Disclaimer: welderportal.com is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Hobart is a known brand name that many users turn to for reliable, high quality products. Handler 140 is one of the best products in its line of welders. It’s easy to use, has a lot of versatility and gives surprisingly professional results for its size and power. It’s a good choice for anyone who needs a welder for auto body work, household repairs, farm and construction projects. Keep on reading this Hobart Handler 140 review to know more details about all the features this welder has to offer.
One of the best things about this Handler 140 welder is its ease of use. Even beginners will find it easy to operate this machine. It takes just a few minutes to set it up and start welding. On the inside of the door, you’ll find a chart that will guide you through the whole setup process. Additionally, the welder comes with an owner’s manual, where you can find all the instructions for installation, operation and maintenance.
The system can be used for both MIG and flux-cored welding. This variety gives the user the ability to weld both thin and thick materials. It can weld material thickness from 24 gauge to ¼”. Using flux-core wire, you can also reliably weld up to 3/16” materials.
However, if you plan to regularly weld materials over ¼” thickness, you might want to consider larger machines. For example, Hobart also has Handler 190 and 210 MVP welders, which are designed for heavier fabrication jobs.
Hobart Handler 140 Features
Ease of Use
The welder comes with everything included in the box, so you can start welding from the moment it arrives. It requires minimal setup, which you can complete following the provided instructions on the machine. The system offers simple settings, which you can adjust according to your needs.
The quick select drive roll system has a dual groove for the quick change of wires. This makes using this welder easier and quicker. Additionally, the machine also has a polarity changeover feature to improve arc performance and make the use of the system even easier.
The welder is made from strong, sturdy steel. It also features an industrial cast aluminum drive system and a 200 amp heavy duty work clamp.
Power
Hobart Handler 140 uses a standard household electrical current of 115V. A 20 amp circuit is recommended.
You can also run this unit on a generator, so you can easily operate it in any location where you have your welding project. However, make sure that you place the generator far enough from your welding area, so the sparks wouldn’t reach the generator’s gas tank.
The maximum power output for this machine is 140 amps and the minimum is 25 amps. This gives you a good range of thickness that you can weld. The materials that you can work on with this machine include steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.
Steady Arc Control
The welder offers a 5-position voltage selector and infinite wire speed control (40-700 IPM) that allows selecting the most suitable option for the project you’re working on. The result is that you can expect a steady, smooth arc at all times.
Safety Features
Hobart Handler 140 comes with a few essential inbuilt safety features to ensure safe welding. These features include a thermal overload system, which resets the machine if it starts to overheat, and a contractor that keeps the wire electrically cold until the user triggers the spool gun.
Portability
The Handler 140 weighs 57 pounds. However, even though the unit does have a sturdy carrying handle on top of the machine, it would probably be easier to move it around if you get a wheeled cart. Still, it’s a relatively low weight machine, and considering that you can also run it off a generator, makes it a good portable option.
It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to weld a variety of materials.
Relatively lightweight and portable. You can also get the optional wheeled cart, which will make moving it around from one place to another even easier.
Solid build quality.
Great for entry level welders.
Can run off generators.
Cons
Not suitable for industrial use or very thick materials, but can be used for a wide range of smaller projects.
For more portability, it’s best to invest in a wheeled cart for this unit.
The duty cycle is only 20%, which means that for every 2 minutes of operation, the machine will need to rest for 8 minutes. This can be an issue if you work on a tight schedule. However, on the other hand, you can use those 8 minutes for doing other things, like grinding the welded joints, and others.
If you’re looking for a high quality, a small MIG welder, Hobart Handler 140 is a great choice. You’ll find it easy to use, even if you’re an inexperienced welder. You’ll also find it a powerful and efficient machine if you’re a professional doing small-scale fabrication projects. It’s a reliable welder that offers plenty of power, all the adjustable settings to customize its performance for your needs, and all the safety features to keep your work safe. Also, it comes at a very attractive price. As you can see in this Hobart Handler 140 review, this welder offers plenty of features to help you in creating great welds.
We recommend also checking out our reviews of welding helmets and boots to have the proper gear for safe welding.
One of the best things about this Handler 140 welder is its ease of use. Even beginners will find it easy to operate this machine. It takes just a few minutes to set it up and start welding. On the inside of the door, you’ll find a chart that will guide you through the whole setup process. Additionally, the welder comes with an owner’s manual, where you can find all the instructions for installation, operation and maintenance.
