I'd like to speak up though: Many people tend to write off the little 110 volt wire feed welders as nothing more than a toy. But let's be realistic here. Most of us aren't welding nuclear power plants, we don't need to weld 12 inch thick pressure vessels, and if a weld is less than perfect, for most of us its usually not the end of the world.
I've got a little Lincoln Weld Pak 100 as well as two "real" welders and each welder has its own area where it shines. For materials less than 3/16" thick, where there isn't access to 220 volt power, the 110 volt wire feed can work great, especially outdoors with self-shielding flux core. But for thicker material, where lots of penetration is required, the little 110 isn't the best choice.
Likewise, for versatility and penetrating power, the stick welder has an edge. I reach for a stick when I've got 1/2 inch material or thicker to weld. But let's see someone try to weld thinwall aluminum tubing together with a stick--might be possible but it's not the best choice.
And for bigger fabrications, the larger wire-feeds can be great, especially if someone has the cash to invest in a welder with enough current to weld in spray transfer mode (which I don't, not enough oomph out of my Hobart Handler 175)...but there's nothing like a TIG unit for precise demanding work...wish I had one. However, a TIG unit wouldn't be practical for welding structural steel on a skyscraper frame for example.
My point is that each machine and process has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Certainly the little wire-feed units have very real limitations. And unfortunately they tend to get a bum rap when people try one of the cheapo imported units, and also when first-time welders try to take on a critical project that's out of their league (like beginners welding their jeep frame together).
However, with an awareness of the machine's limitations, and with proper joint preparation and technique, I think they can meet many of the home/hobbiest needs. No need to laugh at them as not being "real welders".
