TIG Welders

TIG welding, also known as Gas Tungsten Arc Welding or GTAW, uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode and an inert shielding gas to produce a precise, controllable arc. Filler rod is added separately by hand where the joint requires it. The process is slower than MIG welding and demands considerably more operator skill, but for stainless steel fabrication, pipework, aerospace components, automotive bodywork and any application where weld quality and finish are non-negotiable, it remains the process of choice.

We supply TIG welders from ESAB, Migatronic, Lincoln Electric and Parweld, covering AC/DC TIG welders and DC-only TIG welders output across the full amperage range, with machines available from stock for next day delivery to UK mainland addresses or collection from our 10 branches across the North of England and the Midlands.

TIG Welding Machines

Our range covers single-phase portable machines suited to smaller workshops and site use through to higher-output three-phase units built for sustained production welding. All machines are supplied with manufacturer warranty and backed by our own team of eight service engineers covering repair, servicing and calibration across the brands we stock.

TIG welding suits thin materials, precision pipework and detailed fabrication particularly well, where the controlled heat input and clean arc finish are difficult to match with other processes. The key choice for most buyers is between DC-only and AC/DC output. DC machines handle mild steel, stainless steel and copper alloys and represent the practical choice for fabricators who do not regularly weld aluminium. AC/DC machines add the alternating current capability needed to break down the oxide layer on aluminium's surface, allowing the arc to fuse the parent metal cleanly. If aluminium features in your work at all, an AC/DC machine is the correct specification. Many models across our range are available from stock and can be despatched the same day the order is placed.

Need Help Choosing the Right TIG Welder?

Selecting the right machine depends on the materials you are welding, your available power supply and your expected workload. Our experienced team can advise on the most suitable specification for your requirements, whether you are replacing existing equipment or purchasing your first TIG welder. Contact us directly or visit one of our branches, where demonstration and hire machines are available if you want to assess a model before committing to a purchase

Related TIG Products and Accessories

To complete your TIG welding setup, we also supply TIG welding rods covering steel, stainless and aluminium filler materials, TIG torches and spares including WP9, WP17, WP18 and WP26 configurations, TIG foot pedals for variable amperage control, TIG welding gloves and tungsten electrodes in all standard grades and diameters. Argon shielding gas and regulators are available through our sister company Energas.

TIG Welder Technical Specifications Comparison

This table compares the key technical specifications for the popular ESAB, Migatronic and Lincoln TIG welding machines. The most critical specifications for TIG are the Current Type (DC only vs. AC/DC), Max Output, and Duty Cycle.

TIG Welders FAQs

What is TIG welding?

TIG welding, which stands for Tungsten Inert Gas welding and is also known as GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding) is a type of welding that uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to produce the weld. It differs from MIG welding through how the arc is used, for example MIG welding uses a wire to create the spark needed for welding, whereas TIG welding uses rods of tungsten to weld metals together.

Engweld supplies everything you need for TIG welding including TIG Torches, TIG Torch Spares, TIG Welding Rods, Tungsten Electrodes and TIG Welding Gloves.

What gas do TIG welders use?

Pure argon is the standard shielding gas for TIG welding across the majority of materials and applications. Its inert properties protect both the tungsten electrode and the weld pool from atmospheric contamination, producing the clean, oxide-free finish the process is known for. We supply argon through our sister company Energas, including ARCAL Prime, a 99.998% purity argon suitable for professional TIG applications on stainless steel, aluminium and specialist alloys. Use our welding gas selector guide to confirm the right gas for your material and application, and pick up a gas regulator at the same time if needed.

What works for my budget?

As with most equipment, budget and specification are closely linked. A DC TIG welder such as the ESAB Rogue ET 181iP sits at the more accessible end of the range, while AC/DC machines and multi-process units like the ESAB Rebel 205ic AC/DC or Parweld XTM211Di carry a higher price point reflecting their broader capability. The most practical approach is to establish your material and output requirements first, then find the best machine within your budget that meets those needs. Our team is happy to talk through the options.

What materials can be welded?

TIG welders have the benefit of allowing the welding of more metals and alloys than any other process, meaning materials like stainless steel, aluminium, magnesium, copper, brass, bronze and even gold can be welded.

AC/DC vs DC only TIG Machines                                                                     

With an AC/DC machine your options are largely unrestricted, as you can switch current type to suit the metal you are working with. DC-only machines are the right choice for mild steel and stainless steel but are not suitable for aluminium. If aluminium is part of your work, an AC/DC machine is the correct specification. It is also worth noting that tungsten electrode selection varies by material: thoriated (red) tungsten for mild steel and stainless steel, and zirconiated (white) tungsten for aluminium.

What benefits are there using a higher frequency on AC TIG?

Combined with adjusting the balance control to increase the electrode negative polarity, which produces deeper penetration and prevents the tungsten from balling up, high AC frequency gives you the ability to weld very tight joints with good penetration and without laying down too much filler metal.

What is pulse welding?

Pulse welding is welding that alternates between a high and low current. This reduces the overall heat input and spatter while ensuring greater resistance to a lack of fusion. The benefit of pulse welding is that you can weld both thicker and thinner metals without burning through them. 

Are there any benefits of three phase over single phase?                              

Three-phase power supplies are more efficient than single-phase. A three-phase supply can transmit significantly more power while requiring only one additional wire, which in practical terms means higher available amperage and the ability to sustain a higher duty cycle. For production environments where the machine runs continuously for extended periods, three-phase supply is worth considering if it is available in your workshop.

What is the difference between Lift TIG and HF TIG?                                          

Both are methods of starting the arc between the tungsten electrode and the workpiece. With Lift TIG, the electrode is touched briefly to the parent metal and then lifted away. The machine detects the break in contact and delivers full current to establish the arc. With HF (High Frequency) TIG, the arc initiates without the electrode touching the workpiece: the welder positions the torch close to the surface and triggers the arc directly. HF start is available on most professional TIG machines and keeps the tungsten cleaner by avoiding contact with the parent metal, reducing the risk of contamination in the weld.

Why should I use a TIG pedal with my TIG welder?                                    

A TIG foot pedal gives you real-time control over the amperage as you weld, which directly improves your ability to manage heat input and maintain accuracy on variable-thickness or intricate work. See our full range of TIG foot pedals.

Input voltage and electrical supply

Standard UK mains outlets supply 230V. Before purchasing, check the available supply in your workspace and confirm the amp rating to ensure you have sufficient capacity for the machine you are considering. A useful rule of thumb: 1A of input supply equates to approximately 10A of output, so a machine drawing 240A output requires around 24A of input. If you are operating from a generator or a workspace with limited supply, check the machine's minimum input requirements before ordering.

IP23 Rating: IP23 vs IP23S

An IP rating indicates the Ingress Protection level of a TIG machine, covering its resistance to foreign particles such as dust and water. The additional S in an IP23S rating indicates the machine was stationary during the water ingress test, rather than in operation.

Meet Our Welding Experts

For projects that go beyond standard off-the-shelf requirements, our Fabex team at Engweld and Energas brings together highly skilled engineers and fabricators with experience across the most demanding welding and metalworking applications. From bespoke structural fabrications to precision-engineered components and specialist material requirements, the team combines technical knowledge with a practical, collaborative approach. Get in touch to discuss your project.

TIG Welder Service and Repair

We operate a dedicated team of eight repair and service engineers covering the full range of brands we stock. Whether you need a routine service, a repair to return a machine to operation, or calibration support, our engineers work with customers of all sizes across our branch network. Contact us to book a service or discuss your requirements.