Can y'all point me in the right direction?

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Hello guys, need some direction here.I am a career FF and own/ operate a lawn care/ landscape business. I've been wanting to get into welding for years. I tried stick welding a few years ago with no success. I was doing it on my own and had no idea how to set the welder.I'm wanting a MIG welder now, mainly for piddling and repairs on mowers, trailer, etc. Also in the future would like to do some fab work on trailers, mowers, etc. I don't have easy access to 220 currently in garage or basement, but will run a line to both most likely. Questions:Should I get a 110 or 220 machine?- I have searched and read and found that the 110 is limited and that I might end up going to the 220 eventually, so wondering if I should go ahead and get it now.What brand should I get? - I've read alot, and Miller and Lincoln seem to be the most popular brands. Is either any better, or is it basically a Ford/Chevy thing (ie preference)?What kind of instruction should I look into?- Books, DVD, CD? Anyone point me to a GOOD source. I'm the type that doesn't do as well reading but better seeing/watching it.Any other info would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks
Reply:A 110v mig welder can be a very versatile machine, and for repair and light fab work as you describe, they are very well suited. Using argon/ co2 gas, and .023 wire, I had excellent results for years with my Lincoln 100. You can easily weld 3/16" material with it, and can do 1/4 and even thicker with multi-pass and preheat techniques.I have a lot of different welders now, and I actually regret selling the 110v mig machine; it was very versatile and portable- perfect for fence repair, truck work, etc. I now run a Miller 175, and I can honestly say though it welds thicker material, it does not weld any better than the 110 welder did on 1/8" and 3/16" material. Hobart also has a good 140A 110v machine, as well as the Lincoln 135/3200, and the Millermatic 140.And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.
Reply:Originally Posted by RojodiabloA 110v mig welder can be a very versatile machine, and for repair and light fab work as you describe, they are very well suited. Using argon/ co2 gas, and .023 wire, I had excellent results for years with my Lincoln 100. You can easily weld 3/16" material with it, and can do 1/4 and even thicker with multi-pass and preheat techniques.I have a lot of different welders now, and I actually regret selling the 110v mig machine; it was very versatile and portable- perfect for fence repair, truck work, etc. I now run a Miller 175, and I can honestly say though it welds thicker material, it does not weld any better than the 110 welder did on 1/8" and 3/16" material. Hobart also has a good 140A 110v machine, as well as the Lincoln 135/3200, and the Millermatic 140.
Reply:I would agree with Rojo.However, I would try stick again and really learn to use it.  For mostly repairs it is the most more versitile than mig.  Stick is much less fussy than "MIG".  For the uses you described I don't think you will be disappointed with a stick welder.  220v Inverters are small, too--Shoe box size with 150 amps.  ...with no tank to carry around if you MIGMiller and Lincoln sell welding dvds.  Some machines come with dvds.
Reply:Originally Posted by tapwelderI would agree with Rojo.However, I would try stick again and really learn to use it.  For mostly repairs it is the most more versitile than mig.  Stick is much less fussy than "MIG".  For the uses you described I don't think you will be disappointed with a stick welder.  220v Inverters are small, too--Shoe box size with 150 amps.  ...with no tank to carry around if you MIGMiller and Lincoln sell welding dvds.  Some machines come with dvds.
Reply:Sounds like the Hobart Handler 210 would be perfect for you. It is a smaller 230v MIG, but it does have some guts. It is spoolgun ready out of the box, too. Base unit is under 1000 bucks. IIRC Tractor Supply has them for 899.00 with a 100 buck discount card? to send off for. Always get as big as you can afford and have power for. You can turn down the big ones, but you can't turn up a little one.