My Lincoln 225 pro welder quit, so bought this to temporarily get by. Didn't expect much for the money. I am astonished how well it works, enjoying more than my Lincoln for following reasons;Lightweight, no heavy leads to drag. I used a 12 gauge dropcord with no issue running on 120 volts. Never tried 240v. Nice to have box setting next to you to easily adjust amps.I used 3/32 7018 on that trailer modification, even narrowed the 3 inch 7k axle tube. It takes getting used to initial arc without sticking, but tolerable. The 3/32 stainless turned way down around 55 was a pleasure. 1/8 7018 was more difficult to maintain arc, probably be fine if switched to 240v. Pretty low advertised duty cycle, BUT I needed job finished and used it continuously for weeks considering $95 expendable. It never overheated or faltered.Was nice not having engine roaring all day.Cons; compared to my Lincoln, or my Miller bobcat, it welds differently. It seems very hot, but not as much punch behind it. Not sure the numerical setting is accurate to the actual output, but it does give you a reliable setpoint even if it's not what you would normally burn a rod at. For 3/32 7018, I usually found it best set around 170, whereas my Miller usually around 120. At 170 my rod was glowing towards 3/4 used. Here's where I see the power difference; like I said, it burns hot. But if you get too much puddle it tends to stick. Miller keeps on burning. Might just be how inverter technology works, this is first time I have ever used inverter. But with some practice, I found to just keep it moving more than I normally would. IE, Miller- nice tight circles; --Inverter- longer circle, reaching out a bit further and quicker before pulling back seemed to help with sticking.Here's the fly in your pudding.I've always been cautious welding on my drill rigs/trucks as far as electrical component damage. I've Never had a single issue with standard DC welding.The first time using inverter on a Vermeer rig I didn't unhook anything, had been using Lincoln with no issue.After completing job, cranked rig. Bosch alternator was no longer charging/no tachometer (John Deere 4.5 power tech).About 5 relays for electrical system had permanently stuck.I just welded on same rig this last week, dropped ground cable from frame, disconnected new alternator, and battery. No issues.Synopsis:I highly recommend. It's different, but works excellent. I thoroughly abused it, downright tortured it burning one rod after another till glowing for hour or more before a 15 min clean up break then repeat. Best $95 I've spent in a pinch; and have been using it for everything lately unless I need 1/8 or 5/32.Cheers, Mike Swicegood
Amazon Customer 
