Newby buying first welder

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I’m a complete newby to MIG  but I did do some stick welding 40 years ago.  I’d like some feedback on choosing a MIG machine.  I’m seriously considering one of the versions of a Lincoln 180 amp. 240 volt machine.  Is this a good choice given I’d like to be able to do the following:--I’m a hobbyist.  It won’t get a lot of use.--Most of my welding will be 1/8 to ¼ inch mild steel--I won’t be doing structural welding or things that require a lot of strength, but I would like to weld furniture and tables that will have some larger- than-necessary metal parts –up to 1inch square bars.  The welds only need to be strong enough to support the weight of a chair or table.--I will be welding sheet metal.  My first project will include attaching 22 gauge sheet to 3/16” tube.  Appearance of the weld on this project is not important, but I need to avoid burning through the thin metal.--On rare occasions I will want to make strong /structural welds in steel thicker than ¼’.  Can I accomplish this with multiple passes?--Working with 1/4” or maybe even  3/8”  stainless as well as stainless sheet is a long term goal.--I would like to put off the cost of adding shielding gas until later.  Can I do the sheet metal welding with flux core wire?What do you think?  Is this a good choice? Could I get by with a smaller (less expensive) machine?  Is it even possible to do all this with one machine?
Reply:Good machine and sounds good for most of your desired projects but others are going to have to chime in on the stainless and the sheet metal aspects. Personally, I think you are going to have a tough time using flux core on 22 ga steel. Better to use solid wire and shielding gas.Last edited by bruceb; 04-07-2010 at 05:42 PM."Common sense is not very common"http://www.tahoekeyshome.com
Reply:Go with a Millermatic or PowerMig 180.Given what you've described you're not going to outgrow that machine.The only cheaper models are the 110V machines. Since you mentioned 3/8" as a possibility for the future, count the 110V models out. Even with the 180's you'll have to multipass.Plan on spending about $1k, and get the bottle included in a package.Most LWS's are willing to cut a deal if you buy everything at once.CWI, CWE, CST for Miller, Lincoln, Thermadyne, Hypertherm & ESABMillermatic 350PLincoln Invertec 205 AC/DCVictor combo torchESAB PCM 1125