cst 280 or invertec 275 for pipe welding

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hello everyone, need help from guys that might have used eighter of these machine for pipe welding.had a invertec 250 ,that was loan to me, for a month ,but the gentelman needed it back.need to get certified for down hand pipe welding on 12 inch pipe. test pieces.all x ray.i could get the big 200 or 300 machine ,from work ,but to run them things 3 or 4 hrs, a nite, in my yard my niegbors will shoot me.so for now i need a good electric machine that wont give me problems burning 6010 0r 7010 rods up to 3/16.I dont think there is a big difference between the cst 280 or 275 invertec,ill be using single phase,220,but reading each machines specs.i believe at 1 phase the lincoln dose not lose any amps,while the miller at 1 phase will do 200 amps tops.280 at only 3 phase.also what does lincoln mean by 1/3 phase input(those it need less current to run the machine ?)which does that also mean its cheaper to run?not bashing miller i own there small mig machine and its great,but pipe welding is a lot of practice,6010 is a little tuff when doing a root pass.i just want the machine thats going to work for me the best.also you pipe welders ,  it doesnt have to be eigther of these machine if you have another machine that might work better for me ,im all ears,thanks
Reply:i'd go with the cst 280. i've had mine a couple of years and it's a great machine.  just to let you know, our pipefitter school has over 90 of these machines (one in every booth). it is also a very good dc tig machine.
Reply:Thanks for the info pumahvac, I also am comparing. What school would that be ?...and WelcomeAnything worth doing is worth doing RIGHT
Reply:1/3 is single or 3 Phase and 3 phase is less expensive, but I don't know anyone at home that has 3 phase.  I think Mig DCEP is best for root on pipe.   John  CST is ok also.
Reply:that would be pipefitters local 597