looking to buy my first welder

you guys are like a bunch of car sales people...i tell you my budget and you show me something 2 times as much


seriously though, thanks for all the input...keep me coming

I don't think anyone is trying to get you to intentionally overspend or do anything other then make a more informed decision. The biggest difference between off the wall units and name brand ones are parts availability. If it breaks a week out of warranty you throw the machine in the trash and go buy another and I have been there. At some point you might need a gas diffusor, trigger switch, gun liner, drive roller etc. Some of the import units you have to buy a complete gun(if you can even get one) to get what would be a $15 part at the welding supply shop for a Miller or Lincoln and there's something to said for being able to get a part in town when in the middle of a job. Most welding supply places will match internet prices on new machines and usually have some trade-in's kicking around so not a bad place to look for a used machine, and a relationship with them usually gets better pricing on gas and consumables. A cheap machine that you can't get parts for, leaks, or consumes tons of gas will cost more in the long run. Sometimes a little patience and putting a little more money together is the better deal.