- Eastwood TIG 200 Review: All You Need to Know! - June 25, 2022
- Best Drywall Sanders – How to Find Them and Which to Buy - June 25, 2022
- Makita vs Dewalt Drill – Which is the Best Brand? - June 24, 2022
Whether you’re working on a garage improvement idea or you would like to do some auto bodywork on your own, you are going to need a powerful and versatile welder to complete these DIY home projects. This Eastwood MIG 135 review will help you understand why this tool may be an excellent choice for simple welding tasks.
The Metal Inert Gas welding isn’t difficult to master if you have the right tools. Eastwood’s model can help you learn the ropes of MIG welding as it enables you to control the voltage and wire feed speed.
Our Eastwood MIG 135 review will take you through all of the welder’s features and show you different applications for which this tool can be used.
As a home hobbyist or light fabricator, you don't need to spend more for a "brand name" industrial MIG welder. Our R&D guys developed the Eastwood MIG 135 Welder from scratch to produce excellent bead quality and capabilities that match — and even exceed — the more expensive MIG welders.
Key specifications of the Eastwood MIG 135
Knowing which type of welding tasks you want to perform will help you find the tool and the gear you need to weld different types of metal. Going through the Eastwood MIG 135’s specifications should provide you with the information you need to determine if this is the right tool for you.
Keep in mind that this model isn’t suitable for all types of welding, so if you searching for a TIG or Plasma Arc welding tools you should consider other options. Here’s a quick overview of the Eastwood 135’s key specifications:
| Range of output amperage | 25-135A |
| Rate of the wire feed | 40-468IMP |
| Input Voltage | 120VAC 60Hz |
| Maximum Input Amperage | 20V |
| Dimensions | 9.5 x16.1 x 14.5 inches |
| Weight | 56lbs |
| Length of the input power cord | 6 feet |
| Latest price | Click here for the latest price |
Core features of the Eastwood MIG 135
Although Eastwood originally made its name in the auto industry, in recent years, the company successfully positioned itself as one of the most reliable manufacturers of welding machines.
The MIG 135 model may not be as powerful as some of the company’s other products, but you can still use it on all restoration and fabrication projects. Also, the unit is lightweight and portable which enables you to carry it with you to a job site.
Here are some of the core features the Eastwood MIG 135 has to offer.
Design
This welder is compact and it doesn’t take a lot of storage space as its dimensions are just 9.5 x16.1 x 14.5 inches. What’s more, the unit weighs 56lbs, significantly less than most tools that offer similar welding capabilities.
The tool can also be purchased with a welder cart that is equipped with safety chains and provides you with enough space to secure a gas bottle. The model’s drive roll system is made of plastic, which makes it less durable than aluminum-made drive rolls systems.
The controls are easily accessible as they are located at the front of the welder, while in the back you can find the setup chart that helps you adjust the settings to the type of metal you are welding.
Overall functionality
You don’t need a lot of welding experience in order to start using Eastwood 135, as this product is aimed at novice users and hobbyists in need of a tool that enables them to complete restoration or fabrication projects.
The unit performs best when used to weld thin sheets of metal, bicycle frames, or exhaust pipes since its duty cycle is rated at just 20% at 90A. This means that the tool can weld for two minutes at 90A continually before shutting down.
Eastwood 135 ships with a 6-foot power cord and its input voltage is set to 120VAC, so you just have to plug it into any household power outlet in order to start using it. Like all welders that produce less than 140A, this unit cannot support 220V input voltage.
Welding capacity
Eastwood 135 has just two control knobs that enable you to adjust the voltage and wire feed speed to your current needs. Moreover, the unit is equipped with the infinite voltage control feature that lets you set the voltage with a high degree of accuracy.
The model offers the 25A to 135A range which provides you with enough power to weld materials as thin as 24 gauge or as thick as 3/16-inch.
In addition, you can weld materials with ¼-inch thickness if you use the unit’s flux core welding capability, although you must first change the welder’s polarity if you want to use this feature. Eastwood 135 can feed the wire at 39-468-inches per minute, and it offers infinitely adjustable wire speed settings.
The unit is compatible with a 20172 spool gun than enables you to weld aluminum, while it also features a Tweco style torch that utilizes the common consumables. However, you won’t be able to weld thick metals with Eastwood 135 since this model wasn’t designed for heavy-duty performances.
Safety features
As we already noted, this welder’s duty cycle allows it to operate for approximately 2 out of 10 minutes at 90A before it shuts down to prevent overheating.
The thermal overload protection feature ensures that you cannot damage the welder by exceeding its duty cycle. The unit ships with a gas regulator that lets you control the pressure at which the gas is released from the bottle.
All other safety equipment you need during the welding process must be purchased separately since this model doesn’t come with any additional safety features.
As a home hobbyist or light fabricator, you don't need to spend more for a "brand name" industrial MIG welder. Our R&D guys developed the Eastwood MIG 135 Welder from scratch to produce excellent bead quality and capabilities that match — and even exceed — the more expensive MIG welders.
Additional equipment
Besides the welder, you will also get supplementary equipment that will make using the unit easier. The manufacturer includes the 0.023’’ steel MIG wire, a 0.023’’ contact tip, a gas regulator with hose, a switchable drive roller, and a wire brush in the package.
Optionally, you can purchase this model with a versa-cut 40 plasma cutter that enables you to cut through metals that are thinner than 3/8-inch. The manufacturer also offers a 28’’ tall and 27’’ long welding cart that can hold both the welder and the plasma cutter.
Affordability and Warranty
Novice welders shouldn’t spend a fortune on a new machine that allows them to perform MIG or flux core welding tasks. Eastwood MIG 135 can be purchased for less than $300, which makes it more affordable than the welders in the same amperage range.
The manufacturer will grant you a full refund if you decide that this tool isn’t the right choice for you within sixty days from the purchase.
In addition, you will get a three-year warranty if you opt for this Eastwood’s model, and you can repair all components for free in case the welder breaks down for whatever reason during that time.
The pros of the Eastwood MIG 135
- Suitable for different welding tasks – Besides allowing you to perform MIG welding jobs in the range between 25 and 135 amps, this unit can also be used for flux core welding tasks. Acquiring a 20172 spool gun will enable you to weld aluminum.
- Infinite voltage – This feature is often unavailable on inexpensive welders. Eastwood MIG 135 grants you complete control over the unit’s voltage so that you can adjust it to your needs. Moreover, the model lets you control the wire feed speed by simply turning a knob.
- Easily portable – This welder is relatively small and lightweight so you won’t have much trouble moving it around with or without the welder cart. Besides being able to use the unit for on-site jobs, you won’t need a lot of storage space for this unit.
- Excellent safety features – Overheating can be a serious problem that can damage or render a welder unusable. The thermal overload protection feature prevents you from using this tool for more than two minutes within a ten-minute interval by shutting it down automatically.
- 120VAC input voltage – The model’s input voltage is set to 120V 20A and it cannot be extended to 240V. However, you can plug this tool into any power outlet in your home, but you should keep in mind this welder isn’t going to work with a 15A circuit.
- More affordable than most tools with similar welding capabilities: Professional welding machines along with the additional equipment can cost more than a thousand dollars. The Eastwood 135 can be purchased for less than $300 and it offers a variety of welding options.
The cons of the Eastwood MIG 135
- Limited amp range – This tool cannot produce the amount of power that is necessary for heavy-duty welding jobs. Consequently, you won’t be able to weld metals that are thicker than 3/16-inch using the MIG technique or ¼-inch using the flux core welding technique.
- Plastic wire drive roll – Drive rolls feed the wire from the spool into the gun cable. A plastic wire drive roll isn’t as durable as aluminum-made wire drive rolls and in time this can cause burnback or wire spillage.
- Aimed at novice users – Eastwood MIG 135 is not a welder for professional users, as it is only suitable for quick and simple welding tasks. So, if you are new to MIG welding this tool can help you master this welding technique.
The best alternatives to the Eastwood MIG 135
Although the Eastwood 135 is one of the most popular MIG welders on the market, it is far from being your only option. There are a number of models that offer a similar or even wider amperage range than this Eastwood’s model.
We’ve selected several alternatives to the Eastwood MIG 135 model, so let’s take a look at their welding capabilities. You can check out our guide to the best welders if you want to find out more about the tools you can use for different welding techniques.
Hobart Handler 140
Even though Eastwood MIG 135 has the same duty cycle as the Hobart Handler 140, its amperage range is somewhat narrower. The Hobart Handler 140 can supply anywhere between 25 and 140 amp, while the unit can be used to weld 1/4-inch steel or thinner materials.
In addition, Hobart’s model has a wire feed speed range that spans from 40 to 700 IPM, which is much more than what Eastwood’s model can offer. The unit also has a solid aluminum wire drive that can hold both 4-inch and 8-inch spools.
Built with Hobart quality & durability, the Handler 140 is Hobart's most popular MIG welder. Operating on standard 115V household current, the Handler 140 is extremely versatile and perfect for the welder that wants to work on auto body, household repairs, farm projects or yard art projects.
Hobart Handler 140 can be used for MIG and flux core welding tasks, and it comes with the material thickness gauge that makes it easier to adjust the voltage and wire speed to different metals.
Although it is more expensive than the Eastwood MIG 135, this Hobart’s welder is still moderately priced for the features it offers. You can read our Hobart Handler 140 review to find out more about this tool.
Millermatic 211
In case you are searching for a welder that supports both 240V and 120V input, Millermatic 211 could be the right choice for you. This welder has a 40% duty cycle at 150 amps when connected to a 240V power source and a 20% duty cycle at 115 amps when powered by 120V input.
The tool is equipped with the Auto Spool Gun Detect™ technology that recognizes which type of spool gun is connected to the welder automatically.
Millermatic(R) 211 MIG Welder With Advanced Auto-Set(TM) 951603 The Millermatic(R) 211 Advanced Auto-Set(TM) with running gear and cylinder rack is a multi-voltage, 230 amp portable MIG welder that runs on both 120 volt and 240 volt input power. The inverter design of the Millermatic 211 means it draws less power, has a superior welding arc and weighs up to 40% less than other MIG welders in its class.
Like the Eastwood MIG 135, the Millermatic 211 has a thermal overload protection feature that shuts it down in case the rectifier or the main transformer is overheated. The unit lets you weld metals that have up to 1/8-inch thickness, which makes it suitable for most home-based DIY projects.
However, Miller’s model is much more expensive than the Eastwood MIG 135, since it costs more than a thousand dollars.
Lincoln Electric Pro-MIG 180
A fully adjustable drive system or a wide welding output range are just a few reasons why Lincoln Electric Pro-MIG 180 is considered one of the best welders on the market. The unit offers an impressive 30% duty cycle at 130 amps, and it supports 220V and 240V inputs.
Moreover, Lincoln’s model enables you to set the wire feed speed anywhere in the range between 50 and 500 IPM, while its brass-to-brass gun connection enhances conductivity. The tool’s welding output covers the 30 to 180 amp range which enables you to weld ½-inch thick materials.
The arc-starting technology this welder uses eliminates spatter and provides you with enough time to adjust the unit’s settings. What’s more, this model ships with gasless and MIG nozzles that minimize weld defects and extend the life of consumables.
This tool can be used for both MIG and flux core welding tasks, and you will get a three-year warranty if you opt for the Lincoln Electric Pro-MIG 180.
The Pro MIG 180 is for farm, light fabrication, auto or home projects! If you have access to 208/230 volt input power, you can weld on thicker material. Simple two knob control makes it easy to tackle thin steel, stainless or aluminum sheet metal with MIG or thicker steel with flux-cored welding. 
Frequently asked questions about the Eastwood MIG 135
Answer: You can weld any metal that is thin as 24 gauge or as thick as 3/16-inch. This means that you will be able to complete most restoration and fabrication projects. The tool’s flux core capabilities make it suitable for farm owners.
Answer: No, extending thetool’s amperage range beyond 25 to 135 amps is not possible, and you should consider some of the alternative options if you need a welder that has a wider amperage range.
Answer: This welder has a 20% duty cycle rating at 90 amps, which means that you can use it for approximately 2 minutes every ten minutes. The duty cycle rating increases or decreases together with the amperage, so the exact duration of a single welding session depends on the output amperage.
Answer: This Eastwood’s model ships with a gas regulator and you don’t have to purchase this component separately.
Final thoughts – Who can benefit the most from getting the Eastwood MIG 135
Mastering MIG welding takes time and practice, but in order to polish your welding skills, you need a tool that enables you to do that.
Eastwood MIG 135 is a great choice for inexperienced welders who want to work with relatively thin metals and perform basic MIG and flux core welding tasks. The unit offers a relatively wide amperage output and it enables you to control the wire feed speed effortlessly.
What’s more, this Eastwood’s model is equipped with a thermal overload protection feature that prevents you from overheating the tool while welding two sheets of metal or a bicycle frame.
However, you won’t be able to weld thick metals with this unit, and you must search for a more powerful option if you want to work with metals that are thicker than 1/4-inch.
Hopefully, our Eastwood MIG135 review helped you determine if this welder is a good addition to your workshop. Leave a comment and let us know or check out our power tools guide to learn more about the tools you can use on your home improvement project.
