Hi Dan,
The copper color you noticed is a coating. Everyone is using Al windings now.Hobart and Miller are both owned by ITW but operate as separate entities for now. The 4 settings won't limit you as much on a wire welder as it would with a stick welder. The wire speed control will allow you to infinitely vary the amperage between the set positions. Any of the major manufacturers are comparable in general terms. Lincoln, ESAB, (Both the same company now) Miller, Hobart, and several other units such as Comparc who used to be Miller of S. America. The Comparc has dual process units available which includes a wire welder with SMAW capabilities built-in. Panasonic who enjoys a sterling reputation in factory automation also offers a similar product as Comparc. If I was buying a wire welder today I would look for a remote contactor, built-in gas solenoid, steel drive components, availablity of additional drive wheel styles, thermal overload protection, and fan on demand feature. Compare the overall quality of the gun from one machine to the next. The Miller 172 is rated at up to 1/4" in a single pass. The 185 is rated at 3/8" in a single pass. You may want to consider price difference between the two. The 185 will also accept a spool gun. Also, keep in mind that the material thickness ratings are based on carbon steel and will be considerably different for other materials such as Al.
HTH,
Steve
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