FTW65W29

Has anybody purchased a Eastwood branded mig welder? If so, how does it perform? Should I step up and buy a Lincoln, Miller or Hobart?

steverw

I cant speak for Eastwood, I have a Lincoln ive had for about 8 or 9 years, works great. Its a 135, I think they make a 175 now, might be better. I just build a rotisserie using it, it welded the 1/4 steel no problem. I love it its a 110 volt. I paid around $600 including a cart and a big tank.
Steve

FTW65W29

Thank you

DLaz70OLDS98

I have used a millermatic 140 for several projects. However, when I went to purchase one I went with an Eastwood 135 mig because of the cost difference. For your average DIY the Eastwood is good enough, but if your going to branch out and use it regularly spend the money for a Miller or comparable. Good luck.

gs72

Recently bought a Hobart Handler 140 and couldn't be happier with it.

Professur

I've spoken with Matt at eastwood several times concerning their welders so I can give you the Reader's Digest version. Yes, it's chinese made ... but chinese made to their own quality control requirements. That means they didn't (supposedly) use the cheapest possible components. The arc quality is supposed to be somewhat better than the average chi-com junk ... close to the big brands. Naturally for that price point, there is something to be desired ... but few DIY welders are good enough for it to matter to them. Their big advantage is supply. You don't have to speak chinese to call the support line for an RMA, and you don't have to wait 4 months on a replacement. Their mig also comes supplied with a spool gun for aluminium work.

Most reviews I've read say that if it works out of the box, it'll work fine. If you're going to get a problem, you'll get it quick ... and Eastwood is quick with getting your replacement out to you.

Personally, no, I've never used one ... I've got a Lincoln. And no, I'm in no way associated with Eastwood.

joe_padavano

I would (and did) buy a used Lincoln or Miller before buying a new Chinesium welder. The real issue is parts support. Lincoln and Miller parts are available at your local welding supply store or from may online vendors. Chinesium welder parts, whether Eastwood or HF or whatever, are not.

Troys Toy 70

X 2...Mine is very forgiving for a novice welder.

67442nut

After researching MIG welders, I bought a Miller 135 about 7 or 8 years ago.
At that time, Miller was the only one that had
an infinitely adjustable voltage control.
They had the patent on it.
All the others had 4 or 5 voltage selections.
Since I was far from an expert welder, I thought
this would make it a little more "user friendly" for me.
I bought it from an on line supplier for a very competitive price.
I've been vey happy with the performance and reliability.
As I recall, the Miller tech guy told me that Miller had bought Hobart.

coppercutlass

Hobart is good. I was impressed with the fluxed core i borrowed. I use the 140 miller at work and it performs flawless time after time. Fwiw most welding shops can do financing through their suppliers or thats what i seem to found around here. Another brand to consider and its up and coming is HTP a previous shop i worked at bought a real nice cart unit for 800 bucks and it was awesome. Im about to buy a miller welder or htp as i always need a welder and im tired of bringing stuff into work or borrowing one.


http://www.usaweld.com/ProductDetail...ductCode=60140

RonFX

Guys:
For what it is worth, I bought the Lincoln Handy Mig thru Summit Racing, it is 110 volt and has done everything I needed, new floors and 1 pc trunk, misc patch work and the cost was right and I can any basic parts needed at Lowes and Home Depot. The only extra items I bought were an adjustable regulator w/ guages, roll around cart and auto helmet. The unit was made in either Poland or Czech Republic, can't remember which. Hope this helps you.
Thanks, Ron

RonFX

Guys:
Forgot to mention a gas supplier, most larger shop require a contract and you must use their tanks, I shopped around a found a smaller independent gas supplier, I had no tank, he told me to go to Harbor Freight and buy new tank and they would exchange it for a filled one, I was ready to weld for less than $150.00
Thanks, Ron

Boilerz25

I went with the ThermalArc 3 in 1 which was the only one at the price range with MIG and TIG. It does require 220V but, to be honest it is a very reliable welder and I have no complaints what so ever. Here is a little info on the one I have:

http://victortechnologies.com/Therma...181i/index.php

Sean

TK-65

I have a MillerMatic 211 and if I ever need anything I can walk to my local AirGas store.

Bernhard

Miller or Lincoln would be my vote.
You can grow into a welder so I would go a little bigger and better.
If you don't have the funds for new buy a good used one, I have seen a lot of over priced used units on the market.
Be careful if buying used they can be over priced,outdated,poor condition,damaged.
If you are new to welding take some classes.

droldsmorland

MillerMatic 211! Set it and forget it! 25A 230V! Its the best portable unit you can buy. Make bacon all day long with the 211. Only thing better is the large roll-a-round 9 thousand series or the large Single or 3 phase units. Did the Chineasium thing...never again. Junk=Frustration!

FTW65W29

Thanks to everyone who took the time to respond. I didn't think about parts availability which makes sense. Looks like I will be going with a name brand.