If you’re looking for the best MIG welder, then the newest model from LOTOS MIG 140 is definitely a machine that’s worth a second look. This best-selling model is available at a reasonable price, and while it’s not exactly a pro-quality welding machine, it performs well for smaller pro-jobs and most tasks around the home. This latest model features an updated design and more features compared to past welding machines produced by Lotos. The more intuitive design and easier handling are what make it a great choice for beginners.
To learn more about this leading model by Lotos, keep on reading to find out how it performs in the home and on the job.
Table of Contents
Overview and Features of Lotos MIG 140
There are many new MIG welders on the market to choose from, but this model caught our eye, not just because it’s available at a low price, but because it features a solid design, comes loaded with some important safety features that the beginner and the pro will appreciate, and its intuitive controls allow you to work more productively and efficiently. Of course, at this price, you can forget about a ton of free extras such as a welding helmet or other important gear, but for the beginner, this is one of the best models to practice with.
This model features a rugged design, which means it’ll be able to handle plenty of use and abuse on the job. The compact design also makes it highly portable, so it’s easy to transport and store. Weighing in at fifty-four pounds, it’s light enough to easily move but heavy enough that you won’t have to worry about serious damage if you drop it or it gets banged around during transport.
Quick features
- Reasonably priced
- Lightweight design
- Durable construction
- Decent duty cycle
- Overload protection
- Digital displays
- Aluminum wire feeder
- Ground cable connector
- Can handle MIG and flex-core welding jobs
Check Price on Amazon Design
As you can see, this machine comes in at the perfect weight, making it much easier to transport. Additionally, the included top handle also makes it easy to carry to and from your truck or haul from job site to job site. However, it doesn’t come with a case, but considering how durable it is, you don’t need to fork over any extra cash for that type of extra protection.
Power Output
With this machine, you can easily adjust the power output from thirty amps up to one hundred and forty amps. It can also handle welding a wide range of materials from twenty-four gauge to a quarter of an inch thick.
Wire
This model can use wire at 0.25 inches up to .030 inches for solid steel. For flux-cored wire, it can use .030 inches up to .035 inches.
Duty Cycle
It also offers a decent duty cycle of twenty percent at ninety amps.
Where It Excels
While it’s classified as a MIG welder, it can also easily handle flux-core welding. You can use it with or without gas. It doesn’t come with a gas cylinder so keep this extra expense in mind before you buy. However, it does come with a gas hose.
It’s also rated at one hundred and forty amp power output, which is tough enough to handle a variety of welding jobs.
The machine features a newly designed aluminum wire feeder, which is what makes it so beginner-friendly and much easier to use compared to past models produced by Lotos. You can also rest assured that you won’t be dealing with any ongoing overheating issues thanks to the thermal cut-out system. This safety feature will definitely extend the life of this welding machine, making it a good long-term investment. However, you’ll still have to give this model plenty of breaks and keep the duty cycle in mind, just like you would with any type of welding machine.
This model comes with the 2T and 4T switch, not to mention a couple of digital displays that are designed to give the user more precise control in terms of wire feeder speed and voltage. The machine’s ground cable quick connector is also a big improvement over older Lotos models.
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Lightweight design
- Durable construction
- Decent duty cycle
- Overload protection
- Digital displays
- Aluminum wire feeder
- Ground cable connector
- Can handle MIG and flex-core welding jobs
Cons
- Does not come with a gas cylinder
Conclusion
This new model from Lotos is incredibly easy to use, thanks to the aluminum wire feeder and the cable connector that allows you to easily switch between negative and positive. This is the perfect machine for precision work, so you know you’ll be left with a pro looking weld. You can also easily weld at a constant rate feed, which is a huge plus for the hobbyist and pro alike. Considered a great value welding machine that’s simple to set up and use, this model is perfect for around the home use or smaller jobs at work. We gave this model a rating of four and a half stars out of five stars.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Type of Outlet Does this MIG Welder Require?
This model can easily operate on a traditional home outlet that’s rated for one hundred and ten volts.
Is There Another MIG Welder that Comes with More Accessories in this Price Range?
If you’re on a tight budget and looking for a high-performance welder that comes with all of the supplies that you’ll need for your first day on the job then I recommend the MIG welder by HITBOX. This model comes with some great gear including a MIG gun, portable plug, flux-cored wire, an earth clamp, and an electrode holder. It’s also covered by a one-year product warranty, which is a big plus for the pro welder.
Do I Need Special Training to Learn How to Use this Welding Machine?
Professional instruction definitely doesn’t hurt, but the machine’s durable design and its intuitive controls make it one of the easiest to use MIG welding machines on the market. If you’d like to learn more about the welding profession, click here to read our article on How to Become a Welder.
Our Verdict:
This compact MIG welding machine is lightweight, durable, and very beginner-friendly. If you’re new to welding then this is a great first machine, however, it will also be right at home in a pro’s workshop. This machine should work for most welding jobs around the home or smaller welding tasks on the job. Overall, we highly recommend it if you’re looking for a welding machine that’s easy to transport, versatile, and designed to last.
Terje Chuck from Dallas, TX has welding experience of 30+ years. He believes in providing quality metal products while keeping the work environment safe and clean. He is one of our biggest resources that is skilled at interpreting blueprints to assemble them in a structure as per specifications.
