Trying out MIG welding for the first time - Eastwood MIG 135

I recently won an Eastwood MIG 135 from the Eastwood KZbin channel. Here are some first impressions of the machine and a look at what awaits you if you’re trying MIG welding for the first time.
Learn more at / heres-what-trying-out-... .
Related links:
Eastwood MIG 135: www.eastwood.com/mig-welder-1...
Eastwood Company KZbin channel: / @eastwoodco
WeldingTipsandTricks' MIG welding training playlist: • Mig Welding Basics
JOEZ versus the Harbor Freight MIG welder: • #IAmACreator Dump pick...
Find me on social media:
Twitter: / andrewreuter
Instagram: / reuter_andrew
Facebook: / projectlab.how
I hope you liked this video! If you want to see more, then consider subscribing. And if you have any thoughts or questions, please share them in the comments below. I try to respond to anyone who stops by.
Thanks for watching!

[@scottsinfl]

3:50 My video on how to drill a bed rail. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKDCq3-cZt6or7M. That welder seams to work good for thin stuff. Mine will burn threw patch panel sheet metal stuff.

[@AndrewReuter]

That is awesome! Thanks for the trick! Subscribed!

[@guillermonieri4203]

Thank you. I just bought one, but it will be a few weeks before I get a chance to use it. Thank you for confirming my good purchase.

[@AndrewReuter]

You're welcome! Have fun!

[@adventurecapture754]

Might want to bump the shielding gas down. The outer black graph is for LPH. You're double what you want. The inner red graph is CFH. You are at about 42 CFH. This will help you save some gas.

[@AndrewReuter]

Whoa! Thanks for the tip! The stuff is not cheap, so you just saved me some money. I gave you a shout out on Twitter: twitter.com/andrewreuter/status/999491075034279936. Thanks again!

[@adventurecapture754]

Andrew Reuter you're welcome. Now its time for some more welding projects.

[@dillwiggle2]

You really don't even need more than 15cfh unless your going to do aluminum with a spool gun then you might want to bump it up to around 20cfh.

[@98270360]

Great video. Thank you. Looking to get into welding and this is the machine I been looking at. I had that same problem drilling a hole in my bed frame. Took about 30 minutes to make 1 hole. Thought my bits where junk, but it's just crazy metal!

[@brianscott2687]

I bought one of these welders last fall for a home project haven't hooked it up for for gas yet I've been using flux core and it seems to weld very nice for the money it is an awesome welder

[@MrLarryQ]

Congrats on the free welder-- Eastwood was my 2nd choice, except I already had a Lincoln 140. Have purchased other products from Eastwood in the past, excellent customer service, and you're right, their youtube channel is a must-see for anyone interested in DIY automobile restoration.

[@AndrewReuter]

Thanks! Agreed, Eastwood is great!

[@verngarris8861]

Buy american made hobart u will thank yourself over and over

[@tomsworkshop5279]

I've had mine for about 5 years and it still works great

[@AndrewReuter]

Good to hear! Can’t wait to get out in the garage to use it again, now that it has warmed up outside...

[@aeroscout8409]

Thanks for the video. I've been working on a project now for 5 or 6 months now requiring some welding. Can't find anyone willing to do the work due to insulation required to hold stainless steel pipe in place. I've come up with small change to move the welds away from the foam and do the welding myself. Looking at welding machines and KZbin for the past two hours now. Glad I came across your vid because Eastwood is one I was looking at. With your tutorial, I feeling confident about doing the welding myself. Thanks again....

[@glenrude2218]

Nice video. Just purchased this unit but have not used it yet. Bran new to welding full stop but appreciate the review.

[@henrysmith8012]

I have one of these and it's great. I think these are made by Miller for Eastwood. My shop is full of Eastwood products. Good stuff.

[@AndrewReuter]

Also good to know! Had no idea on the Miller connection. Do agree that Eastwood makes great stuff!

[@lucbegin7334]

Great video and very humorous. Thanks!

[@AndrewReuter]

Glad you enjoyed it. :) Thank you too!

[@goheat77]

great vid man thanks very well put and informative

[@AndrewReuter]

Thanks!

[@scottydntno]

That's some MAJOR over engineering for a tape measure holder

[@AndrewReuter]

Product slogan: "When you absolutely, positively need to keep your tape measure safe - this thing is still a little bit overkill."

[@cavemanjoe7972]

Also, for grinding welds down, a flap disc works great if they aren't too high.

[@HERodriguezJr]

Hi, Andrew. I love your video! Thank you for this. I just purchased my Eastwood Mig 135 last November. I just started using it in April. I totally agree with a lot of what you said here. I thought I was the only one getting sparks flying sparks up my welding helmet too! I'll purchase some anti-fog safety glasses as well. Thanks again for sharing. Great work!

[@AndrewReuter]

:) Thanks for the kind words!

[@eastwoodco]

Thanks for the kind words - glad to see you're up and running with the MIG 135!

[@AndrewReuter]

You bet! Thanks again!

[@Carta87Blanca]

Hey Eastwood I want to learn to Mig send me 1

[@jeffreysnethen9586]

I have the same machine to use when I'm not Tig welding, I switched it to flux core for projects that spatter is not an issue, you can weld hotter with flux core 1/4" thick no problem & you can throw it in your car with no bottle & run on 120 for small site repairs, been using it to build ornamental iron as well awesome little machine for the $

[@AndrewReuter]

Cool to hear. Will have to give that a try soon!

[@ShawnD__]

I've been welding stick for over a decade and just got this machine to learn mig. My reaction was the same 'holy cow'. I understand now why the new hires we get with mig experience hate learning stick

[@AndrewReuter]

😆 Good to know!

[@dannyfivefifty]

A good welder is a necessary piece of equipment for any shop.A medium price welder like the Eastwood 135 is the one I would go with.I have never welded before but it looks like with a little practice I could do a passable job.

[@AndrewReuter]

Agreed! It’s great fun, too. Good luck to you if you ever get the chance to try it out! I’m sure you’ll do great!

[@scottparrish8566]

I bought one of these about 6 months ago. Overall, I like it. When changing the wire one of the lugs (I think its the negative work lead), interferes with the upper wire guide assembly, making threading the wire a real pain unless you remove the work lead and the knob that fastens it. I have had to readjust the low pressure side of the regulator multiple times after setting it to get the flow right. I don't trust it and a flow meter will be my next purchase for it. Other than that, the welder works great! If you are using FCAW-S (flux core) splurge for the C25 tank, you will really appreciate the difference. Beware that the 80CF tank Mr. Reuter showed costs 75% of the price of the large 250cf rental tank to fill in most places. Even at 15 cfh, those little 80's go fast and in my area cost $45 to fill. As far as comparing this to a stick welder, its apples and oranges. This welder shines on thin metal and welding thin metal with a stick welder is a royal pain. That said... if you want versatile... get an oxy/acetylene torch ;)

[@AndrewReuter]

Thanks for the analysis! Great tips. Just to clarify, this is a 125 cu/ft tank.

[@FigmentsMade]

Great video! Thanks for all the info! I'm a wannabe newbie welder so this was very helpful. One of these days...

[@AndrewReuter]

Thanks! It was so easy to use, I just feel like I can do anything with it now. Can't wait to see what you do with welding someday, considering your talents!

[@FigmentsMade]

Andrew Reuter Feeling you can do anything is an awesome feeling. 😊

[@jeffheineken6709]

I agree, great for people like us.

[@RobertViani]

I've had my 135 for about 4 years...love it. Money well spent. I use flux core and have been able to use this machine on thin sheet metal and some pretty thick stuff. I think it was $289 when I bought it.

[@lowbottomcustoms1228]

Robert Viani u use flux with this to do thin metal ?

[@RobertViani]

@@lowbottomcustoms1228 Yes. Probably not nearly as neat as using gas though. I wasn't doing body work, just some sculptures, hobby stuff.

[@AndrewReuter]

Good to hear! Been tempted to try dual shield gas with flux core at some point, so good to know just straight flux works well for you.

[@stephendawg1]

Looks like someone needs a Drill Doctor. 😉 That new welder is sweet! I’d like to get the 140 someday.

[@AndrewReuter]

Agreed on all counts! And I wish you luck in that quest. I still love this thing!

[@juanjmolina]

Great review. I have noticed a ton of other video reviews highly recommending this MIG welder. The price is fair compared to other welders of its class. First time. viewer

[@AndrewReuter]

Thank you! Nice to meet you! 👍

[@CANTHINKvfhdss]

I'm going to be doing some frame repair on a old 2 place trailer for snowmobile with little 8 in tires.. It's so old that I can only fir one modern snowmobile on it. My question is what setting would be good? I'm having problems with splatter and welding wire to the tip shut. I'm the beginner but the expert uses it too and we have to fiddle with it more to get it to work

[@bobbackstein8009]

I enjoyed your video! I did notice that you set your gas to about 20 liters per minute (2.5x what you need). If you set it to 20 feet per hour your gas mix bottle will last more than twice as long. I only know this because it happened to me. Nice video, thanks:)

[@AndrewReuter]

Whoops! Thanks for the heads up and kind words! 😊

[@henrysmith8012]

Buy the Ball style flow regulator. Eastwood sells those also.

[@AndrewReuter]

Good to know!

[@dillwiggle2]

Maybe use a c-clamp to keep your bench grinder in place.

[@jeff666p]

Will this work well with a 15 amp outlet?

[@irontiger0462]

Quality drill bits make your life 1000% easier

[@AndrewReuter]

That's fair! Same for a drill press. Easy to think of it just as a precision tool, but it sure seems to help with getting through steel.

[@irontiger0462]

@@AndrewReuter You can get a decent set of Irwin 135 degree, split point, cobalt bits for $35ish. Good investment

[@jeffreysnethen9586]

hey something I forgot to mention with this machine using strait argon with a spool of silicon bronze ( switching the polarity back to mig ) you can braze with this, cast iron stuff ect. just not stuff exposed to extream heat like motor parts for that you nee aluminum bronze run on a/c

[@AndrewReuter]

Taking a screenshot of this comment to give it a try later. Thanks for the tip!

[@31chevymike]

Hi Andrew - Thank you for a great tutorial on the MIG 135! I'm having trouble with the proper settings for welding 1/8" steel with my Mig135. I'm using .030 steel wire with 75/25% Argon Mix. The settings diagram on my welder do NOT show for 1/8". Would you recommend the proper settings based on your experience? Thank you once again for any support!

[@trevor921]

That's pushing the limits of this welder you'd want 270ish ipm on the wire speed and 145ish amperage depending on the weld type you might be able to get away with less though

[@AndrewReuter]

Thanks! Sounds like Trevor knows what's he talking about; not sure I can add much. Sorry! Good luck!

[@AndrewReuter]

@Trevor Christian Sounds good to me! Thanks for sharing!

[@scirockalot8v]

I've done 1/4 in. With this welder. I set it right at J and I think 7 for wire feed. It will do it. Make sure it's on it's own 20amp breaker. It helps to bevel what you are welding as well. Especially with thick material. Perfect for around the house stuff.

[@dillwiggle2]

You need to clean that painted surface of those bed rails, will get a better looking and penetrating weld. Mig is more picky about a clean surface than stick welding is thats for sure. I never had a problem ever drilling holes or welding those bed rails, start with a nice sharp, small diameter stubby drill bit.

[@AndrewReuter]

Good tips. Thanks!

[@fireshack]

What settings did you use on the welder for wire feed and final gas setting?

[@AndrewReuter]

Tough to remember, but I believe I based it on settings on the machine/from Google.

[@melroyel2235]

Where did you get the stand for your band saw? I have the same saw.

[@AndrewReuter]

I'm gonna be honest here: I have just been clamping the band saw to the table with an Irwin quick clamp. The Harbor Freight saw has that little square piece at the bottom of the handle that makes it perfect for this. Not as stable as a proper band saw stand, but I've never had the clamp come undone or anything. However, I am working on a different band saw stand and video that should be coming soon. I'll post a reply here when it's finished.

[@melroyel2235]

Andrew Reuter Awesome, thanks.

[@angelgarcias7328]

Where can got the metal need for my car under thank s much you video thank

[@cesarestrada2745]

What are your thoughts on using this machine on frame work to motorcycles?

[@AndrewReuter]

I’m guessing the MIG 135 could handle that. But it might be smart to jump up a size just to make sure a person could always ensure adequate penetration. I’m no expert though!

[@auburnbutler159]

OMG I looked at the flash !!!

[@Hbissi]

you should work on some sponsoring for cobalt drill bits

[@AndrewReuter]

This!!! 😂

[@vilasej7507]

Great video just order one thanks to your video now do I need to use gas or can i just run of my home power🔋

[@AndrewReuter]

Thank you! You definitely need a regular 110/120 volt power outlet to run this. You don't strictly need gas to weld with it, because you can switch it over to running flux core wire without gas. But I guess it runs the best when you use regular MIG wire and 70/30 argon/CO2 gas with it. That gas tank is no small chunk of change, but you might be able to lease it instead of buying to save some money for now. Good luck!

[@Splits-man]

You give me hope. I’m not sure if this is a compliment or not but...If you can weld mig...so can I.

[@AndrewReuter]

Ha! I'll take what I can get :) Thanks and good luck! It's very fun and opens up many new possibilities in the workshop.

[@jeremysillo5540]

What was the name of the gas u were using

[@AndrewReuter]

It’s an argon/CO2 mix. 👍

[@cavemanjoe7972]

Slow the drill down, dude! Also, pilot holes are your friend. Start with a smaller bit, drill slowly for thicker metal.

[@AndrewReuter]

Good tips, thanks!

[@glennwatson3313]

I just bought one and can't get it to spark. Any suggestions?

[@AndrewReuter]

Hmmmm. Double check that you have a good ground? I know rust/paint has stopped me from getting a good connection before. Let me know if you get it figured out! Good luck!

[@glennwatson3313]

@@AndrewReuter I had to send it back.

[@angelgarcias7328]

Are metal it 3/16

[@stephboeker7835]

Nice video :) You gave me hope :) Thanks for sharing :) Suggestion : I'm no guru when it comes to metals are drilling them , but , in my 33yrs of finish carpentry installation , I've had quite a bit of experience drilling holes in metals ....... hard & soft. I've found that stepping up from smaller to larger bit sizes is the way to geaux (like you seemed to try) , but drilling slower speeds will prolly help more. There's a fine line between too fast and just the right speed. No offense, and thanks again, Sincerely ......................... Steph

[@AndrewReuter]

Good tips, no offense taken! Thank you very much, and glad to hear it!

[@angelgarcias7328]

What price for it thank you video

[@AndrewReuter]

You bet! Regular price is $329. On sale now for $299, though looks like it’s out of stock till Aug. 2: www.eastwood.com/mig-welder-110vac-135a-output.html And it’ll weld with flux core wire, according to their site; no gas needed in that case.

[@knottreel]

Don't wear sneakers when welding. As I was using flux core wire, a drop of molten metal landed on top my cloth shoe. For your information, trying to smother it out with your other foot won't put it out.

[@jessefuller2012]

Best way to kill a drill bit is high speed drilling. Slow is the way to go. You have to give the bit enough time to catch the steel!!

[@skoue4165]

I have to agree with the criticism of the super cheap HF wire welder. First it is flux core only, so you will be dealing with the slag. Second it is AC only so there is a lot more splatter than, well just about anything. Third it is HOT whenever it is on so there is a real chance of flashing yourself. "Real" MIG welders and decent flux core will be DC not AC and the tip will only be HOT when the trigger is pulled. Where fluxcore is useful is outside where wind might blow your gas coverage away. The HF is worth the money IF you have a job that is outside that would cost you more than the welder to have someone come in and weld. Especially if you are new to welding because MIG and fluxcore are just very simple at their basic level. They are the "Hot Glue Guns" of welding. For most welding though the HF is pretty bad. You have the flux to deal with and the AC just splatters a ton, so if you don't want it to look a mess you will be doing a lot of grinding. One other note. It looks like you just have the cylinder standing on the floor. That is VERY dangerous. If it falls over and you snap the regulator connection it will take off like a rocket. A tank that size, full, can go about 1/4 mile and still go through a brick wall. Tanks should be secured with a chain or clamp or whatever to something that won't let them fall over. You may have done that since the lower part isn't visible but if not please do. Even a bungee cord will be a big help. I have heard the bed frame metal is pretty junky also. When you tried to use the full sized drill without doing a pilot hole first you probably work hardened the hole, so none of the other drills had much of a chance. In steel you always need to work your way up. If you look around in scrap yards etc you can often find odd sizes of angle iron that will be a lot easier to work with. About 80% of what I have used I got for free as scrap someone wanted to get rid of. Nice build BTW.

[@MLEB723]

You should buy a tape measure with the clip on the back.

[@j.stresstl182]

Anybody able to get 1/2 inch steel welded with this machine?

[@AndrewReuter]

Have not tried it yet. But will let you know if/when I get to it!

[@j.stresstl182]

@@AndrewReuter went ahead and ordered it anyway. I'm confident it can with the right pace

[@WV591]

I got one few weeks back. not bad but much better welders out there for slightly more. if you're not using gas this welder doesn't do clean runs with just flux core no matter what settings or brand wire.

[@AndrewReuter]

Thanks for the analysis!

[@trevor921]

What would you recommend for a FCW in the same price range as this?

[@dannymeil3294]

I bought one today and it came with a small tank it’s empty but I don’t have a go buy one and it also has a welding cart. Win win 300.00 dollars and my time

[@angelgarcias7328]

How much cost this cost

[@AndrewReuter]

Answering here as well just so you see it: $329 regular price but on sale for $299. Out of stock till Aug. 2 right now though: www.eastwood.com/mig-welder-110vac-135a-output.html Take care!

[@williamshelton4265]

You could've gotten less slag with a higher setting and speed

[@04sti20]

Instead of not trusting your weld penetration after grinding you can bevel your edges

[@AndrewReuter]

I was hesitant to bevel too much because the metal is so thin. Had bad luck with that in my stick welder video; blew right through the bevels. MIG appears to be forgiving enough to give beveling a go again, though. Good call!

[@user-le8yu9mt9p]

ارجوكم ارجوكم ارجوكم المساعدة لشراء المكانة

[@Ohiocountryboy-se2cn]

Eastwood welder have a 3 year warranty. Harbor freight only has 90 days

[@AndrewReuter]

Good point!

[@Ohiocountryboy-se2cn]

Thats why im probably going with Eastwood. I have a cheap 90amp harbor freight welder now

[@user-le8yu9mt9p]

ارجوكم ارجوكم ارجوكم المساعدة لشراء الماكينة

[@larryguevara3350]

Frist time welder ?Nice used welding table.

[@garypostell5268]

Should be called spot welding

[@ronkrzyzewski8072]

Grinder and Paint hides the welder I aint!

[@shutyofacejerk]

I'm making a trailer for my submarine

[@angelgarcias7328]

You can used this welding to no gas

[@AndrewReuter]

Yup, can weld flux core without gas: www.eastwood.com/mig-welder-110vac-135a-output.html

[@AndrewMurphy8383]

should never uses stick to weld plate

[@suktalxr513]

I need job sr please help I'm from India

[@AndrewReuter]

Wish I could help. Sending prayers.

[@dillwiggle2]

I would have thought $530 for a decent mig welder and a bottle of gas was relatively cheap ? lol

[@xrockerguy]

Good god man buy some decent drill bits.

[@AndrewReuter]

😆 Finally bought some cobalt bits, for the record!

[@ChiNguyen-wf1qt]

I bought a cheap Chinese mig for 150$. Capable 120/220 volt input. Can do mig stick. I actually weld 3/8 steel single pass. These Eastwood cost three time what I paid for mine and if it break no part available. Are you a paid afvertisement

[@AndrewReuter]

Nope, not an advertisement. What machine?

[@user-le8yu9mt9p]

ارجوكم ساعدوني لشراء الماكينة

[@nancyverano6249]

Dude you need a better set of drill bits.

[@jakescorpion1]

All that to sit your tape in? Lol

[@cmw184]

So uhhhh, you really need to go slow when drilling steel.. youll wreck your drillbits

[@angelgarcias7328]

For got can do metal the car t welding with no gas thing work tray buy one

[@AndrewReuter]

Yup, it can do flux core welding for steel without gas. Sounds like gas welding works nicer than flux core, but flux core actually allows for welding thicker metal, so I’m sure it works fine. Full specs here: www.eastwood.com/mig-welder-110vac-135a-output.html

[@angelgarcias7328]

@@AndrewReuter tray put my moeny together buy it want do my chaser my car can do no gas be for buy it

[@robertpeck2241]

He try’s at least