If you’re looking for excellent yet affordable TIG welders for home or workshop, Harbor Freight TIG welders can be potential options, especially for DIY hobbyists.
Most of us consider Harbor Freight only when we need to buy inexpensive consumables and hardly choose it for shopping expensive welders. The company with the Vulcan welder series has proved to be a worthy competitor to other big giants like Miler or Lincoln.
Ensuring product development and quality testing is the key for Harbor Freight. If you’re a fan of HF products or searching for an inexpensive TIG welder, this best Harbor Freight TIG welder review is for you. I’ll provide the necessary guidelines you should look for before buying a Harbor Freight TIG welder.
Who Makes Harbor Freight Welders?
Harbor Freight is a discount tool and equipment retailer, situated in Calabasas, California. Harbor Freight Tools operates a chain of retailer shops and e-commerce businesses.
This California-based company is popular for importing cheap products for different places, mostly Asia. What most people don’t know is that the manufacturer owns a laboratory for product development and testing for quality assurance.
Thus, the company delivers high-quality inexpensive welders along with numerous other home and office appliances. From auto repairing to construction, you’ll get the right welding equipment in Harbor Freight Tools for your project.
Top 4 Best Harbor Freight TIG Welder
If you are a professional or just getting started with welding, Harbor Freight welders provide great value without compromising quality and capable features. I’ve researched a lot from different blogs, forum articles, websites to shortlist the items I’ve put together in this article. Here’re my picked welders of Harbor Freight you can buy:
Product list:
- Lightweight, powerful and intuitive
- Features fast, easy set-up and full-color display
- 132 pre-loaded welding programs for easy setup
- Dual voltage technology capable of 120v or 240v input
- High-frequency arc starting for ultimate arc quality
- Built-in pulsing for increased travel speeds
- Ideal for field usage
- Versatile and capable of 120/240v input
- Inverter technology for better arc start
- Dual voltage technology is capable of 120v or 240v input
- Inductance control for weld bead fine tuning
- Includes rolling steel welding cart, tilted top shelf
- Solar powered welding helmet is included
- Inverter technology for easy starts and reliable arc
- Affordable and lightweight
- Dual voltage technology
- Easy-access welding controls
- Over-current protection
Best Harbor Freight TIG Welder Reviews:
1. Vulcan OmniPro 220: Best Multipurpose Welder
Power source: DC
Dual voltage: 120/240V
Duty cycle: 120V 100% at 75 Amps; 220V 100% at 115 Amps
Weight: 77 lbs.
Vulcan Omnipro 220 is a versatile, easy-to-use, powerful welder which is capable to handle different materials. See, finding a multipurpose welder is getting much harder now than before because of so many products available on the market.
However, Vulcan OmniPro 220 is one of the promising ones that you can rely on for being a wonderful multipurpose welder. Apart from that, the easy-using welder has a high welding capacity and versatility that will be discussed here.
Multipurpose
The prime selling point of Vulcan OmniPro 220 is its multipurpose functionality. The machine can be used for DC TIG, MIG, DC Stick, and Flux-Core welding. So, you can literally use the welding machine for all sorts of projects and maintenances.
Strong built
The welder is designed to be attractive and durable. Also, for serving multiple purposes, it features strong built quality than many other welders on the market. The rugged and high-output welder takes your welding to the next level, being preferable to be used for workshop or field use.
User friendly
To make sure you can weld easily with the OmniPro 220, it is loaded with 132 pre-loaded welding programs. It also incorporates a memory function that recalls critical welding settings.
Another significant thing is the 4.3-inch LCD which displays preloaded programmable options with a memory status. This allows you to learn correct settings directly without looking for here and there or trying out different settings.
You only need to select the appropriate program for the type of welding you’re doing. It’s just that simple!!
High welding capacity
Vulcan OmniPro 220 features a dual voltage technology that allows the machine to utilize both 120V and 240V inputs. It helps in increasing wire feed speed from 50 to 500 inches every minute.
While TIG welding, you can utilize the 150A TIG torch provided with the machine which makes it easier to maneuver. Also, the non-slippery handle provides an excellent grip to your hand so that you can handle it for a long time.
Things I like:
- Critical programs are pre-installed
- Multipurpose functionality
- Easy to set up
- Features a large LCD
Things I didn’t like:
- A bit expensive than many similar types of welders
2. Vulcan ProTIG 165 Welder: High-Performance TIG Welder
Power source: DC
Dual voltage: 120/240V
Duty cycle: 30% at 150 Amps
Weight: 20 lbs.
Vulcan ProTIG 165 professional class welder is designed with dependability and performance in mind. The versatile TIG welder allows you to both lift start and high frequency starting that makes it the most high-performance Harbor Freight TIG welder.
High-quality arc
Consistency of the arc is one of the most important things you should look for while buying a welder. ProTIG 165 is able to deliver high-quality consistent arc, thanks to its inverter technology. The technology helps provide a strong arc so that you can any type of material with it.
Dual voltage compatibility
The Vulcan machine is capable to run with both 120V and 240V. This feature allows you to weld with the machine anywhere either at your home or at the workshop.
Heat distortion
When a great amount of heat is produced while welding, it may fade the arc power. Vulcan ProTIG 165 welder comes with an inbuilt pulsing technology that helps in minimizing the heat produced during the process. The technology also boosts travel speed to reduce heat distortion.
Auto sense functionality
The welder includes an auto-sense function that detects the welding position. It delivers the exact arc you need every time you use the machine. So, while using the Harbor Freight product, you can expect to get the right arc at the right time and place while welding various types of materials.
The power output of the high-performance welder varies from 10A to 165A. On the other hand, for Vulcan Omnipro 220 it ranges from 30A to 220 A. My best overall product may be powerful than the high-performance one, yet ProTIG 165 is no less. It can be used for handling small industrial and DIY projects.
Things I like:
- Thermal overload protection
- Dual voltage compatibility
- Lightweight and easily portable
- Consistent and high-frequency arcs
Things I didn’t like:
- Uses lots of shielding gas
3. TITANIUM Unlimited 200: Preferable For Beginners
Power source: DC
Dual voltage: 120/240V
Duty cycle: N/A
Weight: 24 lbs.
If you want to get a portable yet professional and multipurpose TIG welder to start learning to weld, TITANIUM Unlimited 200 TIG welder would serve you well. The welder is reliable, versatile, and easy to set up.
Lightweight
The major selling point of the professional TIG welder is its insignificant weight. It weighs only 24 lbs. which makes it ideal for shop or field use. You can also weld at your home with the machine.
Again, don’t get fooled by seeing its lightweight only as the small device incorporates modern welding features just like any others available at Harbor Freight Tools.
Versatile
Even though the TITANIUM Unlimited 200 is a small-sized machine, the all-purpose welder can handle DC TIG, MIG, DC Stick, and Flux-Core welding effortlessly.
The most obvious reason for recommending the welder for beginners is that you learn all sorts of welding right from one machine along with the TIG welding.
Also, the welder is capable to weld a wide range of materials including steel, aluminum, cast materials, and stainless steel.
Easy to set up
The Unlimited 200 Professional welder offers a simple and straightforward setup. Its dual voltage technology enables you to connect the machine to either of the 120V or 240V inputs depending on the availability of the included power cables. Also, the Inverter technology ensures a better arc start.
The Titanium welder comes with inductance control for weld bead fine tuning. A tilted top shelf provides easy access to controls and a large bottom storage area gives you ample storage room. Again, the rear fixed wheels and front swivel casters provide smooth maneuverability.
The best harbor freight welder for beginners also carries a solar-powered helmet with a high-quality auto-darkening lens for safety. But don’t you worry about the visibility as it provides a full view of your welding area with a variable shade control.
Things I like:
- Inverter technology for quality arc start
- Dual voltage adaptability
- Lightweight and durable
- Includes solar powered helmet
Things I didn’t like:
- Overpriced for the beginners but worthy of getting one
4. Titanium Stick 225 Inverter: Best Budget
Power source: DC
Dual voltage: 120/240V
Duty cycle: 120V- 70A at 40%; 240V- 225A at 20%
Weight: 16.5 lbs.
Well, most people search for HF products when they want them to be cheap. Now, if you find the above welders a bit pricy for your budget, the Titanium Stick 225 Inverter might draw your attention. Being an inexpensive Harbor Freight welder, it still is pretty advanced.
Inverter technology
Titanium Stick 225 Inverter utilizes great inverter technology that ensures better current, more stable, and reliable arc. It helps beginners to weld like professionals.
Another major advantage of using an inverter is its impressive weight of only 16.5 pounds. Usually, transformer-based TIG welders are heavily weighted, while this inverter-based welder reduces that significantly.
Straightforward operation
Titanium Stick 225 Inverter is super easy to use right out of the box. The owner’s manual includes all sorts of information for the user so that even if you are a beginner, you don’t face any problems.
The welder also features easy-access welding controls for precise adjustment. It enables to control the programs easily to get excellent welding.
Dual voltage technology
The inverter, like others on the list, also incorporates dual voltage technology that allows the user to plug the welder into any of the inputs to start working.
Value for the price
As I said already that Titanium Stick 225 is one of the cheapest Harbor Freight TIG welders you’ll find. Despite being cheap, it features an over-current protection function with an indicator light to ensure the longevity of the device.
The output amperage of the welder ranges from 15A to 225A, while you’ll get up to 40% duty cycle at 70A for 120V and 20% at 225A for 240V. So, the budget welder can be categorized as a light to the medium used TIG welder.
Things I like:
- Affordable and simple operation
- Inverter technology enables reliable arc
- Over-current protection
- Ensures precise adjustment
Things I didn’t like:
- Not recommended for the professionals
What To Choose Before Buying Harbor Freight TIG Welder?
When you buy a TIG welder, you need to consider some of the factors before choosing one. This section of the article will discuss some of the factors you need to consider before buying a TIG welder from Harbor Freight.
Dual Voltage Capability
A dual voltage welder runs smoothly on both 120V and 240V voltages without requiring the extra expense of purchasing another welder to use for another voltage input. A dual voltage TIG welder can be used anywhere you take it. All of the products discussed above are capable to be used with both voltage inputs.
Quick Welding
Most of the welders from harbor freight are just great for beginners. Nevertheless, professionals who need to weld regularly may face tight deadlines.
So, look for the welder with which you can weld fast. The Vulcan ProTIG 165 is capable of quick welding with high amperage that might have drawn your attention already.
Easy To Use
In the harbor freight Vulcan TIG welder review, you have seen that most of them are easy to operate. Targeting the young and enthusiast welders, the TIG welders are engineered to operate simply.
You may want to get a foot pedal for harbor freight TIG welder that provides better precision and control over what you’re doing.
Weight
Weight is another considering factor you should think about especially if you need to carry the machine from place to place. Titanium TIG welders are more lightweight than Vulcan ones. If weight is a big factor for you, consider getting one of them.
Safety Features
The best Harbor Freight TIG welder should come with decent safety features such as thermal overload protection, higher and lower voltage protection, and so on. The safety features help in boosting the welder’s lifetime and performance when used for long hours.
Is a Harbor Freight Tig Welder Any Good?
Okay, let’s face it. Does an HF TIG welder have enough potential to be at your home? I’ll be honest with the answer.
Well, the answer is pretty straightforward. Harbor Freight sells like crazy a lot of inexpensive products. That’s how most people know the company for being a retailer of inexpensive products.
But the company maintains good quality products for the price. So, there’s no reason to be worried about the high standard of the products that are sold by the American company.
But what about you have tons of money and searching for HF TIG welders. Up to now most people like me would suggest now to look for HF welders with your money. But the recent Vulcan series has just turned the coin by competing head to head with other giants.
So, if you are on a budget or looking for the best-valued welder for the price, I’d say, Harbor Freight is unparallel. However, with a huge amount of money you have lots of other options available. But, don’t forget to check back the premium HF products as well.
Conclusion
In the article concerning welder harbor freight review, I tried to bring some of the most popular and reliable TIG welders so that you don’t end up buying the wrong products.
Harbor Freight TIG welders are for both beginners and professionals. The products are popular especially for their lightweights and simple operations. Considering all features, Vulcan OmniPro 220 had to be my top pick. It can be handy for pros and a great toy to learn welding for beginners.
I hope the article helps you find the exact product for your need.
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