Ok, since Im asking about shop tools... how about welders?

When I took a welding class last year, the instructor (with over 30 yrs experience), highly recommended Lincoln and Miller.

The ones I used and liked the most were the Lincoln weld pak and Pro migs.

Since Im planning on having my shop wired for dual 240V (1 for the compressor, 1 for for the welder), Ive got my eye on a Lincoln Pro 180 (new), and a Lincoln SP-170t (used). I can probably get the Pro 180 for around $600, and the SP-170t for about $400 used. Granted, both of those are tap setting, not continuous....or should I be hunting for a continuous setup instead. Im thinking long term.. body work, frames, around the house, shop, acreage, etc.

Any thoughts?

...boy..building this house cant come fast enough as Im spending lots of money on parts, tools, equipment, etc..

I like Miller welders with Hobert wire.

Buy only Lincoln or Miller/Hobart. My Hobart (now owned by Miller) 140 (110V) with Ar-CO2 gas does a nice job. And I can plug it in anywhere. 220V units have a little more oomph and people say they weld better, but cost more and have to be near the 220V source. I survive fine with tap settings. I haven't used mine much on heavy stuff but it seemed to do OK when I was experimenting. My 2 cents...

I bought my little Linc 175(220v) for $340 and had to spend another $10 to make a ground lead(missing when I got it home). It was new and once I got the hang of it it does a great job. I've done heavy, med, and light stuff with it. Very versatile machine. The Millers have a metal feeder where the Linc has a plastic one. I look for stuff to weld these days.

I have a Millermatic 210. Yea its 220v but I have made a heavy duty extension cord so I can pull it all over my garage. Have used both .023 and .030 wire with it. Both weld nicely but for car sheet metal work the .023 wire is easier to control for burn through. Looking back a 110v would do the job most of the time other than welding on my tractors. Just stay away from the "discount" models. The couple extra bucks for a Miller or Lincoln will be money well spent.

lincoln offers an off brand(generic) but its the exact same machine!!! 100$ less because the name is different. uses same electronics, controls and interior parts as the lincoln. as i state...very same machine!!