OT...Product feedback desired....

[mfccwhite]

Can anyone offer any feedback on Eastwood products. I am considering purchasing the 110VAC 135 amp mig welder for $299 and the 100 lb. capacity soda blaster

for $699. Has anyone used these products, and if so would you recommend them?

Edited February 7, 2011 by mfccwhite

[Plymouthy Adams]

it is my experience that speciality catalog dealers are for the most part just rebadged items often found at a much better price if you shop around..I however have not researched the items in question but in the many I have looked at in the past I was able to get the same product at a better price..also your local Lowes and TSC can often beat the price on welders, give you a local source for repair or warranty service not found with the mail order folks where cost of S&H will eat you alive, time lost with the device out of local area during that time etc etc..DO look at the duty cycle of any 110 welder to ensure it will be up to the task...this is key...low cost welder have a poor duty cycle thus the low cost...if you plan on continued work..you need a duty cycle to match your expectations..

[Dodgeb4ya]

You might want to go to your local welding supply store and talk to them about the 110 volt welders. Your choice depends on what you are most likely going to weld. You will really should get a C25/75 welding gas bottle for use with your new welding machine too. Mig welding with gas is much easier on 1/4" and thinner metals than flux core wire- no chipping slag either-cleaner welds too. And of course more money too. Something like a millermatic 135 machine is probably a good choice too-but check around there are a lot of choices out there-just stay away from Chinese machines!

I am not sure where the Eastwood 135 amp machine is made.Also depending on how much you might use the machine you will need to replace the contact tips/ liner and drive rolls. Not often but they do wear out and can cause poor welds if not changed when necessary. Something to think about.

I see this machine is only a 20% duty cycle-thats wimpy! 2 minutes out of 10 at 135 amps. I run a Miller XMT Inverter machine-I like to weld a lot!

Bob

Edited February 7, 2011 by Dodgeb4ya

[mfccwhite]

Thanks guys for pointing out the duty cycle, I didn't consider this. I am going to look at the Hobart 140 or the Lincoln 140 instead. Thanks for your help it is appreciated. Mike

Edited February 7, 2011 by mfccwhite

[dezeldoc]

That Eastwood welder is the same one as harbor freight, garbage. Lincoln or the Hobart are a much better choice. you can get the soda blaster at harbor freight for a lot less.

[greg g]

I have a junk Harbor freight wire 110 v wire welder and it works OK for my needs. I have found that if you use a good quality wire, the welder works much better than the stuff that comes with it. For hobby stuff and sheet metal patches and other around the house stuff, Mowers, garden gates, railings etc it's fine. Would I fabricate a chassis or weld up a sprig perch no, but for tacking stuff into place then taking it to my friend who is a good welder, you bet.

[oldodge41]

I have a Hobart Handler 140. It is capable of welding much better than I do. Has done everything I ask of it.

[Young Ed]

I'm self taught on Dads hobart handler. Great machine. Has handled everything I've tried so far. Doesnt seem to get warm even the slightest welding sheetmetal.

[suntennis]

I think if you plan on getting a soda blaster you ought to plan on using it on more than one car to justify the expense. Have talked with folks that have bought tools from Eastwood and had no complaints.To use such a rig, a high output compressor is needed. If you do not have one, that can be expensive.There are places that will media blast the outside of a car for around $800.00.