If this is your first welder, you are making an investment. You say you use a welder at School so I am guessing you might be planning to weld for a living. Have a look around for a used welder from one of the major brands (Hobart, Miller, Lincoln, Esab). Check craigslist and the classified ads on yo...

I can't say anything against Eastwood but I can say a lot FOR some US welding manufacturers. I have purchased some non-welding, car restoration items from Eastwood. That is their specialty. From what I have found in searching the web it appears that their welding and plasma cutting equipment is made...