Cigweld COMET Range 2026: The Legend Returns (AC/DC TIG)

Cigweld is bringing back the COMET name — one of the most storied brands in Australian welding history — for a new range of AC/DC TIG welders arriving September 2026. Here's what we know, what to expect, and how they'll stack up.

The Heritage

The original CIG (Commonwealth Industrial Gases) COMET welders were Australian workshop staples for decades. The name carries enormous brand recognition among Australian welders who trained on them. Cigweld (now ESAB's APAC flagship) is leveraging that nostalgia with modern inverter technology.

What's Confirmed

Models: The COMET range launches with two AC/DC TIG welders:

Expected launch: September 2026 (Cigweld's "The Legend Returns" campaign)

Technology: Modern inverter platform with AC balance and frequency control — the features that make aluminium TIG possible on modern machines.

COMET 250 — 250A AC/DC TIG
COMET 320 — 320A AC/DC TIG

What It Means for Buyers

The COMET range positions Cigweld against:

If Cigweld prices the COMET range aggressively (their usual strategy — the BlueVenom XF range undercut competitors significantly), this could be the best-value AC/DC TIG in Australia.

UNIMIG Envy TIG 230 AC/DC ($3,179) — the current Australian favourite in this class
Kemppi MasterTig — the European benchmark
Lincoln Invertec — the US alternative

What to Watch For

1. Pricing. Cigweld's BlueVenom strategy was to offer 80% of the premium features at 60% of the premium price. If COMET follows, expect $2,500-$3,500 for the 250A model.

2. duty cycle. The critical spec for production welding. The Envy 250 runs 20%@250A; the COMET needs to match or beat this.

3. AC frequency range. Wider frequency control = better arc focus on thin aluminium. The Envy goes to 999 Hz.

4. Pulse function. Increasingly standard on AC/DC TIGs. The COMET should have it.

5. Warranty. UNIMIG offers 5 years on the Envy (the strongest in the market). Cigweld typically offers 2 years. This could be a differentiator.

COMET vs the Competition (Expected)

Feature	COMET 250 (expected)	UNIMIG Envy TIG 230	Kemppi MasterTig 2200
Output	250A	230A	220A
AC/DC	Yes	Yes	Yes
AC Frequency	TBD	999 Hz	500 Hz
Pulse	Expected	Yes	Yes
Warranty	2 years (typical)	5 years	3 years
Price	TBD ($2,500-$3,500 expected)	$3,179	~$4,500+

Our Verdict (Pre-Launch)

The COMET name alone will drive sales — Australian welders remember it. If Cigweld prices it under the UNIMIG Envy with comparable specs, it becomes the default recommendation for aluminium TIG welders. The wildcard is warranty: UNIMIG's 5-year coverage is hard to beat.

We'll update this page with verified specs, pricing, and hands-on assessment when the range launches in September. Check our live TIG welder price index for current pricing on all available models.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the Cigweld COMET launch in Australia?

September 2026, per Cigweld's marketing campaign "The Legend Returns."

What is the Cigweld COMET?

A new range of AC/DC TIG welders reviving the historic COMET brand name. Two models initially: 250A and 320A.

Will the COMET replace the BlueVenom TIG?

Unlikely. BlueVenom is the multi-process range; COMET is dedicated AC/DC TIG. They serve different buyers.

Is the COMET good for aluminium?

Yes — AC/DC TIG with balance and frequency control is specifically designed for aluminium welding. This is the COMET's primary use case.

How much will the Cigweld COMET cost?

Pricing not yet announced. Based on Cigweld's positioning strategy, expect $2,500-$3,500 for the 250A model. We'll verify at launch.

Frequently asked questions

Can I run a welder off a normal power point?

Yes up to a point: any 10 A-rated welder runs from a standard Australian power point — that covers most machines up to about 180 A claimed output. Machines rated 15 A need a 15 A outlet (a different, larger plug), and three-phase machines need an industrial supply. Never file a 15 A plug down to fit a 10 A point.

How much do mig welders cost in Australia?

MIG welders in Australia cost from $182 to $3,094 depending on class and brand, with the value sweet spot around $400–$800. Prices below are observed Australian listings, not RRP marketing.

What to look for when buying mig welders

When buying mig welders: match output class to your thickness needs, check duty cycle at working amps (not the marketing number), confirm the plug suits your power supply, and weigh Australian service support over spec-sheet watts.

Best mig welders brands in Australia

The strongest mig welder brands in Australia cluster into three tiers: value Australian-distributed brands (UNIMIG, Michigan, Renegade via TradeTools), trade incumbents (Cigweld, Lincoln, Miller, WIA, Fronius) and the import tier (VEVOR and no-name eBay units) where price leads and service trails.