110 volt machines are basically toys. Handy to have around for very light work and I own one.
I found this to be a true statement with many of the cheap or OFF brands. But the Miller, Lincoln and Hobart machines work and work VERY well. With .035 sheilded wire I have had no probelms welding with complete penetration 3/8'' plate steel. My machine is rated to 1/4". With pre heating I have done 1/2''. As a ''rule'' 5/16 is as thick as I go or I use the stick.
I have a neighbor who did not heed this advice and bought a Chicago something from Harbor freight...
I could not get the thing to weld sheet metal... He returned it and on some one else's advice, (Likes cheap apparently) bought another off brand...
That was also returned and he bought a 140 Lincoln from Home Depot. Its a little different from my Hobart, (Not as powerful) but works very well.
I was on the fence when I bought mine as I was also looking at the Hobart 187 (A 220 unit) I even wired the outlet in the garage to support it. But decided the 140 would be ''enough''. Also I find I made a dedicated 20A circut for this unit and it likes it a HOLE LOT better! I have NOT regretted the decision to buy this machine. BUT then again I do have a Lincoln Buzz box arch welder for the heavy stuff...
CW