TIG Welders

About TIG Welders

TIG welding, or Tungsten Inert Gas welding, represents the pinnacle of precision welding techniques for professionals and serious DIY enthusiasts. TIG welders use a non-consumable tungsten electrode to produce the weld, with an inert gas (typically argon) shielding the weld pool from atmospheric contamination. This process delivers exceptionally clean, high-quality welds with superior control, making it the preferred choice for applications requiring aesthetic finishes and structural integrity on metals including mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminium.

Modern TIG welders have evolved significantly, with inverter technology making them lighter, more portable, and more energy-efficient than traditional transformer-based units. Many contemporary models available from Tooled-Up.com offer multi-process capabilities, combining TIG, MIG, and MMA (stick) welding in a single machine, providing exceptional versatility for workshops with varied welding requirements. These advanced inverter welders typically operate on standard 240v UK mains supply, making them suitable for both professional workshops and well-equipped home garages.

Whether you're a fabricator producing bespoke metalwork, a motorsport enthusiast building roll cages, or a maintenance engineer repairing industrial equipment, investing in quality TIG welding equipment opens up possibilities for precision metalwork that other welding processes simply cannot match. The learning curve may be steeper than MIG welding, but the results speak for themselves in terms of weld quality and finish.

Jargon Buster

• Inverter Technology: Modern electronic circuitry that converts mains power to high-frequency welding current, resulting in lighter, more efficient machines with better arc characteristics and improved power factor compared to traditional transformer welders.
• AC/DC Capability: Refers to welders that can produce both alternating current (AC) for aluminium welding and direct current (DC) for steel and stainless steel. AC/DC machines with high-frequency start are essential for professional aluminium fabrication work.
• Duty Cycle: The percentage of a 10-minute period that a welder can operate at a given amperage before requiring a cooling period. For example, a 60% duty cycle at 150A means the machine can weld for 6 minutes, then must cool for 4 minutes.
• High Frequency (HF) Start: A feature that initiates the arc without touching the tungsten electrode to the workpiece, preventing contamination and extending electrode life. Particularly important for AC welding of aluminium.
• Pulse Welding: An advanced feature that alternates between high and low current levels, allowing better heat control on thin materials and reducing distortion whilst maintaining good penetration.
• Post-Flow Time: The duration that shielding gas continues to flow after the arc stops, protecting the cooling tungsten electrode and weld pool from oxidation.

Who Uses TIG Welders?

TIG welding equipment serves a diverse range of professionals and skilled enthusiasts:

• Fabricators and Metal Artists: Creating bespoke railings, gates, furniture, and architectural metalwork requiring pristine weld appearance
• Motorsport Engineers: Building and repairing race car chassis, roll cages, and exhaust systems where weld integrity is paramount
• Pipe Welders: Joining stainless steel and specialist alloy pipework in food processing, pharmaceutical, and petrochemical industries
• Aerospace and Aviation Technicians: Working with aluminium alloys and specialist materials requiring certified weld quality
• Bicycle Frame Builders: Crafting custom bicycle frames from chromoly and stainless steel tubing
• Maintenance Engineers: Repairing industrial machinery, plant equipment, and specialist tooling across manufacturing facilities
• Classic Vehicle Restorers: Repairing thin-gauge steel panels, aluminium trim, and chassis components with minimal heat distortion
• HVAC Engineers: Joining copper, stainless steel, and aluminium ducting and pipework
• Serious DIY Enthusiasts: Home workshop owners tackling precision metalwork projects requiring professional-quality results

How to Choose the Right TIG Welders

Selecting the appropriate TIG welder depends on several critical factors that align with your specific welding requirements:

Amperage Output

Consider the maximum thickness of material you'll weld regularly. A 145-150A machine suits mild steel up to 4-5mm and is adequate for many DIY and light trade applications. Professional fabricators working with thicker materials should opt for 200A+ models, which provide headroom for demanding work and improved duty cycles at moderate amperages.

AC/DC Capability

If you'll weld aluminium, an AC/DC machine with high-frequency start is essential. DC-only models are significantly cheaper but limit you to ferrous metals and stainless steel. Consider your current and future material requirements before committing to DC-only equipment.

Multi-Process Functionality

Many inverter welders available at Tooled-Up combine TIG, MIG, and MMA capabilities in one unit, offering exceptional workshop versatility. Whilst multi-process machines may compromise slightly on dedicated TIG features, they're excellent for small workshops where space and budget constraints exist.

Duty Cycle Ratings

Professional users should prioritise machines with duty cycles of 60% or higher at typical working amperages. This ensures continuous productivity on longer welds without frustrating cooling breaks interrupting workflow.

Power Supply Requirements

Most domestic and light trade TIG welders operate on standard 240v 13A UK household supply, though higher-specification machines may require 16A or 32A industrial connections. Verify your available electrical supply matches the welder's requirements before purchase.

Additional Features

Advanced features like pulse welding, adjustable AC balance control, adjustable frequency, and digital displays enhance control and capability but increase cost. Assess whether these features genuinely benefit your typical applications or represent unnecessary expense.

Popular Accessories

• Tungsten Electrodes: Available in various types (pure, thoriated, ceriated, lanthanated) and diameters for different materials and amperage ranges. Essential consumables requiring regular replacement.
• TIG Torches and Consumables: Replacement torch bodies, ceramic cups (nozzles), collets, collet bodies, and gas lenses. Air-cooled torches suit most applications; water-cooled torches are necessary for prolonged high-amperage work.
• Shielding Gas: Argon cylinders are standard for most TIG work, with argon/helium or argon/CO2 mixes for specialised applications. Consider cylinder rental agreements from BOC, Air Products, or Adams Gas.
• Filler Rods: Material-specific filler rods in various diameters matched to base metal composition and thickness. Essential for joint filling and building weld profiles.
• Gas Regulators and Flow Meters: Precise gas flow control equipment ensuring optimal shielding without wastage. Typically 8-12 litres per minute for most TIG applications.
• Foot Pedals or Finger Controls: Providing variable amperage control during welding for superior heat management and weld quality on varying thicknesses.
• Wire Brushes and Cleaning Tools: Stainless steel brushes (dedicated per material type) and chemical cleaners for pre-weld surface preparation.

Safety Information

TIG welding presents several hazards requiring appropriate safety measures and personal protective equipment:

Personal Protective Equipment

• Welding Helmet: Auto-darkening helmets with minimum shade 9-13 protection against intense UV and infrared radiation from the welding arc
• Welding Gloves: TIG-specific gloves offering dexterity whilst protecting against heat, sparks, and UV radiation
• Protective Clothing: Flame-resistant jacket, trousers, and closed-toe leather boots protecting all exposed skin
• Respiratory Protection: Adequate ventilation or fume extraction essential, particularly when welding galvanised, stainless, or coated materials

Electrical Safety

TIG welders must be installed according to BS 7671 wiring regulations. Ensure proper earthing, appropriate circuit protection via RCD (residual current device), and that supply cables are rated for the machine's maximum draw. Never operate welding equipment in damp conditions or standing water.

Workspace Considerations

Maintain adequate ventilation as per HSE guidelines, particularly in confined spaces. Remove flammable materials from the welding area and have appropriate fire extinguishers (CO2 or powder type) readily accessible. High-frequency start equipment may cause electromagnetic interference with pacemakers and electronic equipment.

Gas Cylinder Safety

Secure gas cylinders upright using chains or proper stands. Store away from heat sources and ensure regulators are compatible with cylinder types. Follow supplier guidance for safe handling, storage, and transportation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run a TIG welder from a domestic 13A plug socket?

Yes, most entry-level and mid-range TIG welders up to 200A are designed to operate from standard UK 240v 13A supply. However, you may not achieve maximum rated output without tripping the circuit breaker. For sustained use at higher amperages, a dedicated 16A or 32A supply via an industrial commando socket may be necessary. Always verify the specific power requirements in the manufacturer's specifications.

What's the difference between scratch start and high-frequency (HF) start?

Scratch start requires physically touching the tungsten electrode to the workpiece to initiate the arc, similar to striking a match, which can contaminate the electrode and workpiece. High-frequency start uses a high-voltage, high-frequency spark to start the arc without contact, preventing contamination and extending electrode life. HF start is essential for AC aluminium welding and greatly preferred for all TIG applications.

Do I need an AC/DC TIG welder or is DC-only sufficient?

DC-only TIG welders handle mild steel, stainless steel, and other ferrous metals perfectly well at lower cost. However, if you need to weld aluminium or magnesium alloys, AC capability is essential as these metals form an oxide layer that requires the cleaning action of AC current. Consider your current and anticipated future material requirements when deciding.

What duty cycle do I need for professional use?

Professional fabricators should look for duty cycles of 60% or higher at their typical working amperage. For example, a 60% duty cycle at 150A means you can weld for 6 minutes continuously before requiring a 4-minute cooling period. Higher duty cycles reduce downtime and improve productivity on longer welds and production work.

Can TIG welders handle both thin and thick materials?

Yes, TIG welding excels across a wide thickness range. It's particularly valued for thin materials (0.5mm+) where precise heat control prevents burn-through, whilst adequate amperage capacity handles thicker sections up to 8-10mm in a single pass. Material beyond 10mm typically requires multiple passes or is better suited to MIG or MMA processes for efficiency reasons.