TIG Welder Buying Guide

TIG Welders Buying Guide
Expert Buying Tips on How To Choose the Best Model

What is and How Do TIG Welders Work?

Tungsten Inert Gas welding, often referred to as TIG Welding, is a precision welding technique that uses a non‑consumable tungsten electrode to create an arc. A TIG welder (or tungsten inert gas welding machine) gives you excellent control over the weld puddle, delivering clean, spatter‑free welds with a superb finish. This makes it ideal for welding stainless steel, aluminium, copper, and other critical applications in sculpture, marine, or catering fabrication.

Metals You Can Weld with a TIG Welder

Sealey’s guide lists the following metals as weldable with TIG:

• Aluminium (AC models only; see setup below)
• Copper
• Titanium
• Mild steel
• Stainless steel
• Cast iron
• Brass
• Nickel
• Dissimilar metals (e.g. welding stainless steel to steel)

Additional note: TIG Welding also works well on magnesium and other exotic alloys when using ac/dc inverter models.

How does TIG Welding Work?

TIG produces an arc between a tungsten electrode and the metal, forming a weld pool. You add a filler rod manually, and argon gas shields the area.

Power Mode: AC vs DC
• DC TIG (direct current) is used for steel, stainless, copper, titanium, etc.
• AC TIG (alternating current) with high frequency or square wave is required for aluminium welder set up for aluminium, as the alternating current cleans the oxide layer. AC/DC inverter models make switching easier.

Equipment Set‑Up
1. Select correct machine mode (AC for aluminium, DC for steel).
2. Install correct tungsten electrode (thoriated, zirconiated, etc.).
3. Set gas flow (argon typically 8–15 l/min).
4. If working aluminium, ensure tungsten inert gas welding machine is AC‑capable.
5. Foot pedal accessories allow precise control of heat input—Foot Pedals are popular accessories for managing the weld puddle temperature.

Key Features to Compare When Buying

Duty Cycle

Duty cycle means how long you can weld in a 10‑minute period before the machine must cool. For example, a 40% duty cycle allows 4 minutes of weld time. Welding at higher amperages shortens the duty cycle.

• Sealey TIG160: 60% @ 160A - ideal for lighter jobs.
• Sealey TIGACDC200: 100% @ 110A, but just 30% @ 200A (for AC). 100% @ 93A (for DC) – heavy-duty jobs.

Choose a high duty cycle if you expect continuous welding.

Featured Products

TIG/MMA
Inverter Welder
160A/230V

Model No.
TIG160

TIG/MMA AC/DC
Pulse Inverter Welder
200A 230V

Model No.
TICACDC200

Power Technology & Modes

Sealey inverter welders use IGBT inverter technology, offering compact size, efficiency, and multiple modes (e.g. TIG/MMA/ARC). These include:

Sealey TIG160 - Portable IGBT inverter

• TIG/MMA
• TIG: Duty cycle 60% @ 160A or 100% @ 124A
• MMA: Duty cycle 60% @ 160A or 100% @120A
• Portable at 6.5kg
• Features hot start, anti-stick, forced air cooling, thermal cut-out protection and quick release switch on the torch for control of gas, saving on consumption.

SEE ARC/TIG WELDING RANGE

Sealey TIG160 - Portable IGBT inverter

SEE ARC/TIG WELDING RANGE

Sealey TIGACDC200 - Multi‑stage settings + foot‑pedal

• TIG/MMA
• Pulse Inverter AC/DC
• AC: Duty cycle | 30% @ 200A | 60% @ 141A | 100% @ 110A |
• DC: Duty cycle | 30% @170A | 60% @ 120A | 100% @ 93A |
• Portable 8.5kg
• Features hot start, anti-stick, forced air cooling, thermal cut-out protection and quick release switch on the torch for control of gas, saving on consumption.
• Suitable for welding metals including aluminium, magnesium, stainless steel, steel, copper, nickel and titanium.

SEE ARC/TIG WELDING RANGE

Sealey TIGACDC200 - Multi‑stage settings + foot‑pedal

SEE ARC/TIG WELDING RANGE

Sealey POWERMIG300i - Multi-process IGBT inverter

• MIG/TIG/MMA
• 2T/4T torch trigger for greater precision during longer welds.
• Wire capacity: 5–15kg, diameter 0.6–1.2mm
• MIG: Duty cycle | 40% @ 300A | 100% @ 190A |
• TIG: Duty cycle | 40% @ 270A | 100% @ 170A |
• MMA: Duty cycle | 40% @ 270A | 100% @ 171A |
• Professional 31.5kg
• Ideal for welding a large variety of metals including Steel, Stainless Steel, Aluminium up to 12mm.
• Supplied accessories: 2m power cable, 2m earth clamp, 3m MIG torch and 2m electrode holder

SEE ARC/TIG WELDING RANGE

Sealey POWERMIG300i - Multi-process IGBT inverter

SEE ARC/TIG WELDING RANGE

Arc Start & Control

• TIG produces an arc betweenHigh‑frequency (HF) push‑button start avoids tungsten contamination.
• Features such as hot‑start, anti‑stick, and current down‑slope are common (and energy‑saving).
• Some torches include gas‑control buttons on the torch to reduce gas usage.
• Most Sealey TIG welders support optional foot pedals which gives fine control over amperage (e.g. TIG200HFACDCF) and accessories.

Guarantees

All Sealey TIG welders come with a 1‑year parts and labour warranty on the main power transformer, followed by a lifetime guarantee, conditional on registering your purchase. All other components are are covered by a 3-year guarantee.

Safety and Maintenance

Safety Equipment

TIG welders emit extremely bright arcs and produce intense heat. It’s essential to use proper personal protective equipment:

• Auto‑darkening welding helmet (shade 9–13)
• Weld gloves, aprons, and arm protection.
• Safety glasses and ventilation (especially for stainless steel)

For a complete guide: Sealey Personal Protective Equipment Buying Guide for Welding

Machine Maitenance

TIG welders emit extremely bright arcs and produce intense heat. It’s essential to use proper personal protective equipment:

• Keep cooling vents free of dust.
• Inspect and clean gas nozzles, collets, and tungsten regularly.
• Replace gas if contaminated.
• Regularly check the duty cycle to avoid overheating the transformer.

BROWSE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE)

Energy Efficiency

Energy Label

Energy labels like these are mandatory on most electrical appliances, including many types of heaters. These labels provide a clear indication of an appliance’s energy consumption during typical use, rated on a scale from A+++ (most efficient) to G (least efficient). This system helps consumers make informed choices and encourages manufacturers to improve product performance.

Energy Efficiency

ErP Regulation

The ErP (Energy-related Products) Regulation, established by the EU and retained in UK law post-Brexit, sets minimum energy efficiency standards for products that consume energy. It applies to a wide range of heating appliances, including electric heaters, space heaters, and fuel-based systems. The regulation aims to reduce energy consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and promote sustainable product design.

In the UK, the Ecodesign for Energy-Related Products Regulations 2010 (as amended) govern compliance. Manufacturers, importers, or authorised representatives are responsible for ensuring that products placed on the market meet these standards. Products that comply with ErP requirements will display the appropriate logo or label, indicating conformity. All of our ErP compliant products feature the logo clearly shown on the right.