From a theoretical standpoint, all of the above is true. From a "I've been down this road before" standpoint, your mileage may vary. I know many have had good luck with the cheaper, off brand machines. I also know people that have had, er "issues" with name brand equipment. What it comes down to is, buy the best you can afford, and preferably a name brand unit. If only because if it does have problems, you have someone to go to for service and parts, and the warranty does mean something. After that, the issue of 110 / 240 is again a matter of do you need it, do you THINK you may need it, and can you afford it, and can you power it. I can say for our shop (43 years+), other than one Westinghouse 300A shop machine (bought used, lasted another 25 years), a Lincoln Power Mig 350 (Decent welder, but a REAL pain in the arse to set up / dial in), and a RediArc Gas driven machine (NO ONE liked how that pos welded), all of our equipment has been Miller, and moving forward, I don't think I would buy anything else. Currently running a pair of Synchrowave 300's, a Synchrowave 250, a 32 year old Millermatic 200, and a Miller XMT 304 w/ spool gun.
I think it would be beneficial if you post what you do eventually buy, and your experience with it so those that follow have some real world information on your experience, what ever you decide to buy.
_________________ Dismantalus, Fabricatus, Assemblus..... Certified Welder, Certified Welding Inspector, Full Time Car Freak...In New Jersey no less!
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