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About 120 mig welder

Types of 120 MIG Welders

Welding is an integral activity in most industrial setups. Therefore, a welder is a tool worth having. The 120 MIG welder is one of the more popular welders, acquiring most MIG welder opinions.

The following types are the most common of the 120 MIG welder types:

  • Coil MIG Welders

    A coil MIG welder does the welding by feeding a wire into the weld pool through a nozzle. The welder uses electromagnetic coils to drive the wire precisely where it is needed. The device has light coils, making it easy for users to carry around.

    The coils can provide more power for specific tasks, making these welders ideal for heavy sheet metal and machinery.

  • Transformers

    Unlike other uses, a MIG welder with a transformer uses a mix of wire feed and gas to produce a MIG weld. It works by transforming the current down to a safer voltage, making it ideal for metals that require a low voltage to fuse without damage. They are primarily for home and light manufacturer use.

  • Inverter MIG welder

    Inverter MIG welders are compact and lightweight. Hence, they can be easily moved from one spot to another. Inverter MIG welders use coils to reduce the current to a usable level. Because they are small, they cannot support heavy industrial welding. They are mostly used in homes or industries for small items.

Industrial Applications of 120 MIG Welders

  • Production of Equipment for Refineries

    Welders working in oil refinery construction and repair prefer a 120 MIG welder. Oil refineries deal with heavy-duty pipelines, pressure vessels, and complex structures. MIG welding produces smooth and clean weld finishes required for corrosion resistance and high-pressure functionality.

  • Shipbuilding and Repair

    Welders in shipbuilding and maritime industries use 120 MIG welding machines. These are usually light and can be easily carried. They are ideal for welding materials commonly used in shipbuilding, e.g., steel and aluminum. Game industries need welder machines for manufacturing hulls, decks, and structural components. Moreover, 120 MIG welders help repair ships and boats.

  • Aerospace Industry

    Welders working in the aerospace industry mostly use 120 MIG welders. This is due to their ability to weld thin and light materials like stainless steel, magnesium, and aluminum. Their precision and efficiency are essential for fabricating components like fuselages, wings, and engine parts.

  • Infrastructure Construction

    Construction companies use 120 mig welder machines in infrastructure projects. Construction industries weld components that require welding large steel sections, beams, and frames. Infrastructural projects require strong and durable joints that support the overall stability of a structure.

  • Manufacturing Car Components

    The automotive industry widely uses 120 MIG welders. They are handy for welding steel body panels, frames, and structural components. These welders have adjustable settings, making them suitable for the various thicknesses that the components are manufactured with.

Product Specifications and Features of 120 MIG Welders

Technical Specifications

  • Power

    Most 120 MIG welder machines feature 120 volts power for easy home outlet usage. However, a few have 240 volts for more power. 240 volts enhance welding on thicker materials.

  • Welding Wire

    MIG welding uses continous wire that creates electric current. Thus, users should consider the diameter when choosing a 120 MIG welder.Wire diameters range from 0.023 to 0.035 inches.

  • Welding Speed

    MIG welders have a welding speed range of 50 to 500 inches per minute. Higher speeds produce more rapidly welds but less detail.

  • Duty Cycle

    Duty cycle refers to the time a welder can operate continuously, expressed as a percentage. Welders with higher duty cycles can work for longer times without resting. The 120 MIG welder has a cycle range of 20 to 30 percent at its maximum amperage.

Key Features

  • Gas and No Gas Welding

    The 120 MIG welders can be used for both gas and no gas welding. Gas welding uses a shielding gas to provide a smooth weld, while no gas welding uses a flux core wire that serves as a shielding agent. Users can switch from gas to no gas welding depending on the materials they are working with.

  • Control Settings

    120 MIG welders have adjustable voltage and wire feed speed control features, which allow users to easily fine-tune the welding conditions. This flexibility helps users achieve optimal weld quality on different materials and thicknesses.

  • Lightweight

    120 MIG welders are lightweight and easy to carry around. Most 120 MIG welders are semi-portable and can easily be relocated.

  • Safety Features

    Safety is integral to 120 MIG welders. The most common safety features are thermal overload protection and automatic shut-off. Thermal overload will enable the machine to shut off when it senses it is overheating. Thus preventing damage to the machine.

How to Choose the 120 MIG Welder

  • Material Type

    The type of material that the 120 MIG welder has to work on is an important consideration.[ Photo] MIG welding works best on stainless steel, mild steel, and aluminum. Aluminum materials require 120 MIG welders with a spool gun or extra wire feed to ensure precise wire feed into the welder.

  • Metal Thickness

    The thickness of the metal that needs to be welded is another important consideration. For welding thinner materials, users should go for a welder with a lower amperage range. The 120 MIG welders are ideal for welding up to 1/4 inch thick metal. While for thicker metals, users should find a welder with a higher amperage range.

  • Frequency of Use

    The users' purpose determines the kind of welder they should go for. If the user intends to use the welder frequently, they should go for a heavy-duty model. Lightweight 120 MIG welders are ideal for hobbyists and small home workshops.

  • Wire and Gas

    Buyers should consider the kind of welding wire and gas that the welder uses. Solid wires are ideal for welding metals like aluminum and mild steel. [ Photos]Flux-cored wires are more versatile since they can be used outdoors and for metals with dirty or rusty surfaces. Buyer's convenience plays a key role in this consideration, as well.

  • Budget

    Welder price varies due to features and brand. This article focuses on the budget and how to go about it. Price should not limit the buyer's options as there are various manufacturers with varying prices but offering the same quality optimally.

  • Additional Features

    Some 120 MIG welder has extra features like automatic wire feeding that are advantageous to buyers. Other additional features like automatic thermal overload protection help enhance safety. Certain welds have digital displays that show the current settings for easy monitoring and adjustment.

Maintenance and Repair of 120 MIG Welders

Maintenance Tips

  • Daily Checkups

    Before using a welder, users should check the power cords and cables. A good 120 MIG welder should have intact corrosion wires and fastened cables. Also, the connection point should be cleaned to prevent dirt accumulation. Users should visually inspect the welder for any mechanical damage.

  • Keep it clean

    Users are advised to clean their 120 MIG welders regularly. They should dust off their welders at least daily before and after use. . Welding creates a lot of smoke, and the environment can be dusty. The dust could settle on the welder, affecting its functionality.

  • Check for Dirty Drive Rolls

    Users should constantly check for dirty drive rolls. If the feeding rolls are dirty, they will affect the wire feeding. Wire feed is crucial for successful welding. Old welding wires create a lot of residue that can lead to welding inconsistencies. Once the residue accumulates, it affects the welding wire feeding.

  • Cables and Clamps should be Checked Often

    Users ought to frequently check their clamps and cables. Ground cables have to be in good condition. If they are damaged, they should be replaced before a new one for welding is used. Also, old and broken leads can affect the operation of the welder machine.

  • Check for gas before using it

    Users should ensure that they have enough shielding gas before welding. Usually, the shielding gas prepares a shield around the weld puddle to prevent contamination. A welder with insufficient shielding gas will not work efficiently. Users should conduct gas level checks and ensure it is topped up, especially before using it.

Repair Tips

  • Spool Gun should be Repaired at Once When Damaged

    Users who use a spool gun should be quick to repair it once it is damaged. A malfunctioning spool gun will fail during welding. It is better to use one in good condition than to repair later when there is working inconsistency.

  • Replace Bad Wire

    Welding wires should be regularly checked. If there are any irregularities in the welding wire, they should be replaced so the welding is optimal. Using dull wires will affect the kind of weld produced.

  • Frequent Drive Rolls Checks

    Users should conduct frequent checks on their drive rolls. People who neglect their drive rolls pay the price of poor application. Instead of incurring the cost of repairs due to poor welding caused by dirty or damaged drive rolls, users should clean or replace them often. habdually, consult a professional for help.

  • Wire Feed Problems Should be Addressed

    Wire feed problems should not be neglected they should be addressed at once. Users should check for any kinks along the route. Kinks affect the wire feed. If there are any they should be replaced. Also, there should be minimal tension at the drive rolls to prevent kinks.

  • Professional Help Should be Sought

    If a user does not have an idea about the operation of a welder machine, it is better to seek out a professional. It is better not to work with a machine with numerous repairs in progress. It is advisable for users who do it themselves to go for online tutorials that focus on maintenance and repairs.

Q and A

Q1: What is a 120 MIG welder used for?

The 120 MIG welder is versatile and can be used for various applications. MIG welders offer quick and easy application. This makes them useful for thick and thin metals. Home users can use it for body car repairs.

Q2: Can a 120 MIG welder do aluminum?

Yes, a 120 MIG welder can do aluminum. Aluminum welding requires a welder with a spool gun. The 120 MIG welder is powerful; it's great for light gauge aluminum.

Q3: How thick can a 120 MIG welder weld?

A 120 MIG welder can weld 1/4 inch metal. It is more efficient on thinner metals.

Q4: What metal can a 120 MIG welder weld?

A 120 MIG welder can weld aluminum and stainless steel. It is commonly used for mild steel welding.

Q5: Can a 120V MIG welder weld steel?

A 120 MIG welder is ideal for welding thin gauge steel. It can also handle light aluminum welding.