Welders who have little to spend are in a dilemma, up untill now. We had to buy small under powered units or more powerful units with cheap parts. I fell into the latter with a MIG 180 from H.F.
The first thing that was a constant problem and unbeknownst to me, was the drive roll motor, 10 watts. For years I welded like the first day, crappy misshaped, inconsistent, splatter everywhere. I used to beat myself up constantly and then get out the grinder and remove part of the abomination I just laid down to "cover up". Not anymore, this little jewel has a 20 watt motor. It drives the wire at a constant rate, no stuttering. The wire also comes out straight and predictable.
The next big thing is the transformer. This is a long lasting design as opposed to the "IGBT DC Inverter" which depend entirely on electronics to power the weld. All electronics wear out, but transformers can last decades. Sure IGBT is light weight and cheaper to manufacture, but beware, transistors and capacitors have a high failure rate in the first few hours, especially when powering a hundred amps or more in the rugged hot conditions of a welder. Heat does a number on electronics and when overheated can weaken substantially. I like the "overhead" a transformer gives.
The next thing is the gas control valve. My H.F. welder had none, it had a pinching mechanism in the handle to control gas flow which meant it leaked and if you didn't turn the valve off at the tank it would be all gone the next day. In this unit you can hear the control valve click on and off and this unit actually gives a little post flow, which is the way it should be.
The next thing is the trigger, it is not a hair trigger. I have tried other expensive welders which if you get even close with your gloved hand it would go off, a constant irritation putting your eyes in jeopardy to flashing.
There's more like the included aluminum hand set, extra rollers, standard consumables, it all adds up to an amazing value and a pleasure to use. Don't miss out!!
| Manufacturer | Lotos Technology |
|---|---|
| Part Number | MIG140 |
| Item Weight | 54 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 22 x 10 x 16 inches |
| Item model number | MIG140 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Size | 1-(Pack) |
| Color | Brown/Black |
| Style | MIG140 120V |
| Material | Metal, Copper |
| Pattern | Welder |
| Power Source | Ac |
| Voltage | 110 Volts |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Number Of Pieces | 11 |
| Number of Handles | 1 |
| Measurement System | US |
| Included Components | 140AMP MIG Welder, MIG torch, Ground Cable |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
