Photo: Goplus
What We Like
- 4 robust amperage controls
- 10 flexible wire speed levels
- Convenient gasless operation
- Enhanced heat dissipation capability
- Heavy-duty stainless-steel housing
- Handy welding accessories included
What We Don’t Like
- Short 6-month warranty
- Low 10% duty cycle at 105 Amp
Bottom Line
Flexible amperage adjustments, robust wire feed speed levels, and solid build quality make this MIG welder an all-rounder at home welding tasks.
Introduction
If you love welding or are looking for a convenient tool to support your home repair/maintenance projects, the MIG 130 is a wise choice.
It is an easy-to-use welder that offers abundant power controls that help with customization of the welding projects you undertake. With 10 wire feed speed options and 4 amperage settings, this durable welder guarantees superior welding versatility.
Goplus MIG 130 Review
Photo: Goplus
Performance: Versatile with Robust Controls
The MIG 130 was designed to offer the ideal blend and performance and convenience for the home user who desires a reliable welder across all the projects they undertake especially repairs and DIY.
It runs on the standard 110V/60Hz household power, which is a great thing because that means not sophisticated setups or electricity modification are necessary. Simply plug it into a suitable, 20 Amp fused power supply using the long 7-foot power chord.
Your MIG 130 offers 4 robust current flow settings, which are responsible for heat adjustment. They allow you to select the most ideal amperage for the welding task you’re undertaking.
Speaking of amperage, the welder offers a decent range of 50 to 120 Amp. You can select your desired current using the 2 buttons on the control panel (MIN/MAX and 1/2), although they do not show the actual power output. Mastering this process may require some experience with the welder.
When it comes to wire performance, this welder uses a flux-core wire, which eliminates the need for external gas supply. The wire implements a self-release metal-inert gas during the welding process, which makes the welder a great tool for outdoor use as well.
There are 10 wire speed feed speed levels provided by this welder, which is an advantage to you because they support a high degree of customization. By having many options for wire speed, you can regulate the amperage and degree of welds you deliver to different materials.
When it comes to materials, this welder supports welds on 18-gauge to 1/4-inch of mild steel. Although that capacity is where it excels best, it will weld 3/16 inch and 1/4-inch mild steel with multiple welds passes and beveling.
As for cords, there are three of these, the main one being a 7-foot-long power cord. That’s a decent length for this welder and goes a long way in promoting flexibility. The welding gun and clamp cords are both 6 feet long, which is not very impressive, but still gets the job done.
Speaking of the welding gun, this one is further enhanced by the inclusion of a full-on/off safety control, which is great for preventing accidental triggering of the gun, an occurrence that can be hazardous for the operator.
Design & Construction: Durable Metallic Build
At first glance, the MIG 130 screams durability, and that’s a very accurate observation because enclosing the welder is a heavy-duty stainless steel body. The housing is then coated with durable yellow paints that further enhance the welder’s life-span.
An interesting design feature on this welder is a small storage compartment tucked neatly in the upper section of the unit. Lift the upper lid by sliding 2 small levers on the side, to reveal a hidden space where you can store some small accessories especially if you’re on the move.
Finally, on the front is an elaborate control panel that well-labeled and simplified to support easy operation especially if you’re just getting started with using MIG welders. With the help of the user guide, these controls should not present any trouble.
Some handy accessories have been included with the welder to enhance productivity. They include a 0.99mm real, welding wire, a brush/chipper hammer, and a facemask, all to help get you started with welding as soon as you acquire the tool.
Overload Protection: Reliable with Dual Fans
As is expected of any decent welder, the MIG 130 offers protection against overload, an occurrence often trigged when the duty cycle is exceeded and the transformer overheats.
At the welder’s control panel, you will find an overheat protection lamp, which indicates when your welder has overheated and the overload protection has been automatically triggered. If this happens, simply let the unit cool down for at least 10 minutes and it should power back on automatically.
It’s worth recognizing that the overload protection system on this welder is especially effective because it is boosted by 2 air vents, which help with heat dissipation. Because overload occurs when the transformer generates too much heat, the vents help to slow down this process.
Something to note about the overload protection is that when it is triggered, ensure you do not switch off your welder. It should remain on because the cooling process requires the fan to run continuously.
Portability: Slim Profile for Easy Transportation
While this welder’s 35-pound weight is not exactly in the lightweight category, its overall slim profile counters the bulk quite well. You will be able to shift the unit fairly easily across short distances around your worksite. Its compactness also saves you some storage space.
When you need to do some offsite work, you’re better off transporting the unit in a vehicle to make the process easy and hassle-free. That said, the slim and compact body of this welder helps to enhance portability. It will fit in the tightest of spaces during transportation.
Finally, there’s a carrying handle attached firmly at the top section of the housing. The handle facilitates easy transportation of the welder. It would have been great if the handle doubled as a cord wrap to help manage at least 1 one of the welder’s 3 long chords.
Price: A Good Bargain for the Value Offered
MIG 130 is one of the most pocket-friendly welders available today, especially if you’re on a budget and are just getting started with welding. Many homeowners who prefer doing repair/maintenance work for themselves around the home will find this unit a worthy buy.
Not only does it offer enough power for light-duty welding, but it also gives you robust functions to control the same. There are 4 levels of current flow settings, and 10 wire feed speed options to give you the flexibility and customization you need for your projects.
A worthy contender against this welder is the Forney Easy Weld 261, 140 FC-I. It also utilizes a flux-core wire for welding but produces a higher 140 Amp output capable of welding mild steel up to 1/4-inch in plate.
While the Easy Weld 261, 140 FC-I is notably lighter and hence more portable than the MIG 130, the former is significantly pricier. If you’re just getting started with welding, you’re better off grabbing the MIG 130. It will deliver on your light-duty welding projects around the home.
Verdict
A reliable light-duty home welder with robust power and wire feed speed controls to promote welding versatility.
For beginners, hobbyists, and DIY welders, the Goplus MIG 130 positions itself as a reliable tool that offers excellent control over its power, thus supporting many custom welding tasks and techniques.
Specs
- Product Name: Goplus MIG 130
- Product Brand: Goplus
- Product Dimensions: 13.4 x 7.3 x 11.4 inches
- Welding Process: Flux-cored wire
- Power Input: 110 Volts, 20 Amp
- Amperage Range: 50 – 120 Amp
- Duty Cycle: 10% at 105 Amp
- Flux-Core Wire: 0.030 inches
- MIG Gun: 6 feet
- Ground Clamp: 6 feet
- Weld Capacity: 18 gauge up to 1/4-inch of mild steel
- Product Warranty: 6 months
- Unit Weight: 35 pounds
Key Features
- 4 robust amperage speed for superior heat control and welding versatility
- 10 wire feed speed levels support amperage control and arc fine-tuning
- Gasless flux-cored wire welding process for added operating convenience
- Strong stainless-steel body for enhanced tool durability
- A compact and slim body for ease of transportation and storage
- 2 air vents that boost the welder’s heat dissipation and prevent overload
- A long 7-foot power cord for enhanced reachability
- Handy welding accessories boost productivity.