Hello Dunno,
When I have someone approach me about buying a welder I like to point out the plus side of each process.Stick welding plus's: Better for welding outside, consumables sold in smaller lots, way fewer parts to replace/maintain, easier access to elevated or close fit applications, cheaper to buy in relation to output, no shielding gas requirements, better for welding contaminated metals, etc. GMAW plus's: Less skill required in regard to eye/hand coordination, welds thin sections very well, easier to operate out of postion on steels, consumables nearly twice as efficient as SMAW, capable of a variety of arc modes, etc. If you buy a wire welder, look for one that has these features which are standard on the "big three". Built-in remote contactor, thermal over load protection, built-in gas solenoid, steel drive wheels, minimum 10' gun cable, fan on demand, polarity selection, voltage setting. Keep in mind that 130 amp wire welders will weld up to about 3/8" steel. Also know the parameters for the wire you will use to obtain maximum weld performance. Be aware that different metals require different shielding gases and sometimes different drive roll designs. Wire is also sold on spools of predetermined weight. You can't just buy a small amount of cast iron for that little government project.
HTH
Steve
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