On one hand I agree with Gregweld that buying for long term investment will be better overall, and getting quality used equipment over cheap new stuff, too, will be better in the long run. On the other this can still be an expensive route and when starting out this just may not be an option.
I have bought my share of cheap tools over the years, and some I still have to this day. They work great and I didn't spend that much. Others I have thrown out after the first attempted use (waste of $$, see above) In the case of Eastwood, I would recommend them for starter equipment. My first welder was the Eastwood 135. It came with the cart, mask, and wire for less than $500 with a 3 year replacement warranty. I've used it a fair amount on my Firebird build, and eventually one of the components failed on it. I called Eastwood and while they offered to replace the entire welder, I opted for just the replacement part. After installing said replacement part the welder still didn't work right so then they replaced the entire unit free of charge, including shipping. On top of that they sent me the new welder first, and only after I received it I returned the old one. Their service is really hard to beat.
On top of that they really make a point to call out the fact that they use better quality internal components versus many other overseas made equipment. They also have videos on youtube to showcase their product.
I have since bought a Miller 211 and I use this most of the time, but I kept the Eastwood and still use it for thinner gauge welding as the 211 doesn't seem to weld as smoothly on the thinner metal. Also, I can keep different thickness wire in each piece to save time and changing the wire all the time.
I hope this is helpful.
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