TIG welders have become increasingly popular with time. This popularity is contributed to their excellent features, which boost the welding experience for any user. Given this increase in demand, the best tig welder under 500 has also witnessed an unexpected boost.
When buying a TIG welder, you must stay within your budget without compromising any of the machine’s essentials. For this reason, we have compiled a list of our favorite TIG welders that are sold at an affordable rate of 500 and below.
Related Post: Best TIG Welder Under $2000
Quick Comparison
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Editor’s Choice
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Forney Easy Weld 261
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Best for Hobbiyst
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YESWELDER TIG-205DS
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Best for Value
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Prime Weld CT-520D
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Budget-Friendly
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SUNGOLDPOWER 200Amp
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LOTOS CT520D
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Power Arc 140ST
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What are the best TIG Welders under $500?
Here is a detailed review of 6 top TIG Welders that are less than $500 – You can pick your requirements.
1. Forney Easy Weld 261 – Best Overall
Overview
What is a better way to start this list than to do it with a product of the most outstanding brand in terms of machinery?
Forney has long been regarded as a favorite of many customers and has managed to develop interestingly smart and efficient TIG and MIG welding machines for their consumers.
The latest addition to this list came with releasing their easy weld 261, 140 FC-i MIG Welder, 120V, Green, specialized to be sold at an affordable rate. To be sure that this welder is cheap only in terms of price and not quality or performance, let us look at its features.
Assembly time
Many welders often struggle with the complex assembling instruction and method of this machinery. Forney has made this MIG 140 FC welder incredibly simple and quick to assemble to counter this problem. Insert your flux core welding wire, feed it well known, and your machine is ready to go!
Duty Cycle
The duty cycle of any welder plays the most significant part in determining its efficiency. With a 30% duty cycle rate every 90 amperages, Forney Easy Weld 261, 140 FC-i MIG Welder offers one of the very best duty cycle ratings.
This makes up for about three consecutive minutes of welding and seven sets aside to allow the machine to rest in an overall span of ten minutes. An important thing to remember is that these details are only for when the machine is on a 90 AMP setting. If this is practiced in a different amperage setting, then the machine might overheat.
Controls
Featuring dual dial knobs on the front of the machine, Forney offers its customers complete and easy control for their Easy Weld 261, 140 FC-i MIG Welder. This knob control has proven to offer greater customizability than the conventional and restricted tapped dial system in other machines.
Construction
TIG welders tend to weigh a lot when constructed from high-quality materials. This makes them unable to be carried around and hence unsuitable for outdoor projects. Defying these convectional strategies, Forney Easy Weld 140 FC, despite being manufactured from strong materials, is still light enough to be called portable.
PROS
CONS
Final Verdict
Despite it having certain drawbacks, Forney Easy Weld 261, 140 FC-i MIG Welder, 120V has made sure to grasp the eyes of every welder since its release. Let it be through its exceptional lifting ability or ease of control; the welder is sure to gain customer satisfaction at all times.
2. YESWELDER TIG-205DS
Overview
Numerous brands have guaranteed a promising welding experience in their products, but only some have fulfilled it.
YESWELDER TIG-205DS HF TIG/Stick/Arc TIG Welder,205 Amp 110 & 220V Dual Voltage TIG Welding Machine with Foot Pedal is the most recent release by the trusted brand. Since its release, the welding machine has received nothing but praise from its users.
Versatility
Welders that offer more than one specific type of welding ability have always been reputed and better compatible with various customers. Keeping this in mind, YESWELDER TIG 205DS is designed to facilitate TIG and ARC and STICK welding.
Duty Cycle
Balancing efficiency and cost perfectly, YESWELDER TIG-205DS 205 Amp 110 & 220V Dual Voltage TIG and STICK Welding Machine are designed to offer the most powerful duty cycle. This ability is mainly contributed to the latest transistor bridge inverter installed in the machine.
Portability
The benefit of using transistor bridge technology does not end on the machine’s duty cycle but ultimately contributes to its portability. Weighing only 13.2 pounds, YESWELDER TIG-205 DS is light enough to be carried around without requiring severe effort.
Additionally, its designed shoulder strap and handle eases its transportation further and makes YES WELDER TIG-205DS 205 Amp 110 & 220V Dual Voltage machine amazingly portable and suitable for indoor and outdoor projects.
High-Frequency Rating
High-frequency rating always relates to the greater lifting ability of a welder. With a varying amperage range of 10 to 205 Amp, YESWELDER TIG-205DS HF TIG/Stick/Arc TIG Welder has the capability of lifting 5/32” of rod easily. Meanwhile, arc stability is maintained accurately.
Another plus of this machine is its ability to compensate for fluctuating, high or low voltage without requiring any manual assistance. YESWELDER also takes care of temperature and steel amperage control automatically.
PROS
CONS
Final Verdict
YESWELDER TIG-205DS HF TIG/Stick/Arc TIG Welder,205 Amp 110 & 220V Dual Voltage TIG Welding Machine with Foot Pedal, through its versatility and high functionality, has quickly become a personal favorite of all types of welders. Given its long list of key features, this welder surely boosts the working performance of projects.
3. Prime Weld CT-520D
Overview
PrimeWeld is another popular name associated with the manufacture and sale of welding machines. Over the years, they have received the utmost customer satisfaction and guaranteed to meet every user’s demand.
Their three-in-one multipurpose cutter and welder CT-520D is the latest addition to their collection and is loaded with the most beneficial features and details that can be offered at an unbelievably moderate rate.
Construction
High-quality construction plays a vital role in determining the durability of the machine. Manufactured from premium quality components and engineering techniques, PRIMEWELD CT-520D is trusted to last for a lifetime and ahead.
Despite the amazing material construction, this welder acknowledges the need for portability and weighs only about 32 pounds. PRIMEWELD has indeed balanced solid machine construction and maximum ease in its transportation perfectly.
Versatility
As the name states, PrimeWeld 3-in-1 Welding and Cutting Combo were designed to suit every type of welding need. Let it be STICK, TIG, ARC welding, or Plasma cutting, and this multipurpose machine is ready to take on any project thrown at it.
Controls
PRIMEWELD is known to acknowledge every customer inconvenience brought up and resolve it accordingly. To eliminate the need to understand complex buttons, CT-520D has easy and instant controls for switching between different welding modes.
Power Consumption
With the ability to weld up to ½ “thick materials at 50 AMP, PRIMEWELD multipurpose machine is designed to be used on a wide variety of materials, including iron cast and mild steel. This offers an outstanding 60% duty cycle capability.
Another astounding feature of this machine lies in its power consumption rate. Rated to be 85% power-efficient, PrimeWeld Welding and Cutting Combo consume minimal energy when operating, lowering consumption costs by a huge mark.
PROS
CONS
Final Verdict
PrimeWeld 3-in-1 50 Amp Plasma Cutter, 200 Amp TIG Welder, and 200 Amp Stick Welder – Portable Plasma Cutter, Multipurpose Welder and Cutter, CT-520D has received nothing but positive reviews and love from its users.
This welding machine is worth heaps more than the affordable price it is sold at through its never-ending list of features and lack of drawbacks.
4. SUNGOLDPOWER 200Amp – Best for Budget
Overview
SUNGOLDPOWER is a brand that is known globally for producing top-notch products sold at a reasonably priced rate. Keeping up with the high bar set by other famous brands, SUNGOLDPOWER launched one of their most outstanding welding machines recently.
Versatility
Ever heard of a machine that combines various welding abilities and is still sold at a budget-friendly cost?
If not, let us introduce you to SUNGOLDPOWER 200Amp DC Welder, designed to facilitate MIG, MAG, ARC, MMA, and Stick welding techniques.
Equipped to work on DC voltage, SUNGOLDPOWER is operational on dual 110V and 220V voltage settings to suit various welding purposes well. Meanwhile, it is operational on aluminum, mild, stainless steel, and various other metals.
Construction
Rugged construction is essential for outdoor projects. Composed of high-quality materials, SUNGOLDPOWER 200AMP IGBT Welder is adaptable to rusty surroundings and road repairing. At the same time, it’s solid built to make it fit for long-term use.
Inclusively, gasless flux-cored welding and gas-shielded MIG welding are made possible without requiring the need to switch adaptors from time to time. SUNGOLDPOWER allows the user to customize the machine according to their preference through their adjustable welding settings.
Welding power
With a 60% duty cycle rating, MID200 guarantees superb welding and lifting ability. The latest IGBT inverter enhances the welder’s functionality and has perfected it for aluminum welding with options between SPOOL and MIG gun to choose from. This selection is also straightforward and instant to make.
Portability
Despite being constructed from durable materials, SUNGOLDPOWER MIG200 weighs barely 33 pounds. This lightweight allows the welder to be easily carried from location to location. Additionally, the entire stable arc ensures minimum splatter is released no matter how thick the welding material is.
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Final Verdict
Keeping in mind the aforementioned key features, it would not be wrong to state SUNGOLDPOWER 200Amp DC Welder 110/220V Dual Voltage IGBT Inverter 200A Aluminum Welding Soldering Machine Gas Shielded/Gasless Flux Cored Wire Solid Core Wire Welding Equipment as one of the most notable machines for every welding purposes.
5. LOTOS CT520D
Overview
How can we complete a list of the best TIG welders without mentioning the most trusted brand for it?
Lotos is the biggest name in terms of top-notch welder quality and performance among the welding community. It took this up a notch with the release of their CT520 welder.
Lotos CT520D 50 AMP Air Plasma Cutter, 200 AMP Tig, and Stick/MMA/ARC Welder 3 in 1 Combo Welding Machine has turned all heads towards it since its release. Bringing all the desired features together, this welder does not compromise on the performance and functioning of the machine despite its cheap cost.
Versatility
With CT520D, Lotos bring to its customers the right answer to all welding purposes. This three-in-one combo is designed to function as a 200 Ampere TIG, STICK welder, and a 50 Ampere Air Plasma cutter, thereby offering versatility to its users.
Assembly time
Many users find it hard to assemble their welding machines because of the vague manual guide or complex techniques to join its components. Lotos has designed the CT520D 50 AMP Air Plasma Cutter, Welding Machine to be set up within a minute to ease this problem.
With this, you only need to worry about connecting your air compressor with the D-plug, and you are good to go!
Duty Cycle
With a rating of 60% duty cycle, Lotos three-in welding machine is ready to lift and weld through a variety of metals including stainless steel and aluminum up to ½ “at 50 AMP plasma cutting. The accuracy and high speed in this cutting further boost the overall air plasma cutting ability of CT520D.
Portability
Acknowledging the need for welders to be carried around, Lotos has thoughtfully manufactured its machine to weigh approximately 33 pounds. This lightweight allows it to be transported easily and hence deemed CT520D to be portable and adapted to both indoor and outdoor projects.
Additional features
If these key features are not enough to convince you to purchase Lotos’ increasingly functional machine, then let’s take a look at its underrated features. With HF start hand torch control and the slot for foot pedal installation, CT520D offers the user complete control over the heat supplied.
Moreover, the instant arc starts period and guaranteed stability while welding improves the degree of precision achieved on the metal. All of these features are finished in a striking and sleek-looking exterior.
PROS
CONS
Final Verdict
Despite the machine being restricted to only DC supply, Lotos CT520D 50 AMP Air Plasma Cutter, 200 AMP Tig and Stick/MMA/ARC Welder 3 in 1 Combo Welding Machine, ½ Inch Clean Cut does an exceptional job at both welding and plasma cutting. This machine has managed to pave the way into the hearts of its users through its superior technology.
6. Everlast Power Arc 140ST
Overview
What would be a better way to end this list than to do it with the most adored welder of this year?
Everlast has always stayed ahead of time and been the first one to introduce the latest technology in its products. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that their latest welder combines every key feature prelaunch by the brand.
PowerArc 140ST 40 Amp Arc Stick Lift Start TIG Welder, IGBT, Dual Voltage 110/220v has been the talk of the town since its recent release in 2020. Although finished in a compact look, this welder is sure to blow your mind away with its features.
Versatility
Everlast is known never to make any distinction between its customer’s working preference. Their latest PowerArc’s functionality is restricted to TIG welding and supports STICK welding and being used as a background generator if needed.
Controls
To break the set trend of difficult controlling buttons and components, Everlast PowerArc 140ST requires minimal effort to get started. With an instant and basic assembly set up and controls, this welding machine is well suited for every professional and beginner welder.
Power Consumption
Perhaps the most distinguishing feature of PowerArc 2020 140ST is its unbelievably low rate of power consumption. It works on an ampere rating as low as 5 to start TIG and STICK welding. This not only makes it sustainable to the surroundings but decreases the electricity bill total for the user.
Portability
Finished to weight barely 20 pounds, 2020 PowerArc 140ST 40 Amp Arc Stick Lift Start TIG Welder wins in the portability aspect. It is manufactured in a compact design and lightweight enough to be taken on projects situated anywhere worldwide.
Furthermore, with its ability to operate on dual voltages, the welding machine is adaptable to its surroundings. Everlast has surely guaranteed that their PowerArc’s functionality is not bounded to any specific location.
IGBT Invertor Technology
Another plus point about PowerArc 140ST is in the latest IGBT technology of its invertor. This provides features like auto-adaptive Arc force control to protect against the material from overheating. Along with this, IGBT tech boosts the welding and lifting precision ability on a huge scale.
PROS
CONS
Final Verdict
At the reasonable price offered at Everlast PowerArc 140ST 40 Amp Arc Stick Lift Start TIG Welder, IGBT packs every key feature right in the box. With its easy controls and low power consumption rate, this welding machine has prioritized customer convenience above everything else and gained complete user satisfaction.
Conclusion
Buying a TIG welder is an expensive and long-term purchase. The user needs to be sure that the product they buy is designed to support their welding and cutting requirements without spending money on it. This perfect balance has to be maintained and debated over before purchasing any TIG welder by the user.
To help you make this decision, we have also listed down the best TIG Welder under 1000, and our favorite TIG welders that offer dream-worthy performance and are sold at a moderate cost of 500 dollars and below. Now, the decision is upon you to choose the best-suited machine from these for you.
This is a David Johnson. I have been in this field since 15 years.