Best MIG under $500

Mikedip7 · Jul 13, 2015

I'm slowly swapping out my extremely cheap harbor freight equipment with some decent stuff. Recently swapped out my little HF buzz box for an ESAB stick/TIG.

On that note, I've got a lot of buddies asking me to weld up small stuff, so I'm looking for a new MIG welder capable of welding up to 1/4" steel. And maybe aluminum exhaust tube.

I was looking at the Eastwood MIG 175, reviews look decent but I figured you guys would know best. Oh, I said new because it's going on my credit card.

bull706 · Jul 13, 2015

Lincoln 180, Lowe's.
put on lowe's card and get 5% off.
get a 10 or 20% off coupon, that float around the internet.
*
steel only, though.
*
a friend has Eastwood welder and hates it.

mechanic416 · Jul 13, 2015

I had a Eastwood 175 here in the shop for a few weeks seemed to work well. The Lincoln 180 from lowes or home depot are ok units as well.

Oscar · Jul 13, 2015

was just using my eastwood MIG175 not two minutes ago to dial in some settings for 1/8" steel. Works just fine for me. Just a hobbyist though, for me works just fine.

Oscar · Jul 14, 2015

PEEK A BOO! :laugh: I hope you Lincoln die-hards don't lynch me, I was in Home Depot tonight, and my MIG sure could use a cover, it gets very dusty inside, since it lives outside.

bryanmartin · Jul 27, 2015

I've been using the snot out of my Eastwood MIG 175 for about 4 years and I love it. The thing is a workhorse. I occasionally use the Miller 211 that's at work, but I prefer my machine. Before the lynching, I'm not saying it's superior to the Miller, I'm just more use to it/comfortable with it. What I will say is that I've always found Miller charts to be way too cold, the Eastwood chart is spot on.

Oscar · Jul 27, 2015

bryanmartin said:
the Eastwood chart is spot on.

there's a obvious typo on the Eastwood MIG175 chart for one of the heat/wire-feed setttings. Can you spot it? it happens :laugh:

Best MIG under $500

Top Contributors this Month

Recommended Communities