Hobart Handler 140 Review: Surprisingly Results!

When it comes to welding processes, having a convenient tool that is simple to set up and delivers great performance is a priority. MIG welding is a typical welding process that utilizes a steel wire or electrode cylinder that is fed up through a contact tip located in the machine’s gun. Let’s dive now into our full Hobart Handler 140 review.
Hobart Handler 140 Review: Surprisingly Results, For Professionals And Beginners
A welder has to use power when heating up and melting the wire so that it can act as an adhesive. The inert gas, on the other hand, when used, serves to prevent the exposure of molten metals to oxygen and other gases in the atmosphere, which could create a series of problems, such as. porosity.
In most cases, when two metal pieces pass through the welding gun, the melted electrode is able to join the two pieces together. Compared to traditional methods, MIG welding is a bit quicker as it doesn’t need the use of welding rods. The simplicity of this process allows people with different skills to utilize this tool without having any problems.
One example of a typical MIG welder is the Hobart Handler 140 MIG welder. This machine features excellent workmanship and is made up of high-quality materials. Compared to other equipment in Hobart, it has a small flux piece thus suitable for DIY enthusiasts and homeowners.
Hobart 500559 Handler 140 MIG Welder 115V
Hobart Handler 140 is an ideal compact welding machine that allows users to use it for flux-cored and MIG welding processes. This means that it is capable of welding all materials from thin to thick with great power.
Great versatility, exceptional quality, and portability, with this welding machine the user is able to run off any household current without encountering any challenge.
For Who Is It?
Very easy to use – even for beginners – the Hobart 140 is best suited for small projects and household workshop items.
When it comes to functionalities, it comes with exceptional features that range from flux-cored and MIG settings, safety regulators, work clamp (heavy duty), a spool of wire and extra contact tips. Excellent to start doing your first welding jobs!
Ideal for:
- Light welding works (e.g. custom made tables)
- Maintenance and minor repairs
- Automotive
- DIY projects / hobbies
- Not suitable for heavy and intensive industrial work
Features/Specs
- It requires a power input of 115V
- It has a duty cycle of 20% at 90A
- Dimensions are 19.5 x 10.6 x 12.3 inches
- Weighs 57 lb (26 kg)
- Welds 24 gauge and up to a quarter inch steel
- Has 5 settings for voltage control
- 200 amp work clamp (heavy duty)
- Drive roll that is quick to release and change
- Drive rolls have dual grooves for wire size switching
- The contactor is built in and ready to go
- Settings for wire feed tracking
- Damage protection special motor
- Short circuit protection
- 10 ft. MIG welding gun
- 0.30 contacts tips

Handler 140 And H100S2-10 Gun Owner’s Manuals
It takes a few minutes to set up this welding machine, thus making it reliable when you need to get started quickly. To turn it on it needs a voltage of 115, delivers an output power of 140 amps and its weight allows you to carry around.
Pros & Cons
The Hobart Handler 140 has superior quality. As soon as get in touch with it, you’ll notice it is made up of strong sturdy steel and the MIG gun and cables are light and nice.
Pros
- It is very simple to use and not tiring.
- When it comes to portability, Hobart Handler 140 only weighs 57 lb thus making it easy to carry around. (There is also a wheeled cart that allows you to move it around your work easily – to be purchased separately).
- To power up this welder, it only requires household current. If you have a steady supply of 115V you are good to use the welder. It is not recommended to use a generator to power up the machine, so don’t waste resources getting one.
- This machine is also versatile. It runs between 25 to 140 amps and you can welds from 24 gauge to a quarter inch steel thickness thus making it very versatile.
- Has steady arc control. Welding process should always be smooth with a steady arc at all times regardless of the material you are working on. There is a voltage control selector in Hobart handler 140 that allows one to use 5 different settings to suit the project option.
- This welding machine comes fully equipped. You don’t have to buy any extra equipment thus making it cost effective.
- Apart from versatility, this welder comes with inbuilt safety features that include thermal overload systems that allow the machine to reset itself. This feature allows the machine to be safe all the time until you pull the trigger thus protecting people against the surge of current.
- The package includes a manual that enables you to go through ways of setting up and the necessary precautions to be taken. Upon purchasing this machine, whether professional or a less skilled, operating it won’t be an issue.
Cons
- Though Hobart handler 140 is portable and easy to use, it cannot work well with generators. If you are planning to use it in a remote place where there is a power supply, it remains to be useless. Furthermore, it has leads that are somehow short thus making its portability limited.
- You might experience some difficulty in achieving the smooth wire feed. Especially when using flux core wire to weld, you will experience a lot of difficulties to smoothly feeding the wire. In many instances, you might get stuck (but you can use the spool gun to keep the feedline straight).
- Although it comes as a full package, you will need an extra gas cylinder in order to perform the welding process without any flaws.
- Hobart 140 is not suitable for industrial use – it is mainly designed for light operations.
- Not entirely suitable for welding aluminum (for this purpose it would be better to use a more powerful machine, such as the Hobart Handler 190)
MIG Welder Machines Top Brands: Hobart Welders
As far as the welding industry is concerned, Hobart Brothers have been in the limelight for decades. This company has a diverse and rich history. It was founded in 1917 by C.C Hobart with his wife Lou Ella along with their three sons.
At first, this company was specialized in producing a variety of products that included generators, air compressors, and metal office furniture. However, in 1925, it produced the first welder and since then it has become a pioneer in the welding industry.
This company is also a supporter of welding education through their Hobart Institute. It was established in 1930 and is become a non-profit entity later. Since its inception, the school has trained 90,000 welders and more.
Hobart brothers began the production of stick electrodes in 1937 and it played a big role during world war II. It produced around 100, 000 welders alongside 45,000 generators during the war and received an award of excellence for their contribution. In 1940, American Airlines also approached this company to make large aircraft machines.
In 1958, the Hobart brothers also diversified and began making solid wires and tubular wires with their brand. Today, this company continues to develop the same including flux-cored metals and stick electrodes. Each of their products features high quality, improved performance, and helps users to operate with less cost.
FAQs

What’s included in the Box?
Hobart 140 welder comes with gas hose, dual gauge regulator, MIG gun 10ft, and gas valve. It also has a work cable 10ft, clamp, power cord, 0.30 flux-cored wire, spool tips 8-inch, contact tips, and more importantly owner’s manual for easy operations.
Does it come with a cart?
The Hobart Handler 140 is generally portable. However, you can still get an optional cart to help you move around with ease.
Hobart 194776 Small Running Gear/Cylinder Rack
Can it be used without gas?
Yes, Hobart 140 welder can operate without, but for thicker metals, you’ll need some gas; for instance, it can weld 1/8 inches of thick metal without gas.
What is the duty cycle?
The duty cycle is 20% at 90A. This means that the welding machine has been designed to rest about 8 minutes after it works for 2 minutes. This allows the machine to cool down.
Conclusion & Best Alternative
In general, Hobart handler 140 is an impressive welding machine, ideal for both beginners and professionals.
The welder is easy to use and delivers great performance. It is highly recommended for small works and household activities. However, it can still do a wonderful job with large projects.
It uses less power thus good for household current, though it is not recommended for industrial use, its versatility and quality remain unrivaled. By the fact that it can be easily moved around and uses less power while delivering great performance, it remains a great value for money and an excellent choice to buy.
The Alternative
You can as well check the Forney Easy Weld 299 welder which is a perfect alternative for Hobart 140.
Forney Easy Weld 299 125FC Flux Core Welder, 120V, 125A
Forney 299 uses 120V and delivers a rated output of 125A, with a duty cycle of 20%.
This device is also suitable for those with little experience. Compared to Hobart 140, Forney Easy Weld 299 uses on flux core and can weld up to a quarter-inch of the welding material. It is also a great choice for household and lightweight welding processes.