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AC vs DC TIG welder

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Buying an AC/DC TIG welder is a better spend than buying a DC-only TIG welder.

Here’s why:

1. You Can Weld all different Types of Metals.  Not only can you weld carbon steel, stainless, chromoly, nickel, and titanium like you can with a DC only tig welder but you can also weld aluminum, magnesium, pot metal, and you can tig braze cast iron using aluminum bronze filler.

  • AC (Alternating Current) is needed for welding materials like aluminum and magnesium. The AC current provides the needed cleaning action that helps break up surface oxides on aluminum and magnesium.
  • DC (Direct Current) works best for metals like steel, stainless steel, copper, and other harder metals. It provides strong, precise welds with a smooth arc.

If you buy a DC-only welder, you won’t be able to weld aluminum or magnesium effectively. With an AC/DC welder, you can handle both aluminum and steel, making it much more versatile for different projects.

Not very long ago, an AC/DC TIG welder was a good bit more expensive than a DC only TIG welder.

Things have changed.

Now you can order an AC/DC full featured tig welder shipped to your door for less than $900.

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Learn more about this affordable tig welder with bonus kit at weldmonger.com

primeweld 225 tig with stuff

Learn more about this affordable tig welder with bonus kit at weldmonger.com


2. More Flexibility for Future Projects

Even if you don’t work with aluminum now, having an AC/DC welder means you're ready for any future projects that might require it. You won’t have to buy a new welder later.

3. Better Value

Instead of buying DC only TIG welder first and then upgrading to an AC DC tig welder later, you might want to think hard about just spending a little more and not limiting yourelf to DC TIG only.  (unless of course you need an ultra portable DC tig welder for something like stainless sanitary tubing)

 4. Increased Job Opportunities

If you're a professional or planning to expand your welding skills, an AC/DC welder allows you to take on more jobs, including those requiring aluminum welding. This opens up more opportunities to work on a wider range of projects.


An AC/DC TIG welder gives you the option to weld a broader range of metals, adds flexibility for future projects, and provides better overall value compared to a DC-only welder. It’s a smart investment for anyone serious about TIG welding.

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If you need a smaller more portable AC/DC tig welder, the CK mt200 has a 5 amp start, simpler controls, and weighs less than 35 lbs. 

It costs more, but is a great little tig welder

CK WorldWide MT200

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