What tungsten do I use for TIG welding stainless steel?

For DC TIG welding stainless steel, use 2% thoriated (red) or 2% ceriated (grey) tungsten. Thoriated tungsten is the traditional choice for DC welding with excellent arc starts and long life. Ceriated tungsten is increasingly preferred as it does not contain thorium and performs well across a wider range of amperage. Pure tungsten (green) is for AC aluminium welding only.

Do I need a foot pedal for TIG welding?

A foot pedal allows you to vary amperage during welding — essential for precision work on thin materials where you need to reduce heat as the weld pool builds. For most professional TIG work, a foot pedal is strongly recommended. Hand controls are available for out-of-position welding where foot access is impractical.

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How to Choose a TIG Welder

1. AC/DC vs DC-only

AC/DC TIG welders (Miller Dynasty, Lincoln Square Wave 200/300) weld both aluminium (AC) and steel/stainless/titanium (DC). DC-only welders (Miller Maxstar, Lincoln Precision TIG) are suitable if you only weld ferrous metals and cost less. If you ever need to weld aluminium, buy AC/DC.

2. High-frequency vs lift arc start

High-frequency (HF) start initiates the arc without touching the tungsten to the workpiece — cleaner starts and better for thin materials. Lift arc requires brief contact to initiate. For precision work on thin stainless or aluminium, HF start is preferred.

3. Inverter vs transformer-based

Inverter TIG welders (Dynasty, Square Wave) are lighter, more energy-efficient, and offer more arc control features including adjustable frequency and balance control for aluminium. Transformer-based units are heavier but extremely reliable in harsh environments.

4. Amperage range

Most TIG work on sheet metal requires 10-150A. Structural TIG on thick aluminium requires 200A+. For a shop that does both thin precision work and heavier fabrication, specify a 200A+ AC/DC inverter.

Buying Tip

Pro tip: If you're choosing between the Miller Dynasty 210 and 210 DX, the DX adds advanced waveform controls that experienced TIG welders use to fine-tune arc behaviour on aluminium. For stainless and steel work, the standard 210 is sufficient.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The Miller Dynasty 210 is the most popular portable AC/DC TIG welder for aluminium in professional shops. It offers advanced arc control including adjustable AC frequency and balance, which significantly affects bead width and cleaning action on aluminium. The Lincoln Square Wave TIG 200 is a strong alternative at a lower price point for lighter aluminium work.

Miller Trailblazer 325 Diesel w/ArcReach, Excel Power, GFCI (907755003)

Miller OptX 2kW 240V Handheld Laser Welder Pkg (951000109)

Miller Big Blue 400 PipePro Mitsubishi Stainless Welder/Generator w/WIC (907805)

Miller AugmentedArc Augmented Reality Welding System (951823)

Miller Dynasty 800 TIG Welder and Water-Cooled Package with Wireless Foot Control (951000008)

Lincoln Cross Country 300 Kubota CC/CV Welder Generator (K4166-1)

Miller OptX 1kW 240V Handheld Laser Welder Pkg (951000204)

Miller Big Blue 400 PipePro Mitsubishi Welder/Generator w/WIC (907805001)

Miller Big Blue 400 Pro ArcReach Kubota Trailer Package (951744)

Lincoln Cross Country 300 Kubota CC/CV Stainless Generator w/Wireless Remote (K4166-3)

Miller Dynasty 800 TIG Welder and Water-Cooled Package with Foot Control (951696)

Lincoln Cross Country 300 Kubota CC/CV Welder Generator w/Wireless Remote (K4166-2)

Miller PipeWorx 400 Welding System (575V) with Dual Feeder (951000095)

Miller Big Blue 400 Pro ArcReach Kubota Welder/Generator w/WIC (907732013)

Lincoln Cross Country 300 Kubota CC/CV Welder Generator w/125 Ft Remote (K4166-7)

Miller Big Blue 400 Pro ArcReach Mitsubishi Welder/Generator (907733001)

Miller Big Blue 400 Pro ArcReach Kubota Welder/Generator (907732001)

Miller PipeWorx 400 Welding System (230/460V) with Dual Feeder (951000094)

Miller Big Blue 400 Pro Mitsubishi Welder/Generator (907733)

Miller Big Blue 400 Pro Kubota Welder/Generator (907732)

Miller Dynasty 800 TIG Welder (907859)

Miller Big Blue 400 Pro ArcReach Mitsubishi Welder/Generator w/WIC (907733002)

Miller Trailblazer 330 Kubota Diesel w/Excel Power, Polarity Reversing, and WIC (907849004)

Miller Trailblazer 302 Kohler Air Pak Welder/Generator (907549001)

How to Choose a TIG Welder

1. AC/DC vs DC-only

2. High-frequency vs lift arc start

3. Inverter vs transformer-based

4. Amperage range

Buying Tip

$0 Sales Tax on All TIG Welders & Equipment Equipment

Frequently Asked Questions

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