TIG welders are of three types: light, industrial and heavy duty. TIG welders can weld both stick and TIG. If you notice most of the TIG welder packages come with a hand or foot pedal that lets you control the heat. Other accessories included in the package are water or air cooled torches. For water cooled torches use hot welds. TIG welding machines are available in both AC and DC current.

Light duty TIG welders usually run on single or three phase power. Single phase power is mostly used at homes, farm houses or repair shops. If you purchase a three phase power, you will require phrase converter. New converters come in the price range of $750 to $1500. If you’re using industrial or heavy duty TIG welder occasionally, then portable converters would be better. Light duty TIG welders require water cooler, micro-start technology for state-of-the-art low amperage starting; and water-cooled torch connections. Most industrial duty machines have an interior automatic cooling fan. These packages cost from $2000 to $5000.

You can find the size of welding with the help of Duty cycle. It refers to how much amperage the welder can generate at a given duty cycle. Duty cycle is the number of minutes out of a 10-minute period a welder can operate. Some examples are a TIG welder can deliver 200 amps of power at a 60 percent duty cycle. Light TIG welders are rated at 20% duty cycle and Industrial TIG welders are rated at 40 to 60% and heavy duty products at 60-100 percent.

A TIG welder can weld any type of metal. Professional welders are required for TIG purpose because skill required is high. TIG welds are of the highest quality when compared to stick welders. Stick welders can weld steel where medium skill is required. Stick welding is used for rugged outdoor conditions and repair shops. TIG welders are used in more refined conditions and applications.

TIG welders require less current and pleasing weld appearance. A tungsten electrode is used to carry the arc from the torch to the work piece. Filler metals require separate electrode that is fed manually. The gas is used for shielding.

Most of the packages have work cable, clamp, input power cord, TIG torch, gas regulator with hose and foot control. Shielding gas is also required but it is sold separately. For safety purpose, personal protective gear, especially gloves, shields and eyeglasses should be worn to protect the welder.

Some TIG welding machines can work on low amperage and weld delicate or decorative work. If certain manual adjustments are done, it can make great looking welds on stainless or aluminum. Some manufacturers have a "built-in" TIG pulser that makes great welds.