Buying a welder…need advice

[curlesw]

I am buying my first welder and have narrowed it down two models and would like advice on which one to purchase. But first, my plans.

The type of projects I am planning are auto and home related. My long term plans for the p-car are roll cage, flares, etc…maybe restore an older car. I would also like to build some cargo carries for my suburban (see pics below). I am not planning on building a trailer or anything requiring an extremely large load capacity. For the home I am planning on garden projects (e.g. gates) and maybe some interior projects (e.g. railing).



The two welders I am considering are the Hobart 140 and Miller 175 . The biggest difference seems to be in the ability to weld up to .25”. The Hobart can make this weld but requires two passes. So, my question is, is this a big deal? The salesmen recognize the Hobart can weld up to .25” but they say problems can arise because of the need to make two passes. Should I be concerned with this? I am not sure if I will be to weld up to .25” but I do not want to have another welder in the future (or at least in the ear future). Oh, the cost difference between these two is around $250 (the Hobart 140 is cheaper).

Any advice would be appreciated.

v/r
Wayne C.

[kumma]

lots of threads on this, both are good machines. If you really think you'll need to do 1/4 in one pass get the Miller and start practicing. You wont go wrong with the Miller, its a better machine with addition features and well worth the extra money. When I do 1/4 with my Miller 135 I bevel the materail and weld both sides no problems yet.

[curlesw]

yep...you are right... should have searched first, ton of info...thanks.

Wayne