Rob Steven
If you are looking for the best TIG welder under $1500, then you have come to the right place. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best TIG welders on the market and what makes them so great. We will also provide a buyer’s guide to help you choose the perfect TIG welder for your needs. So, whether you are a beginner or an experienced welder, read on to find out more about the best TIG welders available today.
My recommendation
It was difficult to decide on the best welder under $1500. We had it neck and neck between Lotos TIG200 and Hobart 500551. After a lot of testing in our workshop and discussions with people on the forums, that have been using both, we’ve decided on LOTOS TIG200 as being our pick for the best TIG welder under 1500.
List of the best TIG welder under $1500
LOTOS LTP5000D Great multi-process option
Warranty: 1 Year
Power Source: AC/DC
Hobart 500551 for professionals
Maximum Output: 165A
Input Voltage: 220/230/240V
Longevity Innovator 255i Easy to setup
Features: 4 in 1 Multiprocess
Maximum Output: 250A
LOTOS TIG welder under $1500 – Our pick
LOTOS TIG200ACDC 200A AC/DC
Item Dimensions- 123.6 inches
Welder Amperage– 200A
Product Description
Last but not least, we have another LOTOS on our list. This dual voltage welder has complex features for expert users, and it also provides some basic features for newbies and DIY enthusiasts. With the AC DC feature, users can weld any metal and be used as an ARC stick welder.
With the weight of only 59 pounds, you can take it where you want to. It’s just not about the weight, many other TIG welders also are light in weight, but this one has an integrated handle which makes it super easy to move it around.
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Design & Construction
The foot pedal feature in this TIG welder is a winner, making your hands free to concentrate on the job and getting more precision. Then the voltage is automatically set by the machine, according to its requirements.
The metals having thicknesses of an inch to 6mm can also weld due to the duty cycle of 60%. So, we can easily say that the LOTOS TIG200 is best TIG welder under 1500 and also a great value for money.
What are customers saying?
“I have been using this exclusively for aluminum. The machine itself is reliable so far. It is a 50-60hz fixed frequency machine. I like the heavy foot pedal with amperage control right on the pedal. All functions work, no problems welding with the pedal or the torch trigger.”
— customer quote
LOTOS TIG welder under 1500 – Great multi-process welder
Lotos LTP5000D
Dimensions- 15 x 6 x 12 inches
Welder Amperage: 50A
Duty Cycle: 60%
Product Description
Another great TIG welder which is already quite popular amongst DIYers is this one. Over the years, Lotos has gained well-deserved trust from its users by producing various models that have unique features.
Now, let’s talk about Lotos LTP5000D TIG welder. This one is a Multi process welder that can be used for plasma cutting, stick, and TIG welding. The amperage range of 10-50A helps users use it for home-based TIG welding projects considering it is lightweight. The best feature, dual voltage operation, gives ease to users to just plug it anywhere and start working on the project.
Design & Construction
The efficient unit works at maximum amperage, but its excellent duty cycle ensures optimum power usage at the same time. Meanwhile, the design of the TIG welder is such that it can easily be stored in a small space.
The only major issue is that it is only DC, meaning it can only be used to weld Aluminium.
So, the Lotos LTP5000D is the best TIG welder for those on a budget and would also like to get high quality and durability.
What are customers saying?
“test it when you get it, it’s a good system for the price, (update)keep a wire brush handy, about every 2nd cut hit the tip with wire brush, I’ve found out that by doing this,(while tip is still hot) it extends the life of the tip.”
— customer quote
Hobart TIG welder under 1500 – Easy setup
Hobart 500551 EZ-TIG 165i
Item Dimensions– 26.8 x 13.7 x 20.8 inches
Welder Amperage: 10-165A
Product Description
Hobart 500551 EZ-TIG is, hands down, the best one out there. It looks like an intimidating machine; however, it is tremendously easy to use with lots of user-friendly features. Firstly, it is lightweight in the structure that helps you move it around wherever you are doing your project.
To start using this TIG welder, all you need to do is plug the machine into a power outlet, select the material and its thickness, and you are good to go. You can easily change the settings of the TIG welder with a switch and a knob.
Design & Construction
The Hobart 500551 TIG welder gives the amperage control, which you can alter as per your need. That means that there’s minimum wastage of the power. Moreover, to save energy, the fan-on-demand feature will turn off the fan when the TIG welder does not need it.
In a case where the temperature rises too much, the overheat protection will turn off the system to protect the user and the TIG welder itself from any potential damages.
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The disadvantage of this TIG welder is that it only operates at 230 volts, and for that, you will need to have the proper power outlet.
Other than this, Hobart 500551 TIG welder is an excellent purchase with a fantastic feature of under 1500$.
What are customers saying?
“So far it has been a great unit and is a dream to use. Remember to always follow duty cycle ratings as it will prolong the life of any machine”
— customer quote
Longevity TIG welder under 1500 – Beginner option
Longevity Innovator 255i
Dimensions: 23 x 12.5 x 16.5 inches
Welder Amperage: 250A
Product Description
Next in line, we have an AC and DC TIG welder that can also be used for plasma cutting and stick welding. This TIG welder is versatile, hence making it unique from its competitors. Also, it can be used for various projects with a variety of metals. The AC and DC feature allows its users to on whatever metals they prefer.
Longevity Innovator 255i also has a dual voltage unit which saves users’ time, and they do not have to look for the same power outlet. All of the accessories are present in the package of the four processors that frees you from having to buy anything separately.
Design & Construction
If there are some issues with the power, you may easily plug the TIG welder into a 5000W generator and use it wherever you like. It also has a DVD ROM with video tutorials; you can learn how to use the TIG welder conveniently.
The only drawback we see is its weight. The heavyweight of around 75 pounds makes it challenging to carry around.
So, overall, the Longevity Innovator TIG welder is great, especially for beginners, as it helps you learn, and you do not have to buy any new accessories separately.
Forney TIG welder under 1500 – Great all rounder
Forney 324 MIG/Stick/TIG
Dimensions: 20.25 x 10.25 x 16 inches
Welder Amperage: 190A
Product Description
On number 5, we have Forney 324 TIG welder on the list, which is less than 1000$. For users who are looking for some flexibility in TIG welder, this one is the best. Not just TIG welding, it can also perform MIG, DC and stick welding.
You can get arc control to get the exact and desired results. The simple regulator gives you control over the processes. The dual voltage TIG welder can be plugged into any available outlet hence making it more portable.
Design & Construction
Forney 324 delivers an amperage of 190A max, which is excellent for an average TIG welding project. While the body of this welder is all-metal, making the device durable and long-lasting, it is lightweight and can be moved around easily.
With all these fantastic features, the drawback is that the TIG welder does not have a DC mode limiting its functionality. Also, the fan always doesn’t work fine.
In conclusion, Forney 324 TIG welder can be used to do excellent AC TIG welding.
What are customers saying?
“Arrived timely and as described. Very happy. Works wonderful on 110AC 20 Amp which was a bit of a concern for me. This is a great purchase.”
— customer quote
Lincoln TIG welder under 1500 – Lightweight and compact
Lincoln Electric LE31MP
Dimensions: 20 x 15 x 16 inches
Welder Amperage: 30-140A
Warranty: 3 years
Product Description
Last, but absolutely not the least, we have another TIG welder that comes for less than $1500. It is also a multi process welder with three other processes, possessing flux-cored, MIG and ARC welding.
The utterly adjustable drive system will allow and make your work more convenient as it prevents crushing or tangling of the wire. This TIG welder operates on a voltage of 120V, while it delivers an amperage of 30-140A, which is quite a wide range and lets users have the most control over the process.
Design & Construction
The Lincoln Electric is lightweight and has a compact design, you can carry it around quickly, and the storage does not take up a lot of space. It also comes with a 3-year warranty, so you do not have to worry about any faults or issues.
This TIG welder’s package comes with various accessories, making your variety of welding projects easier. It can also be used with different metals such as stainless steel, aluminium, and gauge steel.
To look through the work carefully, you will need a built-in torch, and this welder does not come with one, so you will have to buy it separately.
Overall, Lincoln Electric LE31 is a great to purchase that is lightweight and comes with amazing accessories.
What are customers saying?
“This little unit works great for the smaller item I weld as a hobby or for personal use.”
— customer quote
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Final Verdict On Choosing – Best TIG Welder Under 1500
The TIG welding process helps to cover up and cool down the arc area by using a slow gas like argon and protects the weld pool and the electrode. TIG welders are commonly used in aluminium welding, but they work just fine with other metals such as titanium, nickel-copper, magnesium and their alloys.
We have compiled Best TIG Welder Under 1500 Dollars that you can choose from according to your budget, project requirements, and preferences. Our personal favorite is Hobart 500551 EZ-TIG which is lightweight, decent knob control and protects from overheating.
If You are buying a TIG Welder for the first time, don’t forget to check our Best TIG Welder buying guide.
TIG Welder Questions
What is the best TIG welder under 1500
LOTOS TIG200 comes as the best TIG welder under 1500.
Which gas is used for TIG weld ?
When it comes to TIG welding, argon (Ar) is the primary gas used. It provides a stable and protective environment for the welding process. However, if increased penetration and fluidity of the weld pool are desired, helium (He) can be added to the gas mixture. This addition enhances the welding characteristics.
For welding purposes, argon alone or argon/helium mixtures are suitable for working with all grades of materials. These gases create an optimal atmosphere for achieving high-quality welds.
In certain situations, special properties may be required for the welding process. Nitrogen (N2) and/or hydrogen (H2) can be introduced to the gas mixture to attain these specific properties. For example, the addition of hydrogen produces a similar effect to adding helium but with significantly greater strength.
It is important to note that when working with martensitic, ferritic, or duplex grades, the addition of hydrogen should be avoided. These grades do not respond well to hydrogen additions, and it may compromise the integrity and quality of the weld.
In summary, argon is the standard gas used in TIG welding, with the option of incorporating helium for improved penetration and fluidity. Additional gases like nitrogen and hydrogen can be used for specific purposes, but caution should be exercised when applying hydrogen to martensitic, ferritic, or duplex grades.
Rob Steven
I'm Rob Steven with more than 10+ years of experience in the welding field, I have done my welding degree from Central Louisiana Technical Community College, it was always fun and passion for me going into welding. Now being a passionate welder I also blog about welding.
