Hobart Handler 140 Review – Is It The Best Welder For Beginners?
Today in our Hobart Handler 140 review, we are going to reveal the extraordinary features that enable the machine to stand out from the rest. If you are just starting out as a welder, the machine will be an awesome option due to its ease of use, versatility and portability. For those searching for a decent welder for household repairs, auto shop projects or simple industrial tasks, you need to read this article to find out how this machine can improve your work.
One of the reasons why we compiled this review is because we realized that Hobart Handler 140 has very many reviews on various online platforms. Apart from being a bestselling machine, it is also cheap and durable. You can also use it for both flux core and MIG welding.
Detailed Hobart Handler 140 Review
Specifications
- Dimensions: 19 x 11 x 13 Inches
- Weight: 57 pounds
- Material: Steel
- Duty cycle: 20% @90A
- Weld Thickness: 24 gauge-1/4inches
- Wire feed speed: 40 to 700 IPM
- Welding Amperage: 25-140 A
- Type of process: MMIG, Flux core
- Warranty: 5/3/1 years
Features
Ease Of use
Whether you are a starter or an experienced welder, this machine is one of the most user-friendly welders you will ever find. To start with, it comes with everything you need to get started. Secondly, it has very simple settings which you can adjust to suit your requirements.
Design
Hobart handler 140 has a robust build quality as compared to other models. It is made of steel and it also features a 200-amp robust work clamp and an industrial cast aluminum drive system.
Safety
When working with welding machines, safety should be your major concern. In this regard, Hobart Handler 140 has a thermal overload system which restarts the machine when it starts to become hot. Apart from the thermal overload system, it also has other safety features which includes;
- Circuit Breaker – There is a circuit breaker which can be set manually to prevent the machine from exceeding maximum power output.
- Drive motor – This is an auto overload circuit which protects the drive motor from overheating.
Duty Cycle
Note that Hobart Handler 500559 has a duty cycle of 20 percent @ 90A. This simply means that when the unit is providing 90 amps of output, you should use it for a maximum of 2 minutes and then allow it to cool down for about 8 minutes within 10 minutes.
Portability
If you need a lightweight machine, this machine will be very suitable for you because it weighs 57 pounds. It also comes with a sturdy carrying handle for easier transport. You can also opt to use a wheeled cart for easier movement.
Versatility
Hobart Handler 140 is among the most versatile units because it can handle different materials in a professional setting or even at home. For example, you can use it to weld sporting equipment, artistic works, mower decks, car body panels, trailer frames, barbeque pits, vehicle exhaust systems, tool carts, ornaments designs among other things.
Even if it has a minimalist design, it provides an excellent performance although it is not powerful enough for heavy-duty industrial tasks.
Power
It is important to mention that this welder uses the normal household current of 115 volts. On top of that, you can operate it using a generator. However, the generator should be far from your workplace or a place where the sparks cannot reach the gas tank of your generator.
It has a minimum power output of 25 amps and a maximum of 140 amps. This makes it ideal for materials with different thickness. It also works perfectly with thin metals such as; stainless steel, aluminum and steel.
Gas Regulator
Once you buy this machine you will also get a hose and a gas regulator in the package. The two gauges allow you to monitor the tank pressure and the flow rate easily.
Steady Arc Control
Unlike other welding machines, Hobart Handler 140 provides a five-position voltage selector plus an infinite wire speed control of 40 to 700 IPM. As a result, you can choose the ideal option for your project. This means that you are guaranteed a steady and smooth arc any time you are using it.
5 Temperature Settings
This is among the most unique features which you can rarely find in similar models. This feature is meant to protect your machine from overheating or unwanted accidents. When the machines become too hot, it shut off automatically and then restarts itself to ensure that there is adequate heat.
Dual Groove
The dual groove is another impressive feature most people love about this unit. This feature gives it a stylish look and also enhances its efficiency.
Price
When it comes to price, you will be happy to note that Hobart 500559 is among the cheapest models that will give you the best value for money. Even if you cannot rely on it for advanced tasks, it has incredible features which you will require for welding.
Warranty
This machine is made in the USA and comes with a warranty of 5/3/1 years. This means that labor and the parts have a 5 years warranty, while the control boards, regulator and the transformer are covered by three years warranty. The contractors, relays and the MIG gun have a one-year warranty.
What Is Included In The Package?
You will be very pleased to find out that Hobart 140 comes with everything you would require for your welding project. Some of the things you will find in the package are;
- Gas valve
- 10 feet MIG gun liner
- 10 feet work clamp and cable
- 030 contact tips
- 030 flux cord wire
- 8-inches spool tips
- Gas hose and dual gauge regulator
- Manual and set up guides
Hobart Handler 140 – Is It The Best Welder For Beginner?
One of the most amazing things about Hobart 500559 handler 140 is that it is very easy to use and set up. Inside the door, there is a chart that will take you through the set up process. Besides the chart, it also comes with detailed instructions on how it functions, maintenance and how to install.
If you are searching for a quality-welding machine for flux core and MIG welding, this unit might be what you are looking for. It is also suitable for auto body fabrication, major or small home repairs and also farm tools welding projects. It can handle any task that requires extra power which means that it is highly versatile.
Why Should You Buy Hobart Handler 140?
Buying this machine for your workshop is one of the best decisions you can make due to the following;
- User reviews – As compared to other MIG and flux core welding machines; this one has the highest number of reviews which means that it has been tested for quality by various welders.
- Power consumption – One of the major disadvantages of using welding machines is that they consume a lot of power which leaves you with high electricity bill. However, this model is among the most power efficient models on the market.
- Compact – Some welding machines are too big and they may take a lot of space in your workshop. Unlike those machines, Hobart Handler 140 has a compact design which enables it to fit in any room.
- Price – Finding an affordable and quality welding machine is not an easy task. If you are searching for a cheap option, this model is among the cheapest options that will not disappoint you.
Pros
- Energy efficient
- Heavy duty construction
- Extremely versatile for different welding projects
- Weighs 57 pounds only
- Very easy to use for everyone
- Provides excellent arc performance and provides a smooth and stable arc irrespective of the thickness
- Friendly price for those who are on a tight budget
- Dual processor capacity enables it to work perfectly with different materials
- High precision arc performance with less spatter
Cons
- It is not easy to use where there is no direct AC power
- Only suitable for small operators
- Expensive as compared to gas operated models
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where can I use Hobart handler 140?
This machine is mostly suitable for DIY metal projects such as auto bodywork, equipment mending, maintenance welding among other tasks.
- Why should I buy Hobart Handler 140?
Overall, this machine is among the best selling welders on the market. Some of the reasons that contribute to its popularity is the affordable price, user-friendly design and its sturdy construction. It also features very advanced features like the 5 temperature settings which you can rarely find in cheap models.
- Can you use a spool gun with this model?
The machine does not have a spool gun option
Wrapping Up
From our Hobart Handler 140 review, I hope that by now you understand how this machine works and why it is important to have it in your workshop. Due to its versatility and ease of use, it is an excellent choice for starters. It is also affordable for those who are on a budget. As compared to other cheap models, it has more useful features which can only be found in expensive models. However, it is not powerful enough to handle tough industrial welding tasks. To get more updates about welding stay connect with us on welderit.com.
