Buying a welder...need advice.

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I am buying my first welder and have narrowed it down two models and would like advice on which one to purchase. But first, my plans.The type of projects I am planning are auto and home related. My long term plans for mt porsche are roll cage, flares, etc…maybe restore an older car. I would also like to build some cargo carries for my suburban. I am not planning on building a trailer or anything requiring an extremely large load capacity. For the home I am planning on garden projects (e.g. gates) and maybe some interior projects (e.g. railing).The two welders I am considering are the Hobart 140 and Miller 175. The biggest difference seems to be in the ability to weld up to .25”. The Hobart can make this weld but requires two passes. So, my question is, is this a big deal? The salesmen recognize the Hobart can weld up to .25” but they say problems can arise because of the need to make two passes. Should I be concerned with this? I am not sure if I will be to weld up to .25” but I do not want to have another welder in the future (or at least in the ear future). Oh, the cost difference between these two is around $250 (the Hobart 140 is cheaper).Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.v/rWayne C.
Reply:check out www.weldingmart.com for prices.  you might also want to consider the Lincoln 175T or Lincoln PowerMig 215.A few of my toys !LinuxMintManjaroMiller Roughneck 2E Lincoln WeldPak 100HTP MTS 160 Chicago Electric 80amp Inverter   Victor O/A
Reply:If you absolutely have to choose between Hobart and Miller, pick the Miller.  The Hobart is smaller amperage wise and is actually made by Miller although with less expensive components, thus lower price when compaired to a Miller brand name of exact size and capabilities.  The Miller 175 is a more powerfull unit and has a better duty cycle, more staying power when doing a lot of continuous welding.A few of my toys !LinuxMintManjaroMiller Roughneck 2E Lincoln WeldPak 100HTP MTS 160 Chicago Electric 80amp Inverter   Victor O/A
Reply:Thanks much...I'l check into the Lincoln as well.Wayne
Reply:Give this some serious thought, think about buying the HH 180. You would have basically the same power range as the Miller, the HH 180 would be cheaper to buy and in my opinion would have an easier learning curve.
Reply:curlesw,checked weldingmart this am.  Lincoln SP175T= $627, Miller 175= $723. just for your info. Also, Lowe's has the Lincoln ProMig 175 which is basically the same as the SP175T, just that it is marketed for chain stores like Lowe's, Home Depot, etc.  its price I believe is around $613 or so.  Also, Lowe's and Home Depot carry alot of Lincoln brand consumables and extras.A few of my toys !LinuxMintManjaroMiller Roughneck 2E Lincoln WeldPak 100HTP MTS 160 Chicago Electric 80amp Inverter   Victor O/A