welders... what to get?

[Shawn T]

Another advantage to a larger machine is you can use .035 aluminum wire with straight CO2 and do (some) aluminum welding. Would I repair a case this way? No, but I do build boxes and brackets successfully. The stinger technique is quite different, you push instead of pull but it does work.
I have a Century 170amp/220v that I use up to 1/4" and a Miller thunderbolt AC/DC 220 stick welder with lowhy (7018) for anything thicker. It works great.
Have fun,
Shawn T