it was cheaper just to put in a new outlet in my basement!
i looked at my bill, and for my welder (Millermatic 175), the tank, the gas, and 11 pound spool of .030 wire, and a basic helmet (i've also used both, and while an autodarkening DOES make it easier, it sometimes is cheaper ($30 compared to anwhere past$150) just to learn the hard way). It was $750. cant beat that deal. the 175 is probably the best for your money, because millers are made BY MILLER. with some welders (like hobart) they source them out to different companies. take for instance if you bought your hobart from sears or from a hobart dealer. the sears calls it a different name, which means different parts, which can lead to trouble later on. With miller, you know you are safe. I'm not positive on what hobart does, but when i bought my welder, they took the serial number and my name and put it into a computer. if my welder is ever stolen, and then 10 years down the road needs a new part, they will have to put that serial number into the computer and see that it is stolen. this may sounds somewhat dumb, but i'd rather get my $1000 investment back in 10 years then never.