Tig vs Stick Welder: Which One Should You Buy?

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Tig vs stick welder: the difference

TIG uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode with a separate filler rod and shielding gas, and the Weldpro states high-frequency non-contact arc start with a foot pedal for real-time amperage control. Stick uses a flux-coated electrode that burns away as it welds, with no gas needed. The S7 states DC TIG and stick in one 200A machine for stainless steel, mild steel and light fabrication. The PRIMEWELD states 225A AC and DC TIG with stick, including pulse. The Weldpro states five modes: AC TIG, DC TIG, AC pulse, DC pulse and stick. For clean welds on thin metal, the stated TIG modes are the precision story; for quick repairs on dirty steel, stick needs no gas bottle.

AC vs DC TIG: the aluminum question

The PRIMEWELD states AC and DC TIG with pulse, and states it will weld 1/4 in aluminum and 3/8 in mild steel. The Weldpro states AC and DC TIG with fully adjustable AC balance, frequency and pulse, engineered for aluminum, magnesium and non-ferrous metals. The S7 states DC TIG only, with no AC mode stated, so aluminum is not in its stated range. If you want to TIG weld aluminum, the stated AC machines are the answer; for steel and stainless, the DC mode all three state is enough.

Duty cycle and protection, as stated

The Weldpro states a 40 percent duty cycle at full 200A output, with overheat, over-current, over-voltage and under-voltage protection. The S7 states built-in overheat and overload protection. The PRIMEWELD states no protection or duty cycle figure. For long sessions at high amps, the stated 40 percent duty cycle is the only figure here.

Amperage and metal thickness, as stated

All three machines state dual voltage: the S7 states 110V and 220V input for home garages and workshops; the PRIMEWELD states 110 and 220 volts; the Weldpro states automatic dual voltage detection and switching between standard household 110V outlets and industrial 220V supplies. On output, the S7 states 200 amps, the Weldpro states 200 amps, and the PRIMEWELD states 225 amps. The PRIMEWELD is the only one here that ties amperage to metal thickness: it states 1/4 in aluminum and 3/8 in mild steel. If your work is thin sheet or light fabrication, the S7 states stainless steel, mild steel and light metal fabrication. For thicker stock, the 225A ceiling and the stated thickness figures on the PRIMEWELD are the concrete numbers to weigh.

Pulse, frequency and stick electrodes

Pulse narrows the heat-affected zone on thin metal. The Weldpro states a 0.5 to 200 Hz pulse frequency with 2T and 4T trigger modes, plus fully adjustable AC balance and frequency. The PRIMEWELD states 200 Hz on pulse frequency and AC frequency. The S7 states no pulse figure. On the stick side, the PRIMEWELD states capability for 7018 and 6013 electrodes, the two common rods for garage repair. The S7 states stick in the same 200A machine with an electrode holder in the package. The Weldpro states stick MMA as its fifth mode. If you plan to run stick mostly, the stated electrode compatibility on the PRIMEWELD is the detail to check; if you plan to TIG thin stainless, the stated pulse figures on the Weldpro are the ones to compare.

What is in the box and portability

The S7 states a TIG torch, ground clamp, electrode holder and accessories in the package, at 18.01 pounds: the lightest of the three and the easiest to carry. The Weldpro states a full accessory kit with a rocker-style foot pedal, flow meter and gas hose, at 61.8 pounds with a built-in carrying handle. The PRIMEWELD states a CK17 flex-head torch with a CK Superflex hose and a CK Dinse connector, plus HF start with hand and foot control. Its spec table states 40823 g, which reads as a shipping weight rather than the machine weight, so treat the portability figure as unclear. If the machine moves between garage and worksite, the stated 18.01 pounds on the S7 is the concrete portability figure; if it stays on the bench, the stated accessory kits on the Weldpro and PRIMEWELD matter more.

Gear: three TIG and stick machines, ranked

1. S7 200A DC TIG and stick

The S7 states 200 amps of DC TIG and stick power on 110 and 220 volts, at 18.01 pounds. It states a digital current display, standard TIG consumable compatibility and built-in overheat and overload protection. The package states a TIG torch, ground clamp, electrode holder and accessories. It states a 2-year warranty, the only warranty term here. DC TIG only, so aluminum is not in its stated range.

2. Weldpro 200A AC/DC TIG and stick

The Weldpro states 200 amps of AC and DC TIG with pulse plus stick, on 110 and 220 volts. It states a foot pedal, an HD LED display, 0.5 to 200 Hz pulse frequency, 2T and 4T trigger modes, and a full accessory kit with flow meter and gas hose. It states 61.8 pounds and a 40 percent duty cycle at 200A. No warranty term is stated.

3. PRIMEWELD TIG225X 225A AC/DC TIG and stick

The PRIMEWELD states 225 amps of AC and DC TIG with stick and pulse, with a CK17 flex-head torch. It states 200 Hz pulse frequency, HF start with hand and foot control, and capability for 7018 and 6013 electrodes. Its spec table states 40823 g, which reads as a shipping weight rather than the machine weight. No warranty term is stated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which of these welds aluminum?

The PRIMEWELD and Weldpro state AC TIG, which their listings tie to aluminum. The S7 states DC TIG only.

Which states a warranty?

The S7 states a 2-year warranty. The Weldpro and PRIMEWELD state no warranty term.

Which states a duty cycle?

The Weldpro states a 40 percent duty cycle at 200A. The others state no duty cycle figure.

Do any include a foot pedal?

The Weldpro states a rocker-style foot pedal. The PRIMEWELD states HF start with hand and foot control. The S7 states no foot pedal.

Which is the lightest stated?

The S7 states 18.01 pounds. The Weldpro states 61.8 pounds. The PRIMEWELD spec table states 40823 g, likely shipping weight.

Related guides

Related: the TIG vs MIG welder comparison, the MIG vs stick welder comparison and best stick welder.