looking to buy my first welder

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Been a while since I've posted, been busy with work, but after all things considered I decided to give the Eastwood 135 a try

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I know the general consensus was "get a Lincoln or Miller unit" and "go with 220v only", but here's why I went with it:
  • The cyber monday deal gave it free shipping, drastically dropping the price on it
  • There were A LOT of good reviews on it, too many for just a "cheap brand" and too many to pass it up (I've been burned in the past by the "pay more for quality" mentality, so I go by owner reviews anymore)
  • Infinite amp control
  • A few guys on this forum and another vouched for it
  • It uses common consumables, and a few sources stated it uses Miller internals
  • The ONLY MIGs being sold online around here were flux core HF units and a couple $600+ units (and no @mbaird I'm not gonna drive all the way to Boise for one)
  • It was the best 120v unit for the money, and the garage I'm gonna be working in being Grandpa's, he flat stated he wasn't gonna have another 220v circuit put in (we have a 220v circuit already but it's reserved for the well pump)
  • With what sections that need to be fixed on my Demon, I can handle light duty cycles. I like to be extra cautious and work slow anyways, and since I'm not on the clock for getting anything done the duty cycle isn't an issue
With what constraints I was working with, it was the best option I could find

Also I don't have a pic of it, but I got this helmet https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BWAEYV8/?tag=joeychgo-20
 
The ONLY MIGs being sold online around here were flux core HF units and a couple $600+ units (and no @mbaird I'm not gonna drive all the way to Boise for one)

???????

retail+ is not a good thing...
I was making fun of CL ridiculous prices on clapped out welders around here.
 
???????

retail+ is not a good thing...
I was making fun of CL ridiculous prices on clapped out welders around here.
Oh well in that case we seem to be in agreement (namely around here, people selling their HF cheapy units at retail price or more)
 
I have a cheapy HF in my garage ( friends unit )
in my hands its more of a plasma cutter than a welder...lol
 
I have a cheapy HF in my garage ( friends unit )
in my hands its more of a plasma cutter than a welder...lol
LOL I was gonna try one for a couple weeks, the HF mig125. I was gonna learn to weld for a couple weeks, find a "problem" with it, and send it back for a refund, but I didn't even get that far. For starters, the spool of cheap wire that came with it was all rusty and I had to dig at it to get it unstuck. Then when I got it all set up and adjusted, it wouldn't feed, no matter how I adjusted the tension on the spool and rollers (any less tension and I woulda had a spiderweb of wire everywhere). Without load the rollers work fine, but load wire into it and BUZZZZZZZZ but otherwise nada. Got sent back next day.
 
any thoughts on the millermatic 135?

i came across on for 350 with a full size tank
seems like a good deal, no?

it does look like an older one, no "autoset" on it
 
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MM135 is a decent little machine and 350 is a decent price if it works. If you get it take the cover off and clean it, throw a new gun liner in it and go to town.
 
seems like a good deal, no?

Well, like I mentioned in my earlier post, the gas kit for them is over a 100 bucks, so yes it sounds like a decent price, if it has a flow gauge with it, all the better.

As mentioned ask to see if it works, if'n they have it hooked up.

Regarding the tank, they have a date on them to be re-certified. IF that's the case, I would suggest buying a tank so all you have to do is swap it out, no worries on having them re-certed (you can fill the one that's with it as long as the date is good). That's what I did and I never have to worry about it.

Is there a pic in the ad, post it.
 
Well, like I mentioned in my earlier post, the gas kit for them is over a 100 bucks, so yes it sounds like a decent price, if it has a flow gauge with it, all the better.

As mentioned ask to see if it works, if'n they have it hooked up.

Regarding the tank, they have a date on them to be re-certified. IF that's the case, I would suggest buying a tank so all you have to do is swap it out, no worries on having them re-certed (you can fill the one that's with it as long as the date is good). That's what I did and I never have to worry about it.

Is there a pic in the ad, post it.

It must have been a good deal
I texted the guy when the add was 21 hours old
He told me there was one guy in front of me, heading over to look at it, and 45 minutes later he texted me it was sold

Oh well, at least I know deals are still out there
 
I have been researching a new machine for my pre-war build. I have narrowed it down to the Millermatic 211 and the Miller 215 multi unit.
The closest Lincoln appears to be the power mig 140C which is better priced but suspect on power. I thought I needed the 215 multi function unit for the tig capabilities but am rapidly moving to the mig only 211. We have great local service on both red and blue and I have run them all in my life as a production welder. Anyone here using the blue 215 unit?
 
I have the 211 and love it. I had a new Hobart 180 and kept burning holes in floor pans so I borrowed my buddies Lincoln 130 I think it was. It worked lots better without burning holes. The 211 will weld 3/8" in one pass no problem but won't tig.
 
I also have a 211. It's a great welder for a car guy. You can weld anything from sheet metal to frame rails with it. Before it I had a MIG from Eastwood, and it was fine too. Most modern MIG machines are going to be pretty good compared to the 20 year old stuff.
I looked at the 215 too, but those multifunction machines always seem to be too much of a compromise. When the time came, I bought a separate TIG machine, Miller Diversion 180. I bought Miller because of the deal I got and a 400 dollar rebate, not because I think Miller is better than anyone elses rig.
 
I agree that the 215 is too much of a compromise. Yesterday I ordered the Miller 211 with a spool gun and wire for both the gun and the big spool in the machine. New tank, hood and gloves and I am ready to rock. I am debating whether to buy the argon tank and a small spool of aluminum wire is case some aluminum welding drops in my lap and I am ready. A friend is loaning me his plasma machine long term so I am ready to start building my 40 ford pickup with a 64 292 y block powerplant. All is pretty good in Rat country:)
 
Just a side note, I talked to my buddy's dad, a welder for a truck shop in the area. He's gonna see about getting me a tank and some CO2/argon mix at their business rate (he's fairly close to the owner so he's allowed to do that)
 
Been a while since I've posted, been busy with work, but after all things considered I decided to give the Eastwood 135 a try

View attachment 1715262484 View attachment 1715262483 View attachment 1715262481 View attachment 1715262482

I know the general consensus was "get a Lincoln or Miller unit" and "go with 220v only", but here's why I went with it:
  • The cyber monday deal gave it free shipping, drastically dropping the price on it
  • There were A LOT of good reviews on it, too many for just a "cheap brand" and too many to pass it up (I've been burned in the past by the "pay more for quality" mentality, so I go by owner reviews anymore)
  • Infinite amp control
  • A few guys on this forum and another vouched for it
  • It uses common consumables, and a few sources stated it uses Miller internals
  • The ONLY MIGs being sold online around here were flux core HF units and a couple $600+ units (and no @mbaird I'm not gonna drive all the way to Boise for one)
  • It was the best 120v unit for the money, and the garage I'm gonna be working in being Grandpa's, he flat stated he wasn't gonna have another 220v circuit put in (we have a 220v circuit already but it's reserved for the well pump)
  • With what sections that need to be fixed on my Demon, I can handle light duty cycles. I like to be extra cautious and work slow anyways, and since I'm not on the clock for getting anything done the duty cycle isn't an issue
With what constraints I was working with, it was the best option I could find

Also I don't have a pic of it, but I got this helmet https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BWAEYV8/?tag=joeychgo-20
That looks identical to my Lincoln but is blue instead of red.If it is truly the same welder you will not be disappointed with it.
 
how does $900 for a miller 211 sound?

looks to be new in closed box
i presume it has all the accessories it should come with, but no bottle
 
how does $900 for a miller 211 sound?

looks to be new in closed box
i presume it has all the accessories it should come with, but no bottle

That's a good price, but I thought you were on a budget? Did Santa bring you some $$$ for x-mas or something?
 
That's a good price, but I thought you were on a budget? Did Santa bring you some $$$ for x-mas or something?
Yeah, it's about twice my budget, which is why I decided to pass on it...but it was hard to pass up on

I guess I just want to know good deals are still out there
 
If you can swing it go for it! Great welder and good price
 
i wasnt able to get the miller 211 BUT one of these popped up
eastwood 135
the guy is asking $195.00
no tank, and no idea yet how old, or if it has a regulator and such

thoughs?

Been a while since I've posted, been busy with work, but after all things considered I decided to give the Eastwood 135 a try

View attachment 1715262484 View attachment 1715262483 View attachment 1715262481 View attachment 1715262482

I know the general consensus was "get a Lincoln or Miller unit" and "go with 220v only", but here's why I went with it:
  • The cyber monday deal gave it free shipping, drastically dropping the price on it
  • There were A LOT of good reviews on it, too many for just a "cheap brand" and too many to pass it up (I've been burned in the past by the "pay more for quality" mentality, so I go by owner reviews anymore)
  • Infinite amp control
  • A few guys on this forum and another vouched for it
  • It uses common consumables, and a few sources stated it uses Miller internals
  • The ONLY MIGs being sold online around here were flux core HF units and a couple $600+ units (and no @mbaird I'm not gonna drive all the way to Boise for one)
  • It was the best 120v unit for the money, and the garage I'm gonna be working in being Grandpa's, he flat stated he wasn't gonna have another 220v circuit put in (we have a 220v circuit already but it's reserved for the well pump)
  • With what sections that need to be fixed on my Demon, I can handle light duty cycles. I like to be extra cautious and work slow anyways, and since I'm not on the clock for getting anything done the duty cycle isn't an issue
With what constraints I was working with, it was the best option I could find

Also I don't have a pic of it, but I got this helmet https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BWAEYV8/?tag=joeychgo-20
 
no tank, and no idea yet how old, or if it has a regulator and such

Go look if it's close enough. Price seems fair as long as it isn't ragged out and it works. Ask to plug it in and see if it runs.

How would he not know about the regulator, it would be pretty obvious either way. Either he has one or he doesn't.
 
i wasnt able to get the miller 211 BUT one of these popped up
eastwood 135
the guy is asking $195.00
no tank, and no idea yet how old, or if it has a regulator and such

thoughs?
I'd first try to get some idea of what shape it's in and how old it is. If it's fairly new, not abused (i.e. in good shape and works), AND has a regulator, I'd say thats a good price. Otherwise I'd shy away
 
How would he not know about the regulator, it would be pretty obvious either way. Either he has one or he doesn't.

He hadn't mentioned it, I just texted him and asked

He said it is 3 years old and it does come with a regulator, so all I would need is a tank or fluxcore wire
I definitely plan on trying it out
 
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