In Brief: Eastwood MP250i Review
With a focus on auto repair and hobby customers, the Eastwood company creates high-quality welding equipment designed to handle the types and thicknesses of metal most commonly found in vehicle repair. The Eastwood MP250i welding machine brings convenient and powerful welding to shops and garages with three different methods to choose from.
The Eastwood company began in 1978 with a heavy focus on welding equipment and materials designed for auto repair use.
Today, the company still pays attention to its auto hobby and shop customers and provides products built for these purposes first and foremost.
The Eastwood MP250i welding machine covers three types of welding in one convenient package. This machine provides powerful welding functions perfect for shop work or advanced DIY jobs.
Key Specifications of the Eastwood MP250i
Unlike many of its competitors, the Eastwood MP250i welding machine handles MIG, TIG, and stick welding all in the same machine.
This impressive setup makes it easier than ever to complete auto repair welding jobs in a snap.
Check out the Eastwood MP250i in action here –
Read the long list of Eastwood MP250i specs below:
Parameters | Details |
---|---|
Type | MIG, TIG, Stick |
Voltage | 1-phase 240V+/-10% 1-phase 120V+/-10% |
Frequency | 50/60Hz |
Input Current | 240V @ 47.3/35.7/53.5 120V @ 42/31.2/51/1 |
Output Voltage | 240V @ 16.5-26.5/10.6-20/21-30 120V @ 16.5-21/10.6-15.6/21-25.6 |
Duty Cycle | 60% @ 250amp |
Dimensions | 36 in. x 21 in. x 31 in. |
Weight | 150lbs. |
Warranty | Check Manual |
Features | Dual voltage Spool gun ready Multi-use Extra-long torches |
Accessories | 15ft. MIG torch 15ft. TIG torch 15ft. electrode holder 15ft. ground cable Consumables Gas bottle chains and hose |
Unique Features
Enjoy the convenient multi-use design of this dual voltage welding machine. The Eastwood MP250i gives auto repair shops the ability to pick the right welding technique for almost any job.
Multi-Use
This machine works out of the box for MIG, TIG, and stick welding and can be set up for any of these in just a few short minutes.
Dual Voltage
The dual voltage design allows this welding machine to work on household current or a more powerful input if necessary.
Spool Gun Ready
Since this machine comes ready for use with a spool gun, it can even be used for flux core welding with upgrades.
Square Wave Inverter
The built-in square wave inverter creates powerful outputs and beautiful, professional-grade welding results.
Extra-Long Torches
With fifteen-foot cables on all of the included torches, this welding machine ensures convenient usage from a distance, which is ideal for detailed vehicle work.
Performance & Ease of Transportation
Backed by exceptional performance, this welding machine finds its place in many garages and shops despite its somewhat limited mobility.
Performance
The Eastwood MP250i welding machine packs enough power to complete welding jobs on a variety of thicknesses. It functions on both mild steel and stainless steel, and it can handle aluminum with the spool gun attachment.
This machine holds up well to long-term use. It works nicely as the main welding machine for vehicle repair shops and handles daily work with no trouble.
The internal components and outer shell of this welder provide durable, long-lasting support that keeps the machine running smoothly.
Ease of Transportation
At 150 pounds, this welding machine offers much less portability than some of the others available from this company.
However, what it lacks in transportation it makes up for in convenience and plenty of built-in features.
The machine works on two voltage currents, which makes it easy to move from place to place in terms of outlets and power supplies. When mounted on a utility cart, it becomes much more convenient to transport.
Weld Quality and Available Options
The Eastwood MP250i welding machine creates impressive results that live up to the Eastwood brand name.
Customers who work with mild steel and stainless steel enjoy the high-quality professional welds they can create, even without a lot of experience.
The machine lays down smooth beads and welds hot, so customers have no trouble getting clean results.
Although the Eastwood MP250i welding machine comes in just one option, customers often add the following to enhance the experience:
- Spool gun: The welder comes ready for spool gun mounting, so you can simply purchase a spool gun and hook it up for immediate use.
- Utility cart: Because of this welding machine’s size, customers often purchase it with a welding cart or running gear to make transportation easier.
- Consumables kit: Stock up on everything you need to use your welding machine for months to come with a consumables kit.
Ease of Maintenance, Repairs & Warranty
The Eastwood company web site offers a few replacement parts for consumables and exterior components of this welding machine. However, the company does not offer replacement parts for interior pieces.
Customers should contact a licensed repair technician to handle the replacement of internal components.
Always unplug the machine from its power supply before performing routine maintenance. Leave it unplugged for 30 minutes to prevent the risk of electric shock.
Check the consumables on this machine every three months, or more often if it sees more frequent use.
At the same time, use compressed air to clean out the vents. Remove the cover and use compressed air to gently clean the visible parts of the interior.
Every six months, or more often if necessary, check connections and terminals. Clean any pieces that become rusty or dirty. Replace damaged cables and other peripherals.
The Eastwood MP250i welding machine comes with a warranty from the Eastwood company. This warranty covers three years of parts and labor for the main welder itself.
The warranty excludes electrodes, collets, consumables, nozzles, ground clamps, and cables.
For more warranty information, contact the Eastwood company’s customer service at 1-800-345-1178.
FAQs
No. This machine offers TIG, MIG, and stick welding capabilities. It cannot perform plasma cutting.
Yes. This machine handles 6010 rods easily.
No. This machine allows only scratch-starting for TIG welding.
To run this machine on a generator, the generator must provide at least 15,000 watts. The machine does not require a generator and can run on dual voltage currents.
Price of the Eastwood MP250i
The Eastwood MP250i welding machine comes in at the high end of many customers’ budgets. In comparison to other welders with similar features, it costs a bit more.
This machine’s price comes from its multiple included welding techniques as well as all the peripherals that come with it.
The Eastwood brand name and commitment to quality as well as the welder’s included items and features make this machine’s value well worth its price.
Who Should Buy the Eastwood MP250i?
Shop owners who need a main or secondary welding machine for auto repair work enjoy using the Eastwood MP250i.
This welding machine comes with enough features to handle a wide variety of auto repair and bodywork.
Home hobbyists and DIYers who spend a lot of time working on cars and other vehicles also find plenty of uses for this machine.
The welder performs beautifully and creates strong welds that hold.
This machine works best for experienced welders who understand at least two of the included techniques.
Our Recommendation
The Eastwood MP250i welding machine provides high-quality welding through three different methods.
It comes ready to use right out of the box and offers the ability to upgrade for even more welding solutions later, too.
We recommend this welder for experienced hobbyists in need of a machine to handle work several days a week. We also recommend it for professionals looking for a convenient shop welder.
Last update on 2024-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API