11 Best 120V MIG Welders (2024)

Welding is something that you can’t take away from metalworking; it’s a core part of the daily metalworking projects, thanks to its ability to give very solid joints. Now, if you often interact with sheet metal and other thin metals, having your own welding machine is necessary.

A 220V welder is good, but it requires special electrical supplies to run- which are not available for most welders. This leaves the 120V MIG Welders with an upper hand in the market.

Acquiring a 120V MIG welder, however, can be one of the overwhelming affairs for professionals and beginners! But through our tireless devotion to research, we have put together the market’s top 11 best 120V MIG Welders. Join us as we take you through the market’s finest options.

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Top 11 Best 120V MIG Welders

#1 Forney Easy Weld 261, 140 FC-i MIG Welder, 120V, Green

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If you want to buy a welding machine from a manufacturer with a solid reputation in the welding industry, then, Forney is one of the best brands. The machine uses 0.30 flux core wire and is easy to use, making it a perfect unit, not just for professionals but also for entry-level welders and hobbyists.

The powerful machine boasts a maximum amp setting of 140 Amps that allows you to tackle varieties of metals ranging from 24-gauge sheet metal to soft metals with a maximum thickness of 1/4-inch. Hence, we can consider it as among the most versatile welders in the market.

The machine measures 8.125″ x 16.75″ x 12″ and weighs only 19 lbs. For this reason, you will delight in how easy it transports when going for maintenance, repair, or do-it-yourself projects.

The sturdy metal case endures heavy use by a dedicated welder day by day while the numerous controls make it easy to manage every welding process for precise outcomes. However, with the duty cycle of 30% at 90 amps, it may not be the ideal option for the heavy welding projects but it should work well for light welding needs.

Pros
  • It’s nice to use for the first-timers.

  • The set up is easy.

  • The dials are very nice.

  • The high amp setting makes it versatile.

Cons
  • The duty cycle of 30% @ 90 amps isn’t the best.

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#2 Forney Easy Weld 298 Arc Welder 100ST, 120-Volt, 90-Amp

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If you find the previously-reviewed model quite pricey for your budget, you can consider getting this welder instead. The high-quality machine also comes from Forney, so it also guarantees professional welds in different welding projects.

Unlike the previous sibling that handles metals with a maximum thickness of 1/4 inch, this high-quality unit will work with metals with 16 gauge to 5/16 inches thick and will take up to 1/8″ electrode.

With this amazing capability, expect it to come in handy in most of your projects whether at home, in the workshop, or an auto-repair shop. Forney Easy Weld 298 Arc Welder 100ST weighs 9.65 lbs that make it easy to transport to and from the worksite.

The duty cycle of 30% @ 80A means that the unit will support continuous use for up to 3 minutes when running at 80 amp setting. Although this rating is slightly lower than that of the before sibling, we still find it a nice rating for the price since the difference is very small.

Pros
  • It is small but very powerful.

  • Works fine for small jobs.

  • The price is good.

  • The stinger is amazingly good for the price.

Cons
  • It may not handle the same tasks as a $1500 unit.

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#3 Hobart 500559 Handler 140 MIG Welder 115V

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Hobart is also another manufacturer with a good customer record insofar as quality is concerned. And yes, being one of the amazing options, it’s one of the best-selling MIG Welders in the market if not the most popular.

The machine puts down some nice welds from a 24-gauge sheet up to 1/4-inch soft metals. With this range, Hobart 500559 MIG Welder guarantees to be a staple addition for homes, welding shops, and auto-repair shops.

To ensure perfection in every welding task, this welder affords the user with a variety of amperage settings ranging from 20-140 Amps. And with its solid construction, it’s very clear that this is one of the options that are made with durability with performance as the utmost priority.

Hobart 500559 MIG Welder may not work perfectly for every pocket; however, considering the bells and whistles the manufacturer puts on it, we still find it a real bargain. The drive system of aluminum cast and the work clamp holds the promise of industrial-performance in any welding task you throw at it.

Pros
  • It offers multiple amp settings.

  • It works with the standard wall outlet.

  • The speed range is good.

  • It has simple controls.

Cons
  • It’s a little pricier, especially for beginners.

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#4 ARKSEN MIG-130 Welding Machine Gas-Less Flux Core Welder Automatic Feed

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This fantastic welder features a stainless steel body for extended service life. The beautiful yellow finish is also very long-lasting and highly conspicuous to make it easy to spot when stored with other tools in your auto repair shop.

The welder comes with a very low price, not because it is cheaply engineered, but because it is made for low-budget hobbyists and welders who want to obtain a professional finish in their welding projects. Hence, if you are looking for the best deal for the price, ARKSEN MIG Welding Machine could be your perfect answer.

The affordable unit operates on 120V electricity which means that it should work well with your standard wall outlet. The machine lets the user select the amperage settings to a maximum setting of 140 amps so that you always get the ideal power for the project you are having at hand.

Also, among its impressive features is the product’s ability to handle metals with a maximum thickness of 3/8 inches. With this feature, you can think of this machine as one of the units that offer the best versatility in welding applications.

Pros
  • The stainless steel body is very durable.

  • It is a nice product for the price.

  • It works with the standard 120V power outlet.

  • It handles metals up to 3/8-inch thick.

Cons
  • The shield is not exactly the best.

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#5 Lincoln Electric K2185-1 Handy MIG Welder

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If you need a machine that can handle small DIY projects at home, this should be a nice purchase for you. The machine is from the United States. For this reason, expect it to handle most of your home welding projects without any quality issues.

The unit comes in a single pack but it can also come in packs of 4 and 5 if you need them in plenty. The machine has very sturdy construction to stand the test of time even with regular use. It comes at an affordable price that most hobbyists can afford without going beyond their budgets.

The lightweight design means that it is portable for easy movement around the home. In fact, since it also adopts a compact design, it’s manageable when you need to carry it to a worksite located far off.

But when you get to the worksite, remember not to overwork it since it has a duty cycle of 20% at 70 amps, still a very nice feature especially for the price. The machine handles anything you throw at it ranging from a 24 gauge mild sheet to metals with the maximum thickness of 1/8 inch.

Pros
  • It is made in the United States.

  • Works well for DIY projects.

  • The box contains everything you need.

  • It is very solid.

Cons
  • The mask isn’t the best but it works.

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#6 ETOSHA MIG 160 Welder Portable Flux Core Wire Gasless Automatic Feed Welder

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With the low price, it’s also easy for one to classify this welder as among the cheaply made products. However, if you take a closer look at the features, you will find that it boasts some of the amazing features of high-end products.

The machine features overheat protection. Hence, it will shut off automatically when overheated to help protect the internal components. This feature helps to prolong the service life of the machine.

The welding tool features water splash protection for an incredible waterproof capability. The overload protection also turns it off when you throw much at it than it can handle. The improved cooling system keeps the machine within healthy temperature levels for optimal performance.

With all these features, we can think of it as one of the long-lasting solutions you can count on for your welding applications. The welder comes with an ergonomically-designed grasp and an easy to start arc for smooth user experience.

Pros
  • The cooling system ensures a cooler environment for the machine’s components.

  • The stainless steel construction is rust-proof.

  • It is waterproof.

  • Overload and overheating protection are great.

Cons
  • The weight of 39.68 lbs may not give you the best carrying experience.

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#7 Forney Easy Weld 299 125FC Flux Core Welder, 120-Volt, 125-Amp

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Whether you are novice intending to give welding a try, a passionate DIY’er looking for a perfect welder for broken garden tools or a hobbyist wanting to turn ideas into masterpieces, this amazing unit comes with you in mind.

Unlike other welders of its class that may cost you an arm and a leg, the price of this amazing welding machine comes with a price that suits the pocket of just about every entry-level welder and hobbyist.

With the ability to 24 gauge metals to 1/4-inch thick metals, you will like the versatility it offers you in your auto repair shop, welding shop, and any other setting where a powerful welding machine may come in handy.

This unit works with 2 and 10 pounds spools. The package includes a starter spool that is 0.030 thick although not from Forney. And since it is easy to set up, you should be up and welding within a few minutes after the arrival of this welder.

Pros
  • It comes with a starter spool.

  • Shipping is normally fast.

  • It lays a very solid joint.

  • The compact design allows for manageable healing.

Cons
  • The spatter isn’t that pretty.

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#8 LONGEVITY Migweld 140-140 Amp Mig Welder

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This MIG Welder by Longevity is also among the market’s top-rated models. Most users of this product rate it highly since it packs nearly everything that most professional welders and novices look out for in a welding machine.

The unit works with the regular power outlet, so it will work with the existing wall outlets of your welding shop or garage without demanding special installations like some of the models you will come across in the market.

The mighty machine welds anything thinner than 3/8 inches. For this reason, you can expect it to handle most of your DIY and professional welding applications. The unit is also simple to learn and operate, which makes it a perfect beginning point for those just learning the trade.

This feature also makes it an ideal option for expert welders who do not want an overly complex tool to operate. Since it uses gas and flux-core gasless welding, you can easily switch between these modes depending on the circumstance. The unit also has a good weight for enhanced portability.

Pros
  • It plugs just about anywhere.

  • It has a high-quality feed mechanism.

  • It offers variable amperage settings.

  • It is easy to learn.

Cons
  • The regulator hose is a bit short.

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#9 EVERLAST PowerARC 140STi 140amp Lift Start TIG / Stick IGBT Welder Dual Voltage

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Having a dual voltage welding machine is at times better than a single voltage since it allows you to use the suitable voltage for the available power supply. This unit is one of the models with the dual voltage feature.

The 120V/240V gives you the flexibility of both 120V and 240V welding machines. The machine also boasts a good duty cycle which makes it among the ideal options for use in heavy welding projects.

The simple design means that it is one of the most straightforward machines to use. This high-quality piece also makes use of compact and lightweight designs. These properties make moving it around the shop or home a piece of cake.

In fact, for even better portability, the welder comes with a sturdy carrying case that will also double up as a storage box for those intending to use it occasionally.

Pros
  • The carrying case is great.

  • It feels very well made.

  • The kit contains lots of accessories.

  • The arc is very steady and smooth.

Cons
  • The on/off switch is quite flimsy.

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#10 Goplus MIG 130 Welder Flux Core Wire Automatic Feed Welding Machine w/Free Mask

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For those intending to have a reliable welder for light-duty applications, this piece from Goplus should be a nice option for them. The high-quality unit adopts commercial-grade stainless steel construction with a yellow finish for prolonged service life.

The MIG Welding machine gives the user 4 variable current flow settings and up to 10 wire feeding speeds. These features increase user convenience since it lets ho, to choose the ideal setting for the project at hand.

The mini-size unit provides enough power to handle light applications at home and in your welding shop giving professional finish in every job you throw at it. The unit has 2 air vent on the machine to protect it from overheating.

The compact size takes minimal space in your shop and makes it easy to manage during transportation while the ergonomic handle provides a comfortable grip when carrying it over a long distance.

Pros
  • It does not take much room.

  • It is very customizable.

  • The 2 air vents keep it cool.

  • The handle feels great in the hands.

Cons
  • The wire comes with does not match the quality of the machine.

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#11 SUNGOLDPOWER MIG Welder 140A Gas and Gasless Welding 110/220V Dual Voltage

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Spearheading the list of its fantastic features is the unit’s multiple welding capabilities. Since it can utilize both the flux-core and the gas welding options, you can choose the most convenient welding method for you.

It is a dual-voltage piece so it will connect with any power outlet. The unit allows the user to adjust the wire feed speed and the current to match the project at hand. The cooling mechanism uses high-quality fans which prevents it from overheating.

Hence, even when handling welds of different thicknesses, you will always get professional results you have always wanted for your projects. The unit’s advanced control technology guarantees excellent welding performance while the ability to work with different electrodes increases user convenience.

Most users find the MIG Welding machine to work perfectly for stainless steel, outdoor repairs, and farm and road equipment, among other repair applications.

Pros
  • It delivers an industrial-type power.

  • It supports use with different electrodes.

  • The kit contains everything you need to start welding.

  • It arrives with a user manual.

Cons
  • There is nothing fancy about the unit.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

Can I weld aluminum with a MIG welder?

Since aluminum is a non-ferrous material, it needs a shielding gas for a strong weld. Molten aluminum reacts with oxygen which results in weaker weld full of oxides.

What’s better MIG or TIG?

It depends on your needs. MIG works with most metals and can handle thicker materials as compared to TIG that works perfectly for thinner metals.

What are precautions when using a MIG welder?

The first precaution is that you should wear protective gear. This includes masks, eyewear, and gloves. Also, ensure that you read the manual and the labels on the welder before using it to see the manufacturer’s recommendations and warnings.

How many amps does it take to weld aluminum?

Typically, every 0.001 inches of metal will demand about 1 amp of power. Hence, the number of amps it will take to weld metal will depend on the thickness of metal.

What is the best welder for a beginner?

If you are a beginner, you can consider any of our reviewed welders. These options have simple controls and are simple to learn to use.

Verdict

120V WIG Welders work well for both professional welding projects and home repair applications. This review suggests some of the top-performing welders in the market. Just grab one from the list and you will like the experience.

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Last update on 2023-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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