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There are many options in the welding market for light and sheet metal. Eastwood released an updated version of their MIG 135 welder. Their new Eastwood MIG 140 might be a good fit for smaller shops that do metal sculptors or car restoration.
This new Eastwood 110V welding machine offers many features at a reasonable price. Continue reading to learn more about their improvements and whether this new welder is right for you.
Eastwood MIG 140 Review
Pros
- Portable and lightweight
- Easy to use for beginners
- Versatile for thin metals
- Good value
Cons
- Lower amperage capacity
- Not suitable for heavy duty welding
- Limited weld thickness range
- Small wire spool capacity
Key Features
| Key Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Model | Eastwood 140 Amp 120V MIG Welder |
| Application | Sheet Metal and Thin Steel Welding |
| Power Source | 120 Volts |
| Welding Range | 30-140 amps |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Weight | 41 Pounds |
| Dimensions | 18″L x 8″W x 13.25″H |
| Portability | Lightweight (less than 25 lbs) |
| Welding Capability | Welds mild and stainless steel, 24 gauge to 3/16″ |
| Duty Cycle | 30% at 90 Amps, 60% at 65 Amps |
| Wire Compatibility | .023 – .035 wire in 4″ and 8″ spools |
| Drive Motor | Metal drive motor for smooth operation |
| Welding Modes | 2T/4T modes for long welds |
| Additional Features | Long ground, torch, and power cables; Can be used for Flux-Core welding without gas |
| IGBT Inverter Technology | Yes, with the latest technology |
| Consumables | Uses common Tweco-style consumables |
| Safety | Safety glasses, welding helmet, and protective leather gloves must be worn |
| Brand | Eastwood |
| Warranty | 3-year limited warranty, 90-day return |
| Price | $399.99 |
| Customer Ratings | 4.6 out of 5 stars from 71 ratings |
| Customer Reviews | Positive reviews highlighting value for money, portability, and suitability for beginners |
| Package Contents | Gas regulator and hose included |
| Recommended Accessories | PGN Solid MIG Welding Wire available in 0.023 and 0.030 inch, 10-pound spools |
Weld Thickness and Applications
This welder is not designed to weld metals greater than 3/16 inches thick. This limitation is applicable to all 110V welders, not just this one.
Eastwood recommends this welding machine for car restoration, DIY projects, and metal art. You should consider a stronger and more expensive welder if you plan to work with stock that is 1/4 inch thick or more.
Consumables
You will need to provide your own gas to MIG weld with this unit. This is true for all MIG welding machines, so make sure you have enough gas to last the duration of your MIG welding job.
You also get enough consumables (a 2 lb. A roll of wire, 3 contact tips, and 1 nozzle are included in the box. You will need to buy more if you plan on welding. Consider adding consumables to your first order.
Limits without a Spool Gun
The settings chart also includes parameters for MIG welding aluminum ranging from 17 ga. up to 1/8 in. You can MIG aluminum but it will not run at the maximum WFS. You must be patient and ready to deal with bird nests or tangled wires. The optional spool gun is an alternative.
Eastwood MIG 135 vs MIG 140 – What’s changed?
| Feature | Eastwood MIG 135 | Eastwood MIG 140 |
|---|---|---|
| Max Output Amperage | 120A | 140A |
| Duty Cycle at 90A | 20% | 30% |
| Dedicated Tack Mode | No | Yes |
| 2T/4T Trigger Operation | No | Yes |
| Control Panel Buttons | Basic On/Off | Added Tack Mode, 2T/4T buttons |
| Control Panel Indicator Lights | Basic Power Light | Added Overload Warning Light |
| Wire Drive Housing | Plastic | All-Metal |
| Polarity Switching | Requires Tools | Quick Access on Front Panel |
Eastwood confirmed that the MIG 140 could replace the MIG 135 in the future. However, it remains to be determined.
They also suggested that a new MIG 90 welding machine could be introduced to complete the line. Eastwood often has the 135 for sale on their website. This was most likely done to sell off the remaining stock.
If you were looking at the MIG 140, what have the changes been? Actually, there are quite a few changes. Below is a table that summarizes the upgrades.
Higher Amperage
The output amperage is slightly lower. The duty cycle was also increased from 20% at 90A for the MIG 135 up to 30% at 90A for the MIG 140. This means that we can now spend more time welding.
More Indicators & Control
The 140 also has a dedicated timer-controlled tack mode, 2T or 4T trigger operation, and gives you more control. These features are not available on the 135.
You also have a button with indicator lights that illuminate the control panel. This allows you to switch between the MIG torch and spool gun easily.
This button is not only more convenient but also allows you to see if you are in the correct setting by looking at the wiring compartment.
The 140’s control panel was updated with additional indicator lights. The control panel now has a power-on/overload light. The overload light will let you know if the unit has been overheated.
All-metal housing & drive
The 140 wire drive mechanism includes an all-metal housing for increased durability. Some users felt that the 135 had plastic housing, which gave it a “cheap” feel.
The 140 eliminates the need to open the wiring compartment or use wrenches for changing polarity. On the panel’s front, the torch and ground leads can now be swapped. This makes it quick and simple to switch to the flux-cored wire.
The Eastwood MIG140 Features We Love
IGBT Inverter Based Technology
Technology has made our lives easier, even for welders. Many people now use “IGBT” inverters (insulated-gate bipolar transistor) to power the arc.
IGBTs are lighter than transformers and can run off generator electricity (which is “dirtier”, and more difficult to use for welders). IGBTs provide a smooth and user-friendly arc.
Control Panel
Eastwood decided to keep the control panel easy. There are no complicated layouts or digital displays. You only need to know two buttons and two knobs. It is easy to follow and understand. This unit can be set up by even novice welders in no time.
2T and 4T options
Digital displays are also not easily damaged or mangled. A digital display is more appealing to some because it looks modern. They are vulnerable to damage in welding environments, so many welders prefer the simplicity of dials for setting parameters.
2T and 4T modes
You might not expect to be able to choose how you operate your trigger at this price. The Eastwood MIG 140 gives you that choice. With a single button, you can choose between 2T and 4T operation modes.
2T is the default operating mode. To start welding, pull the trigger and then release the trigger. With 4T, you are more comfortable with long welds. No burning your hands or pulling your trigger finger.
The 4T process works in the following manner, for those who don’t know. To start the weld, pull the trigger and let it go (2 touches).
You then pull the trigger and release it to end the weld (2 touches). This removes the need for you to hold the trigger during long welds. You can find more information about the 2T and 4T modes at.
Spool-Gun Ready
The MIG 140 can MIG weld aluminum. It also has a spool gun. You can get serious about welding aluminum by attaching the optional spool gun ( ) to your MIG 140. There are no adapters required or complicated setup.
Easy Access Spool Gun Butt
The control panel shows a part of the simple spool gun setup. There is no need to open the wire compartment door or flip a switch.
The control panel has a button that allows you to press the blister button. You can choose the MIG torch option or the spool gun option from the front of your unit.
Mode of Attack
Tack welding is often required for light fabrication and car bodywork. The constant on-off can cause damage to the unit as well as you. You get perfect, consistent tacks every time you pull the trigger. This makes it easier for you and your welder.
Tweco-Style Torch
The Eastwood MIG 140 includes a Tweco-style torch. You don’t have to worry about finding parts anywhere.
This includes big-box stores that are convenient “after” hours or when it is difficult to reach a local welding supply shop.
Price
A welder who costs less than $400 will be able to provide a lot of value to a knowledgeable welder. This is not true with the Eastwood MIG 140.
The Eastwood MIG 140 welding machine has many useful features and is built to last. This welder is of great value.
Things that could be improved
Flux-Cored Wire Roller
My humble opinion is that the flux-cored wire drive roller needs to be improved. Eastwood suggests that the drive roller be used with the smallest groove (0.23 in.) at the moment. This isn’t ideal as the roller has smooth grooves.
A knurled roller is necessary to run the soft flux-cored steel wire. Eastwood does not offer a knurled roller for the MIG 140 at this time. Eastwood should offer a knurled roll that is better suited for driving flux-cored wire in a not too distant future.
Leads
The ground and torch leads are approximately 8.5 feet long. These leads are a little short so I expect many users will modify them to improve their reach.
Inductance Control
Eastwood left out inductance control on the MIG 140. This feature is not what you would expect for budget 110V welders. It can be found on one of the other welders. It helps you fine-tune the arc to make it easier to weld.
Alternatives to Eastwood MIG 140
There are 110V welders that are similar in this price range. Those who are interested in learning more about these popular options can find them listed below.
Hobart Handler 140
140 (see our review here). This product has strong reviews and a proven track record. Many will compare it with the Eastwood MIG 140 as a simple, user-friendly welder.
A head-to-head comparison reveals the strong features found in the Eastwood MIG 140 (see the table below). Eastwood also offers a lower price and a longer duty cycle.
Harbor Freight Titanium 140
Good DIY welders. The Titanium 140 is comparable to the Eastwood welder, except for the lack of tack mode. It has a digital display, which some people like and others don’t, and inductance control. This is missing from the Eastwood MIG 140.
Two things are important to know about Titanium 140. It is not in stock until September 3rd, and it is much more expensive.
You may be able to wait and pay more for additional features that you actually need. You won’t get a tack-mode.
Rounding it up
A 110V MIG welding machine like the Eastwood MIG140 is ideal for sheet metal and light fabrication. Although it cannot weld stock larger than 1/4″ in thickness, it can handle steels up to 24 gauge and stainless well. It is lightweight and compact, making it portable.
Many of the same features as the MIG 135, the new Eastwood MIG 140 retained. It can run on 110V, which is the standard voltage in most homes. You can also adjust your welds with infinite WFS or voltage control.
The MIG 140 has many improvements, including a dedicated tack mode as well as a 2T or 4T trigger operation. The MIG 140 offers greater convenience. You can now easily change the polarity of your machine by simply switching the plugs at the front.
These useful features are often found on higher-end machines. This leads us to the Eastwood MIG 140’s best feature, the price. A strong feature set is available at an affordable price. For those who are skeptical, there is a 3-year, no-hassle warranty.
The Eastwood MIG 140 is a great choice for any type of operation that requires sheet metal or light fabrication. While the price is affordable for DIYers and small shops, it offers practical features that are not normally found in this price range.
