Mike, I think you will find the Lincoln welders at Lowe's and HD to be identical except for the model names. I think they do that so you can't compare prices on the "exact" same model between chains.
I talked to a Lincoln rep at a street rod show and he told me that there is no difference in the quality or features between the Lowes/HD models or the ones sold by other dealers.
Hobart and Miller are made by the same parent company. Hobart is available through Tractor Supply, not sure about other chains.
I've got a (Lowe's) Lincoln Pro Mig 175 (220 volt) and I like it very much. Wiring the 220 volt outlet was pretty easy for my garage, but on the other hand 110 volt portability is nice too if you don't see yourself doing heavier fabrication. For body work either will do nicely.
I'm not sure $400 will get you a mig with a gas kit, more like $500 plus tax the last time I looked.
Hoggy, I am curious on how do you get your bottles filled (apparently) without paperwork? I have a large set of O/A bottles that I inherited from my dad and I'm having a heckuva time getting paperwork from the supplier.
