Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding is a speedy form of welding and one of the easiest techniques to learn. The self-feeding wire for welding makes it easier for the welder to focus on properly placing the bead on the joining pieces of metal. To get a smooth bead, you will need a consistent power source.
MIG power sources operate with a direct current. Their current will never change and maintain the same amount of power. The trick is to find the power source that can operate properly on your home’s voltage.
Most welding sources operate in the 100s of volts which are great for being powered by the home. Most welding sources that operate at 120 volts can only be used for thin sheet metals and smaller projects perfect for working at home. Small auto body fixes, knick-knacks, and other thin metal repairs are fixed with 120 volt MIG welds.
Just because you can use it, doesn’t mean it’s the best. This article will help you find the best 120 volt MIG welder.
COMPARISON CHART
IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
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Forney Easy Weld 261
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Hobart 500559 Handler 140 MIG
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Lincoln Electric K2185
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LONGEVITY Migweld
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Forney Easy Weld 299
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Specification
Process Type | Flux Cored (FCAW) |
Amperage Range | 140A |
Duty Cycle | 10% |
Input Voltage | 120V |
Weight | 19 lbs |
Dimensions | 16.75” x 8.125” x 12” |
Wire Feed Speeds | Controlled by foot pedal |
Size & Transportability | Small and easy to transport |
Multi Amp | Yes |
The Forney Easy Weld 261 is a great product for a low price point. It’s a low-maintenance machine and comes with many accessories to assist in young beginning welding. Its process is the Flux Cored wire fed process.
The small and compact design allows for it to be easily moved around for at-home jobs. It does not require a lot of voltage so it will be powered easily in almost any home. This is powerful enough to operate on thin metals.
Includes: MIG gun, ground clamp, integrated handle with torch wrap and adapters.
PROS
- Affordable
- Easy top set up and use
- Lightweight
CONS
- Plastic wire feeder
Specification
Process Type | MIG (GMAW) / Flux Cored (FCAW) |
Amperage Range | 25A – 140A |
Duty Cycle | 20% |
Input Voltage | 115V |
Weight | 57 lbs |
Dimensions | 19” x 11” x 13” |
Wire Feed Speeds | 40 – 700 IPM |
Size & Transportability | Easy to transport |
Multi Amp | Yes |
Hobart 500559 Handler 140 MIG processes for both MIG and Flux-Cored welding. This source is a little heavier but luckily it comes with a 10 ft work cable so you can reach virtually any position in your workspace. It can weld up to ¼ inch thick mild steel but also stainless steel and aluminum. If you are in a rowdier workspace, there is the option for a 5-year warranty. This welder includes many extras, such as an HR-100 MIG gun, work cable with clamp, power cord, dual-gauge regulator with gas hose, contact tips, quick select drive roll, sample spool of wire and a material thickness gauge.
PROS
- Great for beginners
- Lightweight
- Accurate wire feed-out
CONS
- Additional gas cylinder needed for MIG welds
Specification
Process Type | Flux Cored (FCAW) |
Amperage Range | 20A – 70A |
Duty Cycle | 20% |
Input Voltage | 115V |
Weight | 46 lbs |
Dimensions | 12.8” x 8.8” x 18” |
Wire Feed Speeds | N/A |
Size & Transportability | Small and easy to transport |
Multi Amp | Yes |
Lincoln Electric K2185-1 Handy MIG Welder is another small power source that’s perfect for small projects. It’s very simple with just a power cord and a working cable coming out of it, there isn’t much to the setup. It’s a MIG wire feeder so as long as you work consistently the welds will come out consistently because of the preset wire feed speed. It includes a MIG wire feed welder.
PROS
- Easy to set up and use
- Fan-cooled
- Compact and portable
CONS
- Low duty cycle
- Not intended for industrial use
Specification
Process Type | Flux Cored (FCAW) / Gas |
Amperage Range | N/A |
Duty Cycle | N/A |
Input Voltage | 110v |
Weight | 54 lbs |
Dimensions | 16” x 14.5” x 9.6” |
Wire Feed Speeds | N/A |
Size & Transportability | Easy to transport |
Multi Amp | Yes |
LONGEVITY Migweld 140-140 Amp Mig Welder is capable of multiple welding processes. Both Flux Core and aluminum gas shielded welding can be done up to ⅜ inch mild steel. It is one of the heavier models but its simplistic design makes it not too much hassle to operate. This machine can hold up to an 11 lb spool of wire for use at one time. It includes a MIG wire feed welder and gas gauge.
PROS
- Affordable
- Easy set up and use
CONS
- No special features
- Not intended for industrial use
Specification
Process Type | Flux Cored (FCAW) |
Amperage Range | 125A |
Duty Cycle | N/A |
Input Voltage | 120V |
Weight | 51 lbs |
Dimensions | 12” x 18” x 24” |
Wire Feed Speeds | N/A |
Size & Transportability | Easy to transport |
Multi Amp | N/A |
Forney Easy Weld 299 125FC Flux Core Welder is a MIG machine but does not require a shielding gas. Another system for beginner welders, these systems are designed to have as few buttons as possible to reduce confusion for first-time users. This system is great for home repairs such as a broken lawnmower and garden utensils or creating new things such as fire pits or composts. You can set the welder to different metal thicknesses and all the other necessary changes will happen for you. It includes welding wire, power tool accessories and welding accessories.
PROS
- Affordable
- Easy set up and use
- Dual voltage system
- High output and duty cycle
CONS
- Only supports TIG welding
- Not intended for industrial use
Wrap Up
The Forney Easy Weld 261 is the recommended option for beginning MIG welders because of its ease of use and speed controls. You can virtually control it at any speed, unlike other models that have preset speeds. With the Forney Easy Weld 261, you can fine-tune your welding experience with the foot pedal. It will never be too fast or too slow because you control everything. It’s perfect for at-home and small commercial fixes.
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