Thanks much for the info. I am glad to hear comments about the miller welder. I have my eye on a Miller 211. A bit pricey but I guess one of those 'for life' buys. It'll keep my wife pissed too for awhile so it's kind of the gift that keeps on giving. Peace and quiet to work (she gives me the silent treatment and I just run with it) I'll probably have some more questions as you go. The pics are great. I read folks describing things in text and have no idea what the heck they are talking about and then see a pic and have the 'Oh, I get it moment'. I'm really enjoying the postings - good stuff.
i'll keep them coming for sure. it's great to hear everyone's feedback / comments and input. some good, some bad, but it gives me a different point of view. sometimes you get tunnel vision on a project and hearing other thoughts help the project stay on track.
the miller 211 is an awesome welder. really any of the miller 60% duty cycle machines are awesome. i'm sure there are some guys using that model here on the board. i looked at a few of those also (also checked out the hobart ironman 230 - it looks nice also). just be sure you have enough room in your home load center to add a 230volt welder that pulls that many amps. you'll probably need a 35amp breaker for that welder. i think i ran mine with a 30amp 230volt breaker. i went with this model because it wouldn't overwork my home load center. you don't want to burn your house down. the wife would REALLY be pissed then
finding one second hand is the best way to go for a hobby welder like myself. i was able to get a better one for the money and like you say, it's a lifetime purchase. my girlfriend's dad uses a millermatic 35, which was actually millers first wire feed mig welder. it still runs flawlessly and he's had it for over 30yrs (and it was used when he bought it).
pile done because I know a guy that needs a tire carrier and roll cage built in his jeep.
hahaha. 
