How much welder do I need?

[trapin]

You're speaking as if there is a grey area concerning machine choice. There isn't. If you know you'll be welding 1/4 to 1/4 mild steel plate only once in your life, and you absolutely must do it with your own machine, then a 135 will NOT produce a structurally sound weld, period.

Yes, 135's are fine for stock frame work, if you don't mind a 20% duty cycle.

Matt...he never asked about 1/4 to 1/4. Just frame work and sheet metal. For that, the 135 is fine.

1/4 inch steel is a different story. I never meant to allude that the 135 could handle that. If I did I apologize, because you're right....it won't.