[jocko]

I'm a big Miller fan - but also like Hobart and Lincoln. Personally, I would probably get one of those three brands - kind of falls into the "you get what you pay for" category. I'd avoid the Harbor Freight-level stuff, I've heard lots of complaints from friends. The new Eastwood stuff might be good - they are a great company and I've seen the new welders they offer also. The Auto-Set feature is really nice for for the beginner. I've got the MillerMatic 211 with auto-set which is dual-voltage capable (a very nice feature that Miller offers) since I move around a lot - i.e. use 220V when I'm in a place that I have it, 110 when not, which is usually the case.

If bodywork is your bag, a 110 is plenty - but you might start pushing the limit if you want to weld heavy frame work with a 110. So far, I haven't hit any walls using my Miller on 110 setting, it's done fine, but I've only welded up to approx 3/16" thick stuff max. So I think you'd be ok for brackets and stuff on frames.

Generally speaking - I agree with most of the crowd here - a 110 wire feed is a great starting point. If you can squeeze in the extra cash now, I highly recommend an auto-set feature (all you do is select the wire size and the thickness of the material and go to town... no speed settings, etc). you can always set manually too, but thus far - I've found the auto-set features to work great on the miller.

As for TIG - I agree, much nicer looking welds, but I think it takes a bit more to master TIG welding than it does a MIG for the beginner.

Bottom line - I started with the Miller and I've been very satisfied.