I needed to weld some panels when I started out (hobbiest/learner mode) and spent the $99 on HF's old blue 110 box. Hated it. Learned to make it work but the fiddling around to get it to work was AWFUL.
So when I needed to do a larger project (chopped a 56 shortbed and fenders for my yota) I borrowed a friends Hobart 140. It wouldn't even turn on...
So knowing I wasn't going to justify the out lay for a 'Real' machine I grabbed the HF 170. 220v on sale and about 40' of appropriately sized electrical cord.
Now I can work on stuff in the driveway if I need to.
This one I like. It works as expected and the duty cycle 'encourages' me to stop and planish or relieve the welds as I go.
