Eastwood Tig Welder

[ABADWILLYS]

Hi Guys,
Anybody have any feedback on The Eastwood Tig 200 and plasma cutter deal they got going? Eastwood has some good products, i have some of there hand tool/metal fabrication tools and they have always been good quality. Now looking to treat myself maybe for Christmas by buying a Tig, but never have bought a "machine" from them. its just for my hobby shop, not pro use, They have a Tig machine 120/220v , 220v Plasma cutter and cart for $1350.00, seems like a decent deal. Anybody use Eastwood equipment>?

 

[WhoWhatNow]

I picked one up at a truck shop auction. This place must have bought a trailer of Eastwood returns. I picked up an AC/DC TIG for $200. I am guessing that is was a return because everything works except for the foot pedal. When I switch from thumb control to the pedal the torch is constantly hot. I am guessing that someone bought it and discovered this. Eastwoods response appears to have been to supply a new welder. That's great that they take care of their customers but it points to the major problem with most of the Asian manufactured machines. No spare parts and no service. If something happens in your warranty period you will be fine, but what happens after that. You will be stuck trying to fix it yourself or you will need to fine an independent shop who can do it. They do exist but there is no guarantee that they will be able to get parts. When I buy my next TIG it will be one that I know will be able to supply parts and give support for a decade or two.

That said for $200 I'm not complaining. It is a decent machine and you will be able to do some work with it. Even a novice like me can tell that the arc is not as nice as the Miller XTM I used in welding class. But it starts every time and I can get enough heat to multi-pass 3/8" plate.

You will need to decide if you want to get the Eastwood now and possibly have to replace it out of warranty or save and get a nice used Miller or Lincoln and be able to get it service for a few decades.