$1000 budget, which mig welder???

I would first ask what you intend on welding? You can get a pretty good unit for much less than $1,000. If you are just planning on using it for home use I would get a hobart. It's built with Miller parts. I have had mine trouble free for several years. If you are just doing patch panels and such you won't need a 220 welder. My 110 works great for body shop stuff. Also I have used it for medium steel and it worked great (roll cage). I spent about $400 for it.