When I was in the market for a welder, I looked at reputable brand, local availability, weld capacity, and duty cycle. Price was not in the equation. I wanted a welder that I could weld bodies and frames w/o having to wait for the welder. I wanted local support and supplies. I narrowed it to 220V Lincoln and Miller. I chose the Miller. The weight of the unit was what pushed me over. The majority of the weight is in the transformer. Heavier transformer, better transformer? Millers weigh more.
I was also talking with the welding supply about the less expensive hardware store welders. He warned me about the typical attitude in the industry. If yours needs warranty repair, be prepared for a long wait. Childish, but...
