The Eastwood company has been part of the DIY and automotive community since 1978. Their motto is “Do the job right,” but to do it, you will need the right tools.
Today, they produce more than 4000 unique products. However, Eastwood welders really stand out from the crowd.
This article will discuss some of the best Eastwood welders, their specifications, features, the good, and the bad. By the end, you should tell if they are your cup of tea but trust me, you will be pleasantly surprised
Best Eastwood Welders – Comparison Table
| Welder Image | Name | Welding Process | Output Current Type | Maximum Welding Range | Duty cycle | Dual Voltage | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Eastwood 180 Amp MIG Welder | Primer Days Sale Ends:10/13/22 | MIG/FC | 120V: 30 - 120 Amp 240V: 30 - 180 Amp | Mild Steel and Stainless: up to 5/16" (3/16" on 120V) Aluminum: 14 to 1/4" (Spool Gun) | 120V: 60% @ 65 Amp 240V: 60% @ 130 Amp | Yes | Check Current Price |
 Eastwood TIG 200 AC/DC | Primer Days Sale Ends:10/13/22 | TIG/SMAW AC-TIG & DC-TIG | 240V: 10-200 Amp | up to 1/4" | 25% at 200 Amp | no | Check Current Price |
 Eastwood ARC200i | Primer Days Sale Ends:10/13/22 | SMAW Can be Converted For TIG Welding | 220: 20-200 Amp | up to 3/8” | 220V: 15% @ 200Amp | no | Check Current Price |
 Eastwood Elite MP200i | Primer Days Sale Ends:10/13/22 | DC-TIG/MIG /SMAW/FC | 240V: 20-200 Amp | up to 3/8” | 230V 20% @ 200 Amp 120V 40% @ 90 Amp | Yes | Check Current Price |
 Eastwood 90 Amp Flux Core | Primer Days Sale Ends:10/13/22 | FC | 120V: 60-90 Amp | from 20-gauge to 1/8" | 20% @90 Amp | No | Check Current Price |
Best Eastwood Welder – Reviews
All Eastwood welders offer great value for the money spent, but we listed the machines that stand out as the best in their category. Therefore, we’ll talk about the best MIG, Flux core, STICK, and Multi-process and TIG welders.
1. Eastwood 180 Amp MIG Welder With Spool Gun – Best Eastwood MIG Welder
Choosing the best Eastwood MIG welding machine wasn’t an easy task. While Eastwood MIG 140 is one of the most popular MIG welders among weekend warriors and hobbyists, we highlight MIG 180 due to its higher versatility.
Eastwood 180 MIG welder offers dual voltage capability and vast amperage output of 30-180 amps. So you can work at a home shop, garage, farm, and ranch and tackle light-duty projects, just like MIG 140. However, once you feel you need more power, you can plug it into 240V output. Therefore, you can weld 24 ga. up to 5/16″ thick materials.
A spool gun that is included in the package increases overall versatility. It is scarce to see an aluminum gun in the sub $600 price range. For example, most brand-name machines such as Hobart Handler 190 or Miller Millermatic 190 sell it separately or as part of a much more expensive bundle. So with Eastwood MIG 180, you can weld mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum up to 1/4″ straight out of the box.
In addition, you can achieve more with the rated duty cycle of 30% at the maximum output of 180 amps. Most transformer-based machines offer a 30% duty cycle at half of the power (90-100 amps).
Overall, Eastwood 180 amp MIG welder packs quite a few features for its price range. You get a spool gun, 2T/4T mode, and Tack weld feature packed into a compact and lightweight (25.3 lbs) IGBT Inverter.
As for the drawbacks, some find leads a bit short. Even though you can use it for Flux-core welding, you don’t get a knurled roller, while Handler 190 offers a QuickSelect drive roll mechanism. In addition, you can only fit 11 pounds of MIG wire, while some 8″ spools can weigh more.
A full review of the Eastwood 180 Amp MIG Welder can be found here.
Pros & Cons Summarized
Pros
- Capable of MIG and flux core welding
- Dual voltage welding machine
- Included spool gun allows MIG welding aluminum
- A metal wire feed mechanism provides optimum MIG welding
- 2T/4T and tack mode features
- High duty cycle
- Noticeable improvement over Eastwood 175 or Eastwood MIG 135 welder
Cons
- You can only fit 11 lbs of wire
- No knurled roller for flux core welding
Specifications
- Power Voltage:1 Phase, 120VAC / 240VAC, 60 Hz
- Rated Duty Cycle:
120V: 60% @ 65 Amps
240V: 60% @ 130 Amps - Wire Feed Rate (IPM/Inches Per Minute):120V: 80 – 280 IPM 240V: 80 – 551 IPM
- Weldable materials: mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum
- Wire Sizes:0.023”(0.6mm) – 0.030”(0.8mm) mig wire0.030”(0.8mm) – 0.035”(0.9mm) flux core wire
- Welding Wire Spool:4” and 8” spool, up to 11 lbs
- Maximum Welding Range – Mild Steel: 5/16″
- Output Current Range:
120V: 30 – 120 Amps,
240V: 30 – 180 Amps - Weight:25.3 lbs (11.5 kg)
2. Eastwood TIG 200 AC/DC – Best Eastwood TIG Welder
Eastwood offers two TIG welding machines, TIG 200 AC/DC and TIG 200 Digital. Even though both Eastwood TIG welders are great, we crowned TIG 200 AC/DC due to its value.
Eastwood 200 amp AC/DC TIG package includes items that value a lot more than its price range of sub $900. You get everything you need to weld straight out of the box, including tungsten. In addition, we were surprised with a flex-head torch, rocker-style foot pedal, precise gas flow meter, and gas lens kit.
When sold separately, these accessories value over $300. This TIG welder can output 10-190 amps, meaning you can use it up to 1/4″ thick materials. In addition, this model offers AC/DC, meaning you can do TIG aluminum welding or join mild and stainless steel with it.
With the clean high-frequency start and square-wave inverter welding, you are set for excellent results when TIG welding aluminum. However, TIG 200 Digital we mentioned offers AC pulse, Spot, 2T/4T, and AC frequency control. So if you are looking to tackle aluminum at a professional level, TIG 200 Digital might be a more specialized welder.
Nonetheless, TIG 200 AC/DC will perform just fine. You can weld more extended periods with a given duty cycle of 60% rated at 190 amps. Keep in mind that most brand-name transformers such as Miller Diversion offer a 20-30% duty cycle.
Overall, this is a well-built and sturdy inverter weighing 38 lbs. You don’t get the professional features Miller Dynasty offers, but it will suit hobbyist needs. TIG 200 AC/DC provides relatively short leads (6″ power chord) like other Eastwood machines.
Keep in mind that Eastwood TIG 200 is also capable of stick welding. Unfortunately, you don’t get a stick electrode holder, while most budget-friendly options like YesWelder TIG 250P provide it.
More writing on Eastwood TIG 200 AC/DC can be found here where it compared with lincoln Electric Squerewave 200
Pros & Cons Summarized
Pros
- AC/DC TIG welder
- Capable of AC power TIG aluminum welding
- Accessories such as rocker-style foot pedal and gas regulator with gas hose offer excellent value
- Square wave inverter with high-frequency start
- Wide amperage control
- Straightforward control panel
- Lightweight among TIG welding machines
- Increased efficiency
Cons
- Several TIG welders offer features such as AC pulse and frequency or 2T/4T mode
- Stick welding electrode holder is not included
- Short power chord
Specifications
- Input Voltage:
Single-Phase 120vAC or 240vAC @ 50-60Hz - Weldable materials:
mild steel, stainless, aluminum - Input Current Adjustment TIG:240v: 10-190 amps |. 120v: 10-145 amps
- Input Voltage TIG:240v: 10.4v – 17.6v | 120v: 10.4v – 15.8v
- TIG Welding
AC Duty Cycle (%):240v 60% at 190 amps and 100% at 143 amps | 120v 60% at 100 amps and 100% at 77 amps - AC Balance: 10-50%
- AC Frequency: 30-200hz (10-100amps), 30-100hz (above 100amps)
- Spot Timer: (0.01-5 sec)
- Pulse Frequency: (0.1-800 Hz)
- Pulse Ratio: 10-90%
- Torch Control: 2T/4T
- Weight:38 lbs.
3. Eastwood ARC200i – Best Eastwood Stick Welder
Eastwood ARC200i is a compact and lightweight Stick/Arc welder rated at 200 amps. You can use it to weld thin sheet metal and heavy gauge steel up to 3/8″ thick.
The rated duty cycle of 15% at a maximum output of 200 amps is more than enough for medium to light-duty welding projects. Also, with 11.9 lbs, you will find it more than easy to carry around.
You can use 1/16″ up to 3/16″ rods, but this DC stick unit can struggle with 6010 electrodes as with other budget-friendly inverter welders.
Since this is a 200-amp rated Stick welder, you need a 220V power input. Meanwhile, most 200 amp stick welders on the market provide a dual-voltage capability. For example, budget-friendly options such as YesWelder Arc 205A and premium ESAB Rogue ES 180i offer 110V/220V input.
Nonetheless, you get Hot-Start and Anti-Stick features that are a must-have today. Hot Start rises amperage when striking an arc, preventing your electrode from sticking. The Anti-Stick feature does pretty much the same, but it works while welding by fluctuating amperage. Therefore, this is an excellent Stick welder for hobbyists and beginners.
Eastwood ARC200i is also capable of DC TIG welding. You just have to flip a switch to change the welding mode. Unfortunately, you don’t get TIG welding accessories in the essential bundle. However, TIG accessories are almost always left out of the package, as most brand-name and budget options such as Forney Easy Weld 298 or Hobart Stickmate sell it separately.
Some welders complain about the short six ft. power cord. In addition, some welders offer shoulder straps that increase the portability, but you don’t get one with Eastwood Arc200i. However, we warmly recommend this more than capable, well-built, and decent Stick welder.
Pros & Cons Summarized
Pros
- Compact, lightweight but durable welder
- You can use 1/16″ up to 3/16″ rods
- Great for thick steel
- Hot start and anti-stick features
- You can carry it around with ease
- Can also be used as a TIG welder
- Precise arc control
Cons
- Relatively low working cycle
- 220V only welder
- Can struggle with 6010 electrodes
- TIG welding set is not included
Specifications
- Input Voltage: 220-240 VAC, 50/60Hz
- Output Amperage Range: 20-200 Amps DC
- Weldable metals: mild steel
- Maximum Input Amperage: 37.2 Amps
- Rated Duty Cycle: 15% @ 200Amps
- Rod Diameter: 1/16″ to 3/16″
- Rod Material: E6013, E7014, E7018, Stainless Steel
- Weight: 11.9 lbs. (5.4kg)
4. Eastwood Elite MP200i – Best Eastwood Multi-process Welder
The latest and improved Elite MP200i is an outstanding, versatile, and lightweight multi-process welder best for automotive restoration projects and other DIY works. If you are looking for a capable all-in-one machine for your garage or small shop, this is the right welder for you.
With Eastwood Elite MP200i, you can MIG, Flux core, TIG, and Stick weld. The best part is that you get the right accessories to do it. MIG gun and electrode holder are outstanding, and you even get a TIG torch. Meanwhile, most manufacturers leave out the TIG torch from the bundle, and that’s the case with Miller Millermatic 200 and YesWelder MIG205DS.
Latest Eastwood Elite MP200i offers a dual voltage option, as you can use both 110V/220V power input. When working at 110V, Eastwood Elite MP200i can output 30-90A, while at 220V, output extends to 30-200A. However, this welder can go as low as 30 amps, which is not great for thinner materials.
Remember that this welder is a DC-only machine with a scratch start, meaning you cannot TIG weld aluminum. However, Eastwood Elite MP200i is spool gun-ready. So, if you plan to weld aluminum occasionally, you will have to buy a separately sold MP140i or MP200i spool gun.
Looking at Elite MP200i, it leaves an impression as a well-constructed and sturdy multi-process welder. Yet, it weighs only 34 lbs, which is lightweight for a multi-process welder. In addition, a metal feeder grants smooth wire feed even after ages of service.
Money-wise, Eastwood Elite MP200i multi-process welder ranks somewhat in a middle price range. This unit is significantly cheaper than high-end options such as Lincoln Power MIG 210 MP. Still, it might be more expensive than budget-friendly options such as YesWelder MIG205DS.
Pros & Cons Summarized
Pros
- Multiple welding processes are available
- Powerful MIG welder
- Dual voltage capability
- You get everything you need to weld straight out of the box
- You can use it with solid core wire or for flux core welding
- Tweco style torch
- Welds mild, stainless steel, and aluminum with optional spool gun
- Won’t break your bank
Cons
- DC only machine
Specifications
- Input power:VAC 120-230 Frequency:50/60 Hz
- Rated input current:20 Amps 120 VAC – 36 Amps 230 VAC
- MIG welding current:30-90 A @ 120 VAC | 30-200 A @ 230 VAC
- TIG current:20-90 A @ 120 VAC | 20-200 A @ 230 VAC
- Stick welding current:30-70 A @ 120 VAC | 30-170 A @ 230 VAC
- Rated duty cycle:120 VAC 40% @ 90A – 230 VAC 20% @ 200A
- Welding range: Welds up to 3/8” thick steel
- Weight:34 lbs.
5. Eastwood 90 Amp Flux Core – Best Eastwood Flux Core Welder
Eastwood 90 amp Flux core is a decent and compact machine for garage and home shop projects. To run it, you will need a 120V input and a 15 amp breaker which is regular in any household. That’s why Eastwood 90 amp flux core welder is one the best machines for your everyday home use.
This machine can output a maximum of 90 amps, and you can fit up to .030 thick flux core wire. That means you can use it to weld steel 20 ga up to 1/8″ thick.
However, a rated duty cycle of 20% at 90 shows you won’t be able to work for too long since welders such as Forney Easy Weld 261 or YesWelder Flux 135 offer more, usually 30-60% work cycle.
Even though there are cheaper options on the market, such as the VIVOHOME Portable welder, the reliability of US-based companies is unmatched. That’s why we warmly recommend Eastwood machines in general.
Overall, this transformer-based unit is quite reliable and durable, best for light-duty jobs on the field. However, you shouldn’t expect the same welding power as the expensive flux core welding machines with dual voltage output can provide. In addition, 6″ torch and power cord leads will bind you to a power source and welder.
Nonetheless, you will be more than satisfied when considering the 3-year warranty and affordable price.
Pros & Cons Summarized
Pros
- Great for light-duty outside projects
- You can plug it in an ordinary household outlet
- Reliable and durable
- Affordable
- 3-year warranty included
Cons
- Low working cycle
- Short leads
Specifications
- Input Voltage: 110-120VAC
- Output Range: 60-90 Amps
- Duty Cycle: 20% @90 Amps
- Weld Material: Steel, Stainless Steel
- Maximum Weld: 1/8″
- Weight: 36 lbs.
- Torch: Tweco Style
- Torch Length: 6′
- Power Source: Transformer
About Eastwood Company
The automotive refurbishing market began to take off in the 1970s, and that’s when Curt Strohacker realized enthusiasts would need the right tools to do it right. So in the fall of 1978, Curt launched a business called Eastwood.
Since its inception, the Eastwood brand has recognized that change constantly takes place in the marketplace. As a result, Eastwood has seen increased requests for products geared towards muscle cars, street rods, trucks, and motorcycles.
So today, Eastwood continues to prove its dedication to offering unique solutions to the challenges facing restoration and customization enthusiasts.
What Do Eastwood Welders Have In Common?
While reading customer experiences and writhing these Eastwood welder reviews, we noticed some things that all Eastwood models have in common. Similarities refer to build quality, capability, market orientation, features, and much more.
Build Quality
The first look at any Eastwood welder leaves an impression of a sturdy machine built to last and perform. For example, many cheap overseas welders seem like they will fall apart.
State-of-the-art internal components follow the visual quality. For instance, Eastwood produces MIG welders that feature a complete metal wire drive wire feeding mechanism. Older models like Eastwood MIG 135 welder or Eastwood 175 included plastic feeders that tend to lose reliability after frequent use.
Luckily, Eastwood is known for its tendency to acknowledge customer needs. That’s why the latest models are significantly improved.
Accessories and Consumables
Besides the high build quality, Eastwood also provides decent accessories. MIG gun, TIG torches, and Stick electrode holders are comfortable, durable, and well built. Even though some brand-name companies such as Hobart, Miller, or Lincoln provide high-end torches, Eastwood accessories use Tweco style consumables.
That means you don’t have to buy expensive consumables tailored to fit unique accessories. Instead, you can find them in any local welding shop or even after-hours markets.
On the other hand, many disliked the length of the leads. Torches usually offer ten ft. leads, while power chords are approximately 6″ long. Other manufacturers such as Forney feature 10-15″ long leaders, allowing you more flexibility in the workshop.
Welding Capabilities
All Eastwood welders provide excellent and well-tested welding capability. While some manufacturers claim their machines can do much more, Eastwood clearly states the upper and lower welding power. That’s why you can suit your needs according to the given specifications.
In addition, IGBT inverters provide a higher duty cycle, which affects your productivity. So, we can say Eastwood welders are capable and efficient.
Who Are Eastwood Welders Designed For?
Eastwood’s welders were mainly designed for automotive DIY project enthusiasts, but they found their way to an evergrowing hobbyist industry. The company set its goals straight, leading to great success.
That’s why today, Eastwood welders are not accounted as high-end professional machines, but you will undoubtedly feel like a pro once you start using them. So what’s the best part about it?
First, you don’t have to spend a fortune on features you are most likely not to use anyways. However, professional welders are looking to use advanced features,so you might have to look further.
Don’t get me wrong; you won’t be disappointed by any Eastwood welder, but you shouldn’t expect the same performance high-end Miller or Lincoln units offer.
