Eastwood Mig

[timswi]

Anyone have an Eastwood Mig? Was looking at the Mig/Tig combo...Not sure I really need the Tig. My old Mig is fizzling out and thinking of replacing it. Just curious about the Eastwood performance/reliability..Already perused the migs of Lincoln and Miller.

Mostly sheet metal--Occasional 1/4 and less plate stuff. 110v preferred but can easily go 220v.

Thanks.

 

[RNeumann]

Eastwood is similar to a lot of the imported machines. They all seem to act similar.

I’d go with the 240v. Some can be used as 120v or 240v- thats handy but having the 240v get you a lot more versatility.

 

[Doofy]

Hobart Handler 140 is a great little machine.

 

[5030]

Hobart Handler 140 is a great little machine.

+1 on that and the 190 handler is even better. I have 2 in my shop that are running on production jobs, 8 hours a day, 5 days a week and been that way for a couple years now and nary a hiccup from either. Only downside is the wire spool size is limited to 10 pound spools. I prefer 40 pound spools.

Fantastic wet out, easy to start and very little spatter using 75-25 Lincold sold core and pushing.

Best bucks I ever spent on Mig welders.

 

[timswi]

+1 on that and the 190 handler is even better. I have 2 in my shop that are running on production jobs, 8 hours a day, 5 days a week and been that way for a couple years now and nary a hiccup from either. Only downside is the wire spool size is limited to 10 pound spools. I prefer 40 pound spools.

Fantastic wet out, easy to start and very little spatter using 75-25 Lincold sold core and pushing.

Best bucks I ever spent on Mig welders.

Thanks I did look at Hobart but didn't research..Thanks for the advise and experiance

 

[timswi]

Eastwood is similar to a lot of the imported machines. They all seem to act similar.

I’d go with the 240v. Some can be used as 120v or 240v- thats handy but having the 240v get you a lot more versatility.

I was looking at the Hobart dual voltage. A couple of people (not experts by any means) said they heard of problems with that particular machine where one side of the voltage goes down and takes the rest of the machine with it...Any truth to that?--The dual voltage seems like a good thing to me. I don't know anyone who has one.

 

[RNeumann]

The Hobart is rumored to be Miller’s imported model. They have a good reputation and warranty. I’m no expert but I haven’t seen the Hobart issues.

 

[fried1765]

The Hobart is rumored to be Miller’s imported model. They have a good reputation and warranty. I’m no expert but I haven’t seen the Hobart issues.

I have the Hobart Handler 190.
I am not where I can look at it, but do not believe that it is/was imported.

 

[timswi]

The Hobart is rumored to be Miller’s imported model. They have a good reputation and warranty. I’m no expert but I haven’t seen the Hobart issues.

I've heard that Hobart is Millers "consumer" brand..Not sure though.

 

[RNeumann]

I have the Hobart Handler 190.
I am not where I can look at it, but do not believe that it is/was imported.

You are correct. Assembled here with domestic and imported parts.

Homeowner or hobbyists is a better description. A good machine for 99% of the folks in this site.

 

[Doofy]

The 120 volt units are much handier to use and transport then the 240 volt. You can use a heavy duty (10ga-12ga) extension cord or easily packed to site. The smaller units can be run off a small generator too.

 

[timswi]

Might have to go back to looking at the Hobarts, Used a Miller before and really liked it, but don't really want to pay that premium for something I use once in a while..The knock off one I've had for 25 years has served me well until recently..

 

[fried1765]

Might have to go back to looking at the Hobarts, Used a Miller before and really liked it, but don't really want to pay that premium for something I use once in a while..The knock off one I've had for 25 years has served me well until recently..

Most everyone who has it, seems to love the Hobart Handler 190.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

Eastwood's issue is they replace the unit if it is broken, but after the relatively short warranty period is over, is parts and service is almost nil. A few years ago, when they first introduced their line, we had an opportunity to talk "friendly" with them at a show. They told (bragged?) that they'd send out a new unit to replace one if it was broken, but when asked about long term support for parts and where service was to take place, they sort of shrugged it off. That may have changed in the last few years. I don't know, but that would be a question I'd have since they have had a number of new models and rapid model updates/changes and where they are with that issue.

 

[timswi]

Eastwood's issue is they replace the unit if it is broken, but after the relatively short warranty period is over, is parts and service is almost nil. A few years ago, when they first introduced their line, we had an opportunity to talk "friendly" with them at a show. They told (bragged?) that they'd send out a new unit to replace one if it was broken, but when asked about long term support for parts and where service was to take place, they sort of shrugged it off. That may have changed in the last few years. I don't know, but that would be a question I'd have since they have had a number of new models and rapid model updates/changes and where they are with that issue.

Thanks Mark

 

[Big Barn]

I had a Hobart 187 (predecessor to the 190) for awhile. It was a nice little welder and I would recommend it or the 190 for your purposes. If you buy a 187 used be aware that it is not plug and play if you decide to add a spool gun for welding aluminum. The 190 IS plug and play.

 

[Big Barn]

Homeowner or hobbyists is a better description. A good machine for 99% of the folks in this site.

 

[MinnesotaEric]

Might have to go back to looking at the Hobarts, Used a Miller before and really liked it, but don't really want to pay that premium for something I use once in a while..The knock off one I've had for 25 years has served me well until recently..

Ever have a problem with a Miller and call them? They answer on the first ring with a real person. Within one minute you're talking to a tech who knows what they are talking about. Millers can be serviced and fixed if they fail. Worth it for me.

 

[Doofy]

This is impressive and if I didn't already have a Hobart, I would consider this one.
Millermatic(R) 141 MIG Welder | MillerWelds

 

[Big Barn]

Millers can be serviced and fixed if they fail. Worth it for me.

Not always. Buddy JUST informed me this morning he’s been talking to Miller for a week. The board in his Syncrowave is toast and obsolete. He then took (all 300 pounds of it )to the authorized service center to pay them $240 to tell him they couldn’t do anything.