I love all welding machines.
Well
Not really
I really despise some
But
I try to find the good in all welders
Even if it’s hard.
I mean really hard.
And so
Today I’m going to review a Klutch welder
Specifically the MIG 140 SI
And I really had to look this machine over
Because
It was hard to find the good in it.
But I did find some reasons that might make it good for you.
Quick Overview
- Who would benefit from Klutch 140 si MIG most
- Pro’s and Con’s
- Some other machines that I would recommend
Now
The great thing about being a professional welder…
Well, there are so many great things…
Besides wearing a cool hood
And looking like Darth Vader
But with stickers
And making some awesome stuff…
Is that I get to try all kinds of tools
But to be completely transparent
I haven’t used the Klutch 140SI
And I refuse to
Why?
Because… It’s like the matrix
I’ve seen too much
And I can’t go back!
Really!
I’ve taken the red pill of welding…
And once you use some beautiful machines
You can’t use anything subpar
And that’s how I feel about this Klutch MIG 140SI
That doesn’t mean it’s bad –
So let’s get down to business on this machine
Pro’s
- Lightweight – only 27 lbs!
- Spool gun ready with a gun change and flip of the switch
- Cast aluminum drive
- MIG or flux capable
- If the machine is overheating a warning light alerts you.
- Power inverter
Con’s
- Duty cycle is very low – 30% at 90 AMPS
- Price
- Power switch in the back of the machine
- Cheap gas regulator provided
- Holds only a 10lb spool of wire
- Infinite wire feed adjustment
Now that you know the good and the bad – let’s talk about it.
Some people really have the audacity to call this an “industrial machine”
Ummm…
If you’re building Legoland, sure.
Let’s get something clear.
Klutch 140SI MIG no way an industrial machine.
Not even close.
This is a pro machine
And this is a heavy duty DIY machine/semi-pro.
Klutch MIG 140 Testimonials
This has been one of the best purchases I made all year. It does have some issues, like cheap knobs that break and the gas regulator is junk. Overall I have used both Flux and gas – both produce really good welds. I repaired a muffler, some farm tools and even broke into my safe when I forgot the combination.
Click here to see the original testimonial from this Amazon Customer
This welder is great for a first-time welder – I would say it goes head to head against the blue. I’ve welded with flux core and had no issues. It’s lightweight, easy to use and in 10 minutes out of the box, I was welding.
Click here to see the original testimonial from dave sinner
Let’s talk about the good
Klutch 140SI is lightweight.
Mostly because of the inverter it uses.
And most expensive machines use a power inverter to save weight
And size.
A power inverter will take your regular 115v power at home
Convert the AC power to DC
Send that power through a step-down transformer
And deliver the AMPS you need to weld
So you can lay some sweet stringer beads
Or basket weaves
Or spot welds
I mean, it’s all good in the hood right?
Especially when you have good gear
And
Don’t forget the ear protection
Most welders forget their ears for some reason…
Back to my point…
So it’s lightweight.
SO what?
If you need to fab something lightweight in the field
This machine will do the job
Light gauge material really.
Klutch 140SI MIG says it can do 24 gauge in one pass.
Or say you need a light repair done on your farm equipment – fine.
But with a range of 30-140 AMP’s it is a weak machine.
And there are some other things to consider
The power button is on the back
And I know
That sounds like it’s not a big deal
But
I can’t tell you how many times I left my machine on
When the button was on the back
And…
When you don’t shut your machine off
And you leave your valve open
Your wasting gas.
Let’s see what The Shade Tree Fix-it Man said in his video review
Or look at Ben Trimble’s Review of the Klutch MIG 140SI
And let’s see what Carlin Comm says about the Klutch MIG 140 while he welds his school bus
WOW!!! That was a lot of video reviews…. I want to give you all the information you need before you take your decision….
Let’s continue
I like all my controls in the front…
A quick glance
And I know what’s going on with my machine
Also
The Klutch mig 140si has infinite voltage control
Ugh.
Klutch claim that is for precise wire control
And it is
Especially when you’re doing thin metal
But really
I think it’s a waste of time
You spend time looking for just the right setting
And that problem is eliminated with stepper control.
Which as you can tell – I really prefer
And with this machine especially –
Here’s why.
This machine is for a beginner
Or
Someone who uses it infrequently at best
Think about the stats on this machine :
- 10 lbs wire spool
- 140 amps max
- 40% DC @90 AMPS
And infinite control will definitely waste your time.
Klutch could have done much better with a stepped voltage control.
But I don’t want to hate on this machine too much
I do like the spool gun switch.
If you want to weld some aluminum
Just switch your gun
Flip the switch on the faceplate
Adjust you infinite control
And your welding aluminum!
Pretty simple.
My Klutch MIG 140SI Conclusion
For the price point- I think there are much better entry level machines
Specifically…
I really like the handy MIG
Now,
The Klutch does use tweco parts on the gun
Which are from ESAB
But that’s like putting $5,000 rims on a used Toyota Corolla.
SO I think for a limited machine (AMPS wise) and with the price point, I would skip it.
Even for the shade tree mechanic.
Go with a Hobart if you want to step it up..
And you’’ have a machine that will last you for years
With more power
A longer Duty cycle
And a good warranty.