FWIW, I've been using a Hobart Handler 120 110-volt MIG for fifteen
years in my shop, welding everything from thin sheetmetal to 3/16" plate
to even thicker small stuff, it has performed perfectly and the welds
have always had great penetration and strength. I will go against the
naysayers and recommend a good 110-volt MIG as perfect for what you will
likely be doing. If you were to get into production work where it was
used heavily every day on 1/4" material, then yes, go with 220-volt. The
beauty of the 110 unit is portability and usefulness almost anywhere you
can drag it that has power.

Karl

neil N wrote:

> So I will need to install a larger breaker in the panel. At least that
> way I'll have a "dedicated" circuit.
>
> Maybe I'll get into something a little more skookum the 110V setup.
> Like a 220V. Especially If I'm going to the trouble of running a new
> circuit. But then I'll need two open spots on the panel..... hmm....
> we'll see.