Hobart TIG Welder Alternatives: 2 Reasonable TIG Welders to Try

A Hobart TIG welder (specifically the Hobart 500551 EZ-TIG Welder) is not for the inexperienced. It is an excellent TIG welder for the price, but like all TIG welders, it is more difficult to handle. Beginner welders are especially encouraged to look at MIG welding before blowing their budget on a TIG welder.

TIG welding is perfectly suited to weld thin sheets of metal with high precision, although it is a much slower process than MIG welding. However, it does give a very clean finish—for this reason alone, many welders eventually choose to invest in TIG welding despite the hefty price tag. This Hobart TIG welder is one of the more popular options for a home TIG welding set-up as it is fairly simple to use and comes at a fairly reasonable price of USD 1,479.99.

Unfortunately, the Hobart 500551 EZ-TIG Welder has been discontinued. If you’re looking for a great TIG welder to add to your arsenal, this article will feature two great alternatives below so that you can still get the best bang for your buck.

The Best: Hobart TIG Welder

The Hobart 500551 EZ-TIG 165i AC/DC TIG Welder 230V is a complete TIG welder package with single-knob control. This is one of the easiest TIG welders in the market to set up, use, and master, perfect for starting TIG welders and professionals alike.

With a price tag of nearly $1500, it isn’t the cheapest in the market. But this Hobart EZ-TIG 165i AC/DC TIG welder is built to last by an industry-leading brand. Weighing in at 50 lbs. and measuring 17”x10”x24”, it is also very lightweight and portable.

Key Features of the Hobart TIG Welder

• High-frequency start: The Hobart EZ-TIG 165i TIG welder features a high-frequency start (non-contact arc start), which means the arc starts without the tungsten coming into contact with the material. This keeps the material free from contamination and is usually a feature of higher-quality TIG machines. 
• Easy interface: The “EZ” in the name means just that, easy. With one knob and one switch control, you can begin using the machine after powering up, selecting your material, and selecting its thickness range.
• Fan-on-demand: The Hobart 500551 EZ-TIG Welder has a cooling system that starts on demand. Not only does this reduce your power consumption, but it also increases the lifespan of your welder and prevents contaminants from entering your machine.
• AC/DC output: Welds .81 to 4.8 mm in both AC (aluminum) and DC (steel).
• Infinite amperage control: Get more consistent welds by fine-tuning your amperage.
• Automatic post-flow: Provides the optimum shielding based on your weld amperage without the need for adjustment.
• High-temperature shut down: The Hobart EZ-TIG 165i TIG welder shuts down automatically upon reaching the temperature threshold and will stay shut off until it cools down. This prevents your machine from overheating and breaking.

The downsides to this TIG welder are few and far between. The price tag may be a little hefty for some, but in this regard, the pros outweigh the cons. This is a great little welder for home use and will last you for many years to come.

As mentioned, the Hobart EZ-TIG 165i AC/DC TIG welder has been discontinued. So if you can’t get your hands on this option, we’ve found two great alternatives for you and your home set-up below.

Option 1: Weldpro Digital TIG200GD TIG Welder - Cheapest TIG Welder at 110v

Unlike the 240v needed to run most TIG machines like the Hobart TIG welder, 110v TIG welding is virtually unheard of. Most TIG welding machines struggle at 110v, but if you’re a home welder without any access to a 240v wall plug, then this one’s for you.

Weighing in at around 61 lbs. this isn’t the most portable machine out there, but it does come with a lot of welding options and is perfect for a hobbyist who doesn’t want to splash crazy amounts of money on a TIG welder.

Key Features of the Weldpro TIG200GD

• Digital controls: No knobs and switches here! This machine comes with touchpad functions and a very precise, digital numeric display.
• AC/DC output: Can weld both aluminum and steel.
• Dual-voltage system with IGBT inverter: Don’t expect to weld thick sections at 110v, but the Weldpro TIG200GD can weld well on both aluminum and steel from 110 volts.
• 2-in-1 welder: Can be used as either a stick welder or a TIG welder and is suited for a variety of materials.
• Adjustable pulse, AC frequency, and balance: Allows you to tweak your arc for different uses.

At only slightly above $700, this is one of the most affordable TIG welders on the market. For the capabilities and the features this machine provides, it is a fantastic choice for a welder looking to do light professional work and DIY projects.

Option 2: Everlast PowerTIG 200DV AC/DC TIG Welder - Premium and Powerful TIG Welder

Another dual voltage welder, the Everlast is relatively new but has already made its mark as a premium—and powerful—TIG welder. Like the Weldpro, this can weld at both 240v and 120v, making this a heavy-duty welder for both home and professional use.

At roughly $1300, it is quite pricey for a beginner’s set-up, but its functions more than make this a good choice for a TIG welder.

Key Features of the Everlast PowerTIG

• Dual-voltage welder with IGBT inverter: This welder functions reliably and successfully on both 120v and 240v. It can be hooked up to any generator that is rated for 3500 watts at 120v.
• Easy controls: The machine has color-coded controls, which makes it easy to understand and operate.
• Fantastic maximum capabilities: The Everlast PowerTIG can weld steel up to .5 inches and aluminum up to .4 inches.
• High frequency start: Like the Hobart TIG welder, this machine features a no-contact start.
• 300 Hz AC welding: Allows for very tight welds.

Despite its power, the Everlast PowerTIG 200DV only weighs 60 lbs. and measures 24”x9”x17”, making it compact and portable enough to bring around.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to upgrade your welding equipment, remember to note the projects you will be using the welder for and your budget. These three TIG welders are all fantastic choices for home use, while the Everlast is more suited to the powerful needs of a professional. However, you can’t go wrong with any of the machines on this short list, and all of them are great welders for their quality and price.