The Lincoln 140A MIG welder range comprises several models, causing some confusion. In this Lincoln Easy-MIG 140 review, all will be explained. After rigorous research, this article will give you the full low-down as to why this is an extremely popular DIY welding machine.

The Difference Between Lincoln Easy-MIG, MIG-Pak, Weld-Pak, and Pro MIG 140 Models

Most Lincoln 140 MIG welder reviews fail to distinguish between all the variants of this model. That’s quite simply because there is basically no difference between them apart from branding and the face plate design.

After comparing the specs and features of the Easy-MIG 140, MIG-Pak 140, Weld Pack 140, and Pro MIG 140 it is abundantly clear that all these welders are basically identical. This may leave you wondering: why all the different model names?

I think this is a marketing concept that auto enthusiasts call badge engineering. A Chev sold in the US may be known as an Opel in Germany, Vauxhall in Britain, or Holden in Australia. Even though they are all the same car, only the badges have been changed to suit consumer preferences in different regions.

The different branding for the Lincoln Electric Easy-Weld 140 seems to apply the same market psychology. There is one model that also appears to be the same but, under the skin, it’s slightly different.

Lincoln Easy-MIG 140 vs Lincoln Power 140C

The Lincoln Electric 140C is, despite its appearance, slightly different from the lighter duty Easy-MIG 140 in all its guises. The “C” in Lincoln 140C stands for continuous, though it is sometimes confused with commercial. This is understandable since the 140C is a heavy-duty version of the Lincoln Easy-MIG 140.

The Lincoln Electric Power 140C has an upgraded wire feed system. It also includes several other commercial-grade components. However, the duty cycle remains the same as the Easy-MIG 140, which has me wondering why they chose to use the term continuous. To my mind, this seems to suggest a 100% duty cycle so that you can weld continuously.

Be that as it may, the Lincoln 140C is intended for heavy-duty professional welding, whereas the Easy-MIG 140 is a less durable machined, designed for DIY or light-duty commercial projects. Despite its lighter-duty design, the Lincoln Easy-MIG is definitely a cut above the average cheap DIY 140A MIG welder, as you will notice in this review. The Lincoln Easy-MIG 140 is cheaper than the 140C, making it a more popular model.

Lincoln Easy-MIG 140 | Comprehensive Review

Features:

  • Cast Aluminum high-torque wire-feed gearbox.
  • Adjustable drive system, 50 to 500 IPM wire feed speed control.
  • Brass-to-brass gun connection for improved conductivity.
  • Forgiving arc with smooth starts.
  • Weld 24 gauge to ³⁄₁₆” and up to ⁵⁄₁₆” sheet steel using Lincoln FCAW-S InnerShield wire. Aluminum: 22 gauge to 10 gauge.
  • Rugged, transformer-based design.

Specifications:

  • Input voltage: 110/115/120
  • Input current: 20A
  • Output Range: 30A – 140A
  • Polarity: DC
  • Rated Output: 90A/19V/20%
  • Weight: 50 LBS
  • Wire range: Solid: 0.25” – 0,35”; flux-core: 0.35” – 0.45”
  • Warranty: 3-years

Review:

Even though the Lincoln Easy-MIG 140 (model #K26971) is considered a light-duty DIY welder, it is made by one of the top welding machine manufacturers. Lincoln Electric Co is known for their heavy-duty professional-grade welding equipment.

This retail model may not be in the same league as the Lincoln professional welders, it does share the same pedigree. The superb cast aluminum gearbox and pretty robust Magnum 100L spool gun, with solid brass-to-brass connectors, are examples of how this welder differs from the average cheap DIY machine.

The Lincoln Easy-MIG 140 is definitely one of the best DIY welders.

120V Supply

The Lincoln Easy-MIG 140 uses standard household power (110V to 120V, 60HZ, single phase). This is true for most welders with an output of 140A or less. The maximum input current is 20A. As a DIY welding machine, or for contractors wanting to do small jobs on a residential site, this setup is ideal. You can plug the Easy-MIG 140 into any standard 120V outlet, provided the circuit breaker is rated for 20A or more.

Heavy-Duty Transformer

Some will argue that a welder that uses a transformer is outdated and inefficient. Call me old-fashioned, but I much prefer good old solid transformers. Yes, transformers are heavy, the Lincoln Easy-MIG weighs 50 pounds as a result. IGBT inverters are much lighter and don’t require as much current. They can be powered by a small portable generator.

The reason I love transformers is that they are virtually indestructible. Inverter welders are sophisticated and modern, but they are not as tough. Transistors will need to be replaced at some point, whereas transformer welders can easily last a lifetime.

Ease of Use

The Easy-MIG name is certainly justified. This is one of the easiest welding machines to set up and use. It’s the ideal welder for beginners and they even include a video guide DVD to help you get started.

You don’t need any tools to insert the spool and a numeric dial makes tensioning the wire a breeze. You also don’t need tools to switch polarity when changing from MIG to flux-core welding. A switch allows you to effortlessly select the correct mode for a spool gun or standard push gun. While the Lincoln Easy-MIG 140 is spool gun ready, you only get a standard gun with the machine.

Inexperienced welders will love the uncomplicated panel. It has an infinite speed dial with markings from 1 to 10. Output power is set using a four-pot switch from 30A up to 140A.

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