When tackling metal fabrication and repair jobs around the home or farm, a quality 110v MIG welder can make projects easier and improve results. MIG (metal inert gas) welders are designed specifically for thinner gauge metals, making them a popular choice for DIY and hobbyist welding.
But with so many MIG welders to pick from, it can be daunting finding the right model for your needs and budget. In this article, we’ll cover the benefits of 110v MIG welders, recommend top products, and outline key factors to consider when choosing a home MIG machine.
Best 110v MIG Welders
Based on performance, features, and value – here are my top picks for 110v MIG welders for home use:
1. Lincoln Electric K2185-1 Handy MIG Welder
The Lincoln Electric K2185-1 handy MIG welder is designed for portable use and ease of operation. It has continuously adjustable output from 25 to 140 amps, enough power to weld 24 gauge up to 1⁄8” steel. At just 19 lbs, it’s lightweight and easily transported.
2. Forney Easy Weld 251 120v Flux Core Wire Feed Welder
The Forney Easy Weld 251 flux core wire feed welder is perfect for hobbyists. It provides 20-90 amps of power, enough for welding up to 1⁄4″ steel. Weighing only 19 lbs, it’s highly portable. Budget-friendly price under $250.
3. Hobart Handler 140 MIG Welder
The Hobart Handler 140 is a popular 115v flux-cored wire MIG welder. It offers adjustable power from 25-140 amps for dialed-in precision on thin metals. Excellent arc performance and versatility make it a top choice.
Lincoln Electric K2185-1 Overview
The Lincoln Electric K2185-1 handy MIG welder provides a great blend of portability, ease of use, and welding capabilities. With its 115v input power, it can plug into any standard household outlet. The continuously adjustable output from 25-140 amps gives you flexibility to weld material from thin 24 gauge up to 1⁄8” thick mild steel.
Four selectable voltage settings allow you to fine tune the arc performance when switching between thinner and thicker metals. The smooth arc makes it easy to lay down beautiful welds with minimal spatter. The K2185-1 comes equipped with a 6 foot power cord for mobility around the workspace.
Weighing in at a highly portable 19 pounds, this compact MIG machine is easy to transport between locations. It has integrated thermal overload protection to prevent overheating. An easy-turn numeric tension indicator eliminates guesswork when setting up the wire tension.
For hobbyists and home gamers looking for a versatile 115v MIG welder that delivers pro-level performance on thin gauge metals in a compact package, the Lincoln Electric K2185-1 is an excellent choice. It provides a great mix of portability, functionality and value.
Forney Easy Weld 251 Overview
The Forney Easy Weld 251 flux core wire feed welder is optimized for 120v operation and designed for beginner welders. Like the Lincoln unit, it plugs into any household outlet. The continuous wire feed system allows you to dial in just the right wire speed for smooth, spatter-free welds.
With output power ranging from 20-90 amps, the Easy Weld 251 can handle metal up to 1⁄4” thick. The wide amperage range provides flexibility as your skill improves. Thermal overload protection prevents overheating if you accidentally exceed the duty cycle time.
Weighing in at 19 lbs, this welder is highly portable. The 10 foot torch with dual track wire feed gives ample working room for maneuvering around a project. Fan cooling keeps the internal components at the optimum temperature during extended welding sessions.
Hobart Handler 140 Overview
The Hobart Handler 140 is one of the most popular 115v flux-core wire feed welders on the market. It’s designed specifically for MIG welding thin gauge metals with maximum control.
This MIG welder offers five selectable voltage settings and continuously adjustable wire speed control. This allows you to dial in the perfect parameters for everything from 24 gauge sheet metal up to 1⁄4” steel. It provides very smooth, spatter-free arc performance resulting in expert welds even in novice hands.
The Handler 140 operates on standard 115v household current. Its power output ranges from 25 to 140 amps, giving it a broad operating range. Fan-cooling and thermal overload protection enable extended welding sessions without overheating.
Weighing in at a substantial but manageable 57 pounds, the Handler 140 features an all metal casing built for durability. It comes backed by a 3 year warranty from Hobart.
For home welders and hobbyists focused on precision and finesse when MIG welding thin material, the Hobart Handler 140 is widely considered one of the best 115v units available. Its performance rivals more expensive 220v welders.
Lincoln Electric K2185-1 Specifications
| Input Power | 115v, 20 amps |
| Output Range | 25-140 amps |
| Metal Thickness Capacity | 24 gauge to 1⁄8” |
| Voltage Settings | 4 |
| Welding Wire Type | Flux-cored |
| Wire Speed | 50-500 ipm |
| Drive System | Metal gears |
| Dimensions | 17 x 8.5 x 12.5 inches |
| Weight | 19 lbs |
Key specs like the handheld portability, 115v input, and continuous 25-140 amp welding range make the Lincoln K2185-1 ideal for small DIY and hobby projects. Next I’ll cover the Forney Easy Weld 251 specifications. Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional details to include in the tables.
Forney Easy Weld 251 Specifications
| Input Power | 120v |
| Output Range | 20-90 amps |
| Metal Thickness Capacity | Up to 1⁄4” |
| Wire Feed System | Dual track continuous |
| Torch Length | 10 ft |
| Welding Wire Size | 0.030” |
| Dimensions | 17 x 11 x 12 inches |
| Weight | 19 lbs |
The 120v power input, continuous wire feed system, and max 1⁄4” metal thickness capacity make the Forney 251 a great choice for DIYers.
Hobart Handler 140 Specifications
| Input Voltage | 115v |
| Output Range | 25-140 amps |
| Metal Thickness Capacity | 24 ga up to 1⁄4” |
| Voltage Settings | 5 |
| Wire Feed Speed | Adjustable |
| Welding Wire Size | 0.030” or 0.035” |
| Dimensions | 18 x 10 x 15 inches |
| Weight | 57 lbs |
The Handler 140’s 115v power input, adjustable 25-140 amp output, and voltage control settings are optimized for precision welding of thin metals.
MIG Welder Feature Comparison
| Feature | Lincoln K2185-1 | Forney Easy Weld 251 | Hobart Handler 140 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portability | Very portable at 19 lbs | Highly portable at 19 lbs | Moderate at 57 lbs |
| Ease of Use | Easy setup and operation | Designed for beginners | Easy to dial in optimal settings |
| Metal Thickness Capacity | 24 ga to 1⁄8” | Up to 1⁄4” | 24 ga to 1⁄4” |
| Voltage Control | 4 settings | Fixed voltage | 5 precise settings |
| Safety Features | Thermal overload protection | Thermal overload protection | Thermal overload protection |
| Warranty | 3 years | 1 year | 3 years |
MIG Welder Pros and Cons
Lincoln Electric K2185-1
Pros:
Very portable and lightweight design
Simple to set up and operate
Smooth arc performance
4 voltage settings for versatility
25-140 amp output covers thin metals
Quality construction for durability
Cons:
Lower maximum amperage capacity than 220v models
Limited to mild steel welding
Small wire spool may require frequent changes
Forney Easy Weld 251
Pros:
Extremely lightweight and portable
Continuous wire feed system
Affordable price point
Good capability for DIY projects
Easy to learn welding basics
Cons:
Lower power output than other models
Fixed voltage, less versatility
Limited to flux-core wire
Short 1 year warranty period
Hobart Handler 140
Pros:
Excellent arc stability and control
5 voltage settings for fine tuning
Capable of welding thin material with precision
Durable and reliable performance
3 year warranty protection
Cons:
Heavier than other 110v models
Higher price point
Fan noise from cooling system
Best Overall: Lincoln Electric K2185-1
For its balance of portability, performance, and features, I recommend the Lincoln Electric K2185-1 as the top overall choice for most home DIYers and hobbyists. It provides professional-grade welding capabilities in a compact 115v machine. The adjustable 25-140 amp output can handle thin gauge metals with ease. At 19 lbs, it’s easy to move around the shop or worksite. The Lincoln welds smoothly, is built to last, and comes with a 3 year warranty. For versatility and value, the K2185-1 can handle most light duty welding projects with ease.
Best for Beginners: Forney Easy Weld 251
If you’re just getting started with MIG welding, check out the Forney Easy Weld 251. It’s designed for simplicity and ease of use right out of the box. The continuous wire feed system helps newbies master the technique. It provides enough power for basic repairs and fabrication. At only $250, it lets you learn without breaking the bank. The Easy Weld 251 is a great starter welder.
Best for Thin Metals: Hobart Handler 140
For advanced welders working with thin gauge sheet metal or auto bodies, I suggest the Hobart Handler 140. It offers unmatched control and arc stability, thanks to the 5 voltage settings and adjustable wire speed. This allows dialing in perfect welds on metals down to 24 gauge with minimal heat distortion. The Hobart 140 is the top choice for precise, spatter-free MIG welding of thin materials.
Conclusion
No matter your skill level or project needs, one of these outstanding 110v MIG welders will get the job done right. Always follow safety precautions, and enjoy the convenience of welding at home or on the farm.
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