the craftsman tool catalog has a hobart 175 for $629.00 , which ain't bad for sears. i'm lookin' at a centry 170 for $599.00 that should handle up to 5/16 and use reg. wire or flux core...just a thought look in the craftsman cat.it seems that the have good prices..and a decent warrenty program...plus you can always charge it <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />