[Karl Bebout]

I have a Hobart 175 that I like a lot. Its 220v and I've never had it "time out" on me due to duty cycle limitations. I'd had some weird, off brand 110v years ago and it would either time out or blow my circuit breaker after what seemed like very little welding when I was working on anything heavier than sheet metal. I guess the moral is: buy quality, consider what you will use it for, and how much welding you'll be doing. Gas does provide cleaner welds but using it in windy conditions is a problem. As to the helmet, I'd had a Harbor Freight automatic that worked just fine however, I did buy a 3M through my welding class instructor, and it is more comfortable and I paid only about $90 for it.