I run a Miller 210 MIG with a spool gun. It's the cat's meow. I had a 110v Lincoln that I gave to my nephew. I showed him how to weld with it and he does pretty good work. The little Lincoln kicks butt and I'm amazed at how much you can do with it.
If you don't weld everyday and I don't anymore, then the MIGs are a good choice. Regardless what welder you use you still have to know what a good weld is. The reason why you hear about MIG welds failing is because MIGs are the choice of many new welders who don't know how to weld. It's NOT the equipment.
Stick has its place but for my money the MIG is quick and good. I'm not welding underwater or the pipeline to the North Pole, most people aren't but my welds are neat and hold up perfectly.
If you are starting and you have concerns about your welds then take them to a pro welder or a supplier with a pro welder who can let you know what you're welds are worth.
I wouldn't buy a cheap MIG. The transformers are wound with lower temperature copper and the mechanicals are so-so. Spend a little more and get the little Lincoln, you won't be disappointed. You can get away welding aluminum without a spool gun but you have to be willing to accept wire bunching up. Lincoln sells an inexpensive kit and liner to do this. (keep your gun line as straight as possible though). If you don't do it everyday then you'll be fine.
If you're welding 1/4" then go with the fluxed wire when using the little welders, you'll get better penetration. It's also better when it's windy out. One more thing, you shouldn't be welding 1018 with 100% argon, go with 75/25.
I've used most welding systems. They're all good IF you use them in their best application. Each piece of equipment has design criteria, I know, I design stuff or at least I used to.
Remember this:
You wouldn't eat with a pitch fork and you wouldn't pitch hay with a dinner fork. Each is designed for a specific application. So it goes with welders.
Rob
