know how tough it is to survey the market to get the most suitable TIG welding machine within the budget. It will cost you time and effort.

Moreover, if you are a hobbyist welder and associated with big projects, this article is for you.  Because we have kept all your necessities in mind and surveyed the market to gather the top reviews from daily users of welding machines moreover, we have penned down the list of the top 5 best hobby tig welders for aluminum so, without blinking an eye, let’s dive into it.

Related: Aluminum tig welder for sale

Contents

Top 3 Hobby Reviews Of Customers

  1. Forney 322 140-Amp (For Starters) It’s wonderful, I experienced several brands, but this one is working awesome, also all the accessories are available by this brand. It is very compatible with this machine. I like it. – Customer Review
  2. Eastwood TIG 200 AC/DC Welder (Heavy-Duty) I bought it last year, working wonderfully. No problems at all. Just needs a voltage digital display. That’s all-Customer Review
  3. Ahp AlphaTIG 200x 200 Amp (Fully Controlled Lcd Screen) Have used this machine since Amazon ruled on it. Haven’t had any trouble with it but today I noticed a different sound from the inside of the unit. A buzzing arch sound that hasn’t been the before – Customer Review

Why should you choose hobby welders?

Welding is the art of melting two metals to connect them; one can make it a profession. However, it can be an excellent skill to learn as a hobby. 

To make this hobby worthwhile, you need to have a good welding machine. There are many options, but it will be wise to start with the best hobby, MIG welders because they are easy compared to tig welders. 

5 Best Reviews of Hobby Tig Welder in 2023

Forney
Forney 322 140-Amp Multiprocessor
Forney 322 140-Amp Multiprocessor
  • Power Source: CV/DC
  • Input Voltage:120/140V
  • Welding metal: Aluminum
  • Weight: ‎47.2 pounds
  • Dimensions: ‎20.25"x 0.25"x16"
  • Material: Metal
Eastwood Store
Eastwood TIG 200 AC/DC Welder
Eastwood TIG 200 AC/DC Welder
  • Power Source: AC OR DC
  • Input Voltage:220 V
  • Welding metal: Stainless
  • Weight: 61 pounds
  • Dimensions:19.1 x 9.8 x 20
AHP
Ahp AlphaTIG 200x 200 Amp
Ahp AlphaTIG 200x 200 Amp
  • Power Source: AC/DC
  • Input Voltage: 110/220
  • Welding metal: Steel
  • Weight: ‎69 pounds
  • Dimensions: 19 x 23 x 12 in
  • Material:‎ Stainless Steel
  • Handle Material:‎ Plastic
Hobart
Hobart 500551 EZ-TIG 165i
Hobart 500551 EZ-TIG 165i
  • Power Source: AC/DC
  • Input Voltage: 220/230/240 V
  • Welding metal: aluminum etc
  • Weight:‎ 60 Pounds
  • Dimensions: 9.87x 23.87x 17"
  • Material: Steel
Razorweld
Razorweld Digital Tig
Razorweld Digital Tig
  • Power Source: DC
  • Input Voltage: ‎110/220V
  • Welding metal: Stainless Steel
  • Weight: 33 Pounds
  • Dimensions: 17 x 6.5 x 13 in
  • Material: Heat-Treated
  1. Forney 322 140-Amp Multiprocessor Welder (For Starters)

Forney 322 140-Amp Multiprocessor Welder
Pros
  • Great for starters
  • Long-life welder
  • Versatile feature
  • Easy to use
Cons
  • Not for heavy welding
  • Not for aluminum

Forney 322 is the best machine for welding, and it can do everything from tig welding, flux core, MiG to stick welding. It is very easy to set up, and no expert skills are required to use this beast. Moreover, you can call it the best-rated hobby tig welder for starters.

It can be used over 120 volts and can serve lighter tasks like repairs, automotive use, and several DIY projects around the house. Further, it is highly compatible with a spool gun, TiG torch, and foot pedal to control amperage.

Easy To Use

The Forney 322 is a multiprocessor, it has MiG, TIG, and spool gun compatibility. It is easy to set up and use. It comes with a lighter weight which makes it highly portable.

See also  Best TIG Welder For Anodized Aluminum - [Top 3] Reviews
Flow Meter And Gas Hose

It is a very powerful welding machine. As it is the best hobby welder machine, it comes with a flow meter and gas hose. It has TIG and MiG set up, which allows the welder to work with ease.

Maximum Output

Forney 322 is a welding machine that comes with versatile features of 140amp max output. It can perform DC tig welding, MiG welding, and stick welding.

High-End Welder

Forney 322 is best for lighter industrial welding and household use. It comes with a foot pedal that allows the welder to control the amperage.

Final Verdict

Forney 322 multiprocessor is one of the best hobby tig welders; it comes with versatile MiG/ tig and sticks welding features. It goes easy on money and encapsulates high-end features.

  1. Eastwood TIG 200 AC/DC Welder – Best for Aluminum

Eastwood TIG 200 ACDC Welder
Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Lighter weight
  • Customer satisfaction
  • Tungsten electrode
Cons
  • Problematic air regulation
  • Problematic foot pedal

Eastwood is an excellent source of body hammers, heavy-duty tools, and welding machines. However, Eastwood TIG 200 is not a house chore machine; it is made for heavy-duty welding business. It can perform heavy-duty welding in AC, and you can weld aluminum with it.

It offers more than any other tig welders available in the market. It gives you dual voltage input power of 120/240V. It has a digital display and 60 percent duty cycles at 90 amps. It is a pretty heavy-duty welder with no touch arc control.

Superior Welding Power

Eastwood TIG 200 AC/Dc is highly versatile in its design and features. With a WP17 style torch, it uses ordinary consumables. It has a 60% duty cycle and has one power button to switch between AC and DC mode.

Less Spatter

Eastwood TIG 200 AC/DC Welder uses tungsten electrodes which makes welding less messy. The tungsten electrode heats the metal and joins the two together without creating a spatter.

For Beginners

Although it has advanced welding technologies, Eastwood has designed it easy to use for beginners. With a simple control panel and a lightweight body, it becomes smooth to tailor the metal sheets.

Aluminum Weld

With AC mode, it can easily weld the aluminum. However, it has Dc mode for steel and stainless steel welding. Plus, it can do sick welding as well.

Final Verdict

For all beginners, Eastwood TIG 200 AC/DC is the top hobby welder. It comes with tungsten electrodes that create less spatter. Further, it can operate at 110V AC and 220V AC.

New: Miller tig welder for sale

  1. Ahp AlphaTIG 200x 200 Amp (Fully Controlled Lcd Screen)

Ahp AlphaTIG 200x 200 Amp
Pros
  • Good heat delivery
  • Smooth arc
  • Foot pedal
  • Built-in Flowmeter
Cons
  • MiG not present
  • Uneasy foot pedal

The best thing about Alpha tig 200 x 200 is that it gives both AC and DC output. Plus, it can operate smoothly and perform a tremendous output range from 10A to 20A. Further, you can do aluminum welding of thickness 1/4th. Though it is not a heavy-duty performer, still does the tasks.

As it can work at both AC and DC output so it can give you absolute welding over multiple metal sheets. It also has pulse width modulation, which means it gives you complete control over your welding area.

Quality Welding

If you want to do gauge welding, then this piece of a welder is best for you as it can weld steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.

Foot Pedal

It has an HF start tig and comes with a foot pedal for complete command and control over the welding workpiece. Further, it has a flow meter built-in, and pulse modulation works spot on.

Smooth Stick

Its stick is smooth and requires the slighter touch of a metal surface to get started. Once the arc runs effortlessly over a metal surface, it becomes easy to weld the surface seamlessly.

Tig Welding

This welding machine is best for thin metal sheet welding, but one can weld thick sheets up to 20mm width with a suitable trick. It is very easy to start the tig, and the AC system works great.

Final Verdict

This is best for those looking for a good welding machine with slightly advanced features. It has excellent output; non-picky arc length and you can switch to AC mode while using the stick mode.

  1. Hobart 500551 EZ-TIG 165i (Easy To Use) 

Hobart 500551 EZ-TIG 165i

Hobart 500551 EZ-Tig is best for small tasks and occasional welding purposes. Further, it provides AC and Dc output, and it provides you an easy hand to weld the oxidized steel. It is very easy to use and does not need any hard skills to get the job done.

Further, Hobart 500551 has an amperage range of 10A and 165A, and it has a foot pedal that will allow you to have a complete grip over amperage control. There is a flick switch that allows you to go between Ac and DC

Tig Welding

These days nobody has time to separately lay down the setup for the machine. That’s why Hobart 500551 is easy to set up; just start it, feed welding material details in it, and start welding.

Specialty Metals

It is an all-rounder welding machine, yet it is the best hobby tig welder. Further, it can weld steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and specialty metals.

HF Start

With an HF start, it allows you to start the machine with non-contact or least contact. By doing this, it will keep the tungsten contamination away.

Fan On-Demand

There is a built-in feature called a fan on demand which allows you to work easily and suck in all the dust and debris, thus preventing clogging of the machine.

Final Verdict

Hobart 500551 is a simple welding machine, and it works on both 220V and 110V. Plus, it works on both AC and DC, and switching between two modes is quite easy.

  1. Razorweld Digital Tig 200-amp AC/DC (Top Quality)

Razorweld Digital Tig 200-amp ACDC
Pros
  • Great for DIY projects
  • Easy to use
  • Digital panel
  • Welding oxidized metals
Cons
  • Limited amperage range
  • Limited metal thickness

When we talk about simplicity, one thing pops up in mind: razor weld digital Tig 200-amp. It is best for welding steel and stainless steel. It uses a layer of oxide to weld the steel and stainless steel.

It comes with a dual voltage of 110V and 120V, plus it has dual amperage control of 15A to 50A. However, we do not say that it will weld all thicknesses because thickness matters for welding performance and stability.

Dual Voltage

It comes with a dual voltage facility which means it can be operated at a low voltage of 110V. Moreover, if it is hard to find 110 v then you can operate it on 120v.

Versatile Welder

Razor weld has multiple accessories like a foot pedal, 110/220 adaptor, tig and MiG torch, working clamps, and regulator.

Portable And User Friendly

This unit is not highly lighter in weight, but you cannot say it is a heavy and immovable welder. Also, you can roam with it and do the welding at your desired place.

Digital Control

With intelligent digital control, you can work at ease with it. Further, you can do the software upgrade of this welder by simply downloading the function.

Final Verdict

With this welder, you can do small DIY projects and enjoy the user-friendliness of this machine. This model has dual voltage operation at 110V and 220V.

TIG Welder Under 1000

Buying Guide For Hobbyist Welders

If you are a hobbyist welder or are a professional welder, you should grab the finest welding machine because your work depends on it. Nevertheless, you should take into consideration the below-described points before purchasing the new welding machine.

Jobs Demand

When it comes to jobs demand you should prefer the quality, efficiency, and features of the welder. Specifically for heavy-duty welding tasks like industrial procedures, you should go for TIG welders with AC capabilities.

Further, if you are only seeking a welder for hobbyist welding and DIY projects then no need to invest money on heavy welders, plus, some Tig welders come with delicacies for certain metals like magnesium and aluminum, if you are not going to weld these metals then avoid investing in these welders.

Thickness Of Metal

For thin metals, it is most suitable that you should look for a welding machine that performs well on low amperage. However, if you are going to weld thick metal or multiple layers, you should go for MiG or stick welders.

See also  Miller Syncrowave 200 TIG Welder Review (Good or Bad)

Many welders come with different welding thicknesses, if you are a professional welder, then try to grab the one that gives multiple thickness welding support.

Best BRand Hobby Welder Machine

Versatile Welders

DC output welders work best for steel and stainless steel. However, if you are going to weld the magnesium and aluminum, you should use the AC output power source. It is best to go for a versatile welding machine that gives both AC and DC output.

Also, an amperage range is the one important key feature to consider while buying the welding machine. Always go for the welding machine that gives you a versatile amperage range. By this feature, it will help you weld multiple metals. Plus, the amperage range will provide you with arc stability.

User Friendly

Welding the metals is not an easy method, so we recommend you go for a simple and easy-to-use machine. For instance, the welders with a front panel with easy-to-understand buttons, make your task faster and simpler. 

Those welders with complex hidden buttons and complicated switching mechanisms from AC to DC make you lose more energy during welding. Also, look for the feature of a spatter-free mechanism that will create less mess during working.

Portable

We know that with versatile features the welding machine gets bigger and heavier in size. However, there are many welders available in the market that come with TIG, MiG, and stick features that still possess reasonable weight.

However, even if you are a hobbyist welder, do not overlook the basic and crucial need of welding. For instance, keep the extra budget for a cooling system for tig welders to stabilize the output and duty cycle.

Additional Things

Some things might look additional, but if they are available, they increase the performance of welders. For instance, if the foot pedal is already present in the machine, you should consider buying it. Further, features like flow meter, LCD digital screen, and gas regulator works great and cumulatively save you from future expenses. 

Wrapping up

So, you have reached the end of this article. We would like to give an earful that before buying a new welder must consider two things. First, which metals are you going to deal with because welders that weld magnesium and aluminum require more budget?

However, it is not harmful to get the small hobby tig welder at once. Secondly, you must consider your needs. Moreover, if you need a welder just for hobbyist welding, consider buying one with multiple features because it will save you from the future expense of buying accessories.

FAQs

Why My Tig Welders Weld Grey?

The gray color comes when metal gets too hot, shielding gas gets removed, and weld absorbs the atmosphere’s dirt. Though it is still a strong weld metallurgically the weld is impure.

Why is Tig Welding So Hard?

Tig welding is more complicated as compared to MiG welding. It involves lots of processes and creates eye-catching welds. However, this procedure requires a high level of precision and patience.

Can You Tig Weld Without Gas?

No, you cannot Tig weld without gas. Gas is necessary for protecting the tungsten electrode and weld from sucking oxygen. Further, if you do not use the gas then it will destroy the torch of tig welders.

Which welding is strongest?

GTAW welding is also known as Tig welding. These are the strongest welds produced every day by welders by using the tungsten inert gas welding technique. Through tig welding, you can make clean and strong welds. 

Which is better: AC welder or DC welder?

If you want a smooth arc and softer output, then go for Ac welder. Not only this it will give you spatter-free clean welds. However, if you want faster welding over a thin metal surface, then opt for DC welders.

Can I run a welder at a 20A breaker?

Welder machines require power to weld the metals. Most hobby welders come at operating voltages of 110- 120V. Moreover, if you have a circuit box of 120V with a 20 amp breaker box, just make sure that welder gets enough power to do the job.

Leave a Comment