YESWELDER Can’t Weld Aluminum — Why Buyers Notice Issues

Data basis: I analyzed dozens of buyer reviews and several video demonstrations collected between Jan 2024 and Jan 2026. Most feedback came from written reviews, supported by video demos and Q&A posts. The summary emphasizes recurring setup and performance complaints reported by recent buyers.

Can this TIG welder actually weld aluminum?

Key mismatch: The product documentation states it cannot weld aluminum, which surprises buyers expecting full TIG capability.

Pattern: This is a primary issue and appears at first use when users try common aluminum jobs like bodywork or bike frames.

Category contrast: Most mid-range TIGs at this price either support thin aluminum or clearly advertise limits, so this feels like a higher-than-normal risk.

Why does the arc fail to start or stall?

• Early sign: Arc requires multiple attempts to strike during first setup and windy outdoor conditions.
• Frequency tier: This is a commonly reported secondary complaint across reviews and demo clips.
• Usage anchor: Occurs at first use and during HF non-touch starts on thin metals.
• Likely cause: HF ignition tuning and sensitivity to ground or torch setup often cited as root contributors.
• Impact: Causes extra time, wasted rods, and frustration for users learning TIG basics.

Does it include everything needed for TIG?

• Accessory gap: The unit reserves a foot pedal interface but the pedal is not included, a hidden buyer cost.
• Gas need: TIG welding requires an inert gas supply; buyers report needing to buy regulators and hoses separately.
• Hidden requirement: Proper TIG consumables and shielding gas are often missing from the box and are essential.
• Frequency tier: This is a primary inconvenience for first-time buyers setting up TIG work.
• Setup impact: Adds extra purchase steps and time before you can do decent TIG work.
• Fixability: Solvable by buying parts, but that raises the real cost above the advertised price.

Is build quality and overheating a problem?

• Early sign: Units can feel lightweight and more fragile compared to heavier prosumer machines.
• Worsening context: Overheating and power cutbacks appear during long sessions or thicker metal runs.
• Frequency tier: This is a secondary pattern but more disruptive than expected for this price.
• Category contrast: Mid-range welders often have stronger duty cycles and better cooling.
• User impact: Interrupts work, forces longer cooldowns, and increases total job time.
• Repair attempts: Some buyers report short-term fixes, but durability concerns recur after months of use.
• Hidden cost: Frequent replacement of consumables and added cooling measures raise lifetime expense.

Illustrative excerpts (not real quotes)

"Tried to weld aluminum and it just wouldn't take the arc." — illustrates a primary pattern.

"Had to strike the arc three times every start outside." — reflects a secondary pattern.

"Torch came but no foot pedal or gas parts included." — shows a primary hidden-requirement issue.

"Cutting out during long panels, had to wait to cool down." — represents a secondary durability complaint.

Who should avoid this

• Aluminum projects: Avoid if you expect to weld aluminum as this unit explicitly cannot do it.
• First-time TIG buyers: Avoid if you want a ready-to-use kit; missing parts raise setup complexity.
• Long-session users: Avoid if you need extended duty cycles; heat cutbacks interrupt work more than typical.

Who this is actually good for

• Stick-only users: Good if you mainly use stick welding and tolerate TIG limits because stick function is present.
• Hobby metalworkers: Acceptable if you do occasional mild-steel TIG and can buy extra accessories.
• Mobile light-duty tasks: Useful if portability matters and you avoid long, continuous welds.

Expectation vs reality

Expectation: Reasonable for this category is a TIG that can handle thin aluminum or clearly state limits.

Reality: This unit cannot weld aluminum, which breaks that reasonable expectation and causes immediate user regret.

Expectation: Buyers expect basic accessories included for TIG startup.

Reality: Missing foot pedal and gas fittings mean extra purchases and setup time.

Safer alternatives

• Buy AC-capable TIGs: Choose a machine explicitly advertised for aluminum to avoid the core shortfall.
• Check accessory lists: Favor sellers who include a foot pedal, regulator, and torch consumables in the kit.
• Pick higher duty cycles: Select welders with stronger cooling specs if you plan long sessions to reduce overheating risk.
• Confirm HF reliability: Look for models with verified HF or touch-start reliability from multiple buyer reports.

The bottom line

Main regret: Buyers most often regret expecting aluminum TIG capability and a ready-to-use kit.

Why it exceeds risk: The aluminum limitation and accessory gaps produce more setup time and extra cost than typical mid-range units.

Verdict: Avoid this model if you need aluminum welding, reliable HF starts, or a complete TIG kit out of the box.