Eastwood mig-135 welder, what do you think?

[SixGun]

http://www.jegs.com/i/Eastwood/352/12011/10002/-1&?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20160525email
Looking at it for a first welder.
What do you think?  Any concerns or issues?

[crazzywolfie]

it looks like a pretty nice welder. it has quite a few good reviews. only thing i would recommend is getting a real welding mask. the ones that come with those are ok but nothing great. i got one of those auto darkening mask and i really like it but some people don't like them that much

[ProjectPW]

probably a good little box... make sure you get a bottle of C25 welding gas and proper wire from your local welding supply. Do not even mess with flux core unless you like messy welds. I like .035" for most projects, but .030" or .025" is better for small stuff like thin sheet metal

[SixGun]

Thanks for the input guys.  I better order one before they are all gone.

[crazzywolfie]

Do not even mess with flux core unless you like messy welds.

flux core is not that bad. it is definitely different than running solid core wire but once you get use to it it is not that bad.

[ProjectPW]

flux core is not that bad. it is definitely different than running solid core wire but once you get use to it it is not that bad.

It works it just is a mess... also harder to grind. I just like pretty welds   I learned with flux core because I didn't know any better. If the machine is setup for gas there is no point in  not using it....

[SixGun]

So I ran my first few beads today and I have to say beads is an accurate assessment. Did the flux core to get my feet wet. Splatter was the word for today Lol.  Trying to get it to puddle. Any hints? Also should the wire be touching the item? Seems to want to puddle with it not touching.

Thanks for any input.

[ProjectPW]

So I ran my first few beads today and I have to say beads is an accurate assessment. Did the flux core to get my feet wet. Splatter was the word for today Lol.  Trying to get it to puddle. Any hints? Also should the wire be touching the item? Seems to want to puddle with it not touching.

Thanks for any input.

turn the heat up

add enough speed so that it is not pushing your hand back

adjust as necessary and go get a bottle of C25 and some good wire

[SixGun]

I ran into the issue of the wire seemed to be coming out too fast so I turned it down. I watched quite
a few videos but noticed a steady bead.  Mine seemed to come out in small bursts. I tried turning up the heat but it seemed to shut down with no arc at all.  The welder was still on since the fan was still on.  I was under the impression that this model worked on household current. It says 120 but isn't a home on 110? I also read that someone recommended a 30 amp breaker but all mine are 20. I just wonder if it's not allowing full amperage to the welder.

So basically that is where I stand right now. Either I need an electrician or the welder is screwed possibly.

Oh btw, I did change the polarity for flux core welding and purchased some .035 wire.  I really wanted to try out the flux core since I would be welding outside and trying to limit stuff in my small stuffed garage. I may have to get the tank eventually.

[crazzywolfie]

i don't think the 20 amp breaker should be limiting it that much. i am pretty sure that is all i got where i am and my welder runs pretty good most of the time. the biggest thing is just making sure the settings are setup just right for what you are welding

[SixGun]

I found that using the washing machine's dedicated outlet using a heavy gauge extension cord seemed to help and also cleaned up ground and weld area too.
Welder has recommended settings but I went with -1 temp and +1 wire speed.  Test beads on smaller gauge box tube  come out nice but when I try to duplicate on heavier box tube seem choppy.  To compensate I had to go over with a second pass to try and fill in the gaps. Comes out lumpy.
Decided to grind them down for a smoother look.  I think on next attempt I will try a cooler arc.  At this higher temp it seems to zap and pop the wire preventing it from pooling.  Does that sound too hot? 

In any event, here's a first attempt.  It's a back rack for a headache rack I already have. There's 2 tabs on top for reverse lights and the 2 angle brackets are to support a luggage rack.

[ProjectPW]

lookin' good practice makes perfect