I asked the same question a few months ago and got the same answer from aka, Dan, Airbur, etc. to buy a Lincoln. I agree with Brianut - a Lincoln or Miller are the smartest choices. I chose a Lincoln because it is the Toyota and Miller is the Lexus. Same company makes them but the Lincoln is less money.
I chose a Lincoln for 2 big reasons:
First - It is the most common brand so getting tips, repairs, service, etc. is very easy. For example, you can buy any parts, wire, tips, etc. from Home Depot or Lowe's. That is great to have that option because you will likely run out of wire on Sunday afternoon and the professional welding shops are closed. You will likely never need to repair a Lincoln but nice to know there is a service center close.
Second - It has actual value. It may be more than other brands to purchase, but will have a higher value later as well. I purchased mine knowing that resale is important and Lincoln seemed to have the best resale. This was important because I knew I would want one for 2 months and likely never need it again. IF I do need a welder in the future, I can rent one at Depot for $30.00 per day (they rent Lincolns of course:).
I got a Lincoln 140 and feel that is a great option for most welding. I like the idea of being able to take it to Cortez's house and use it there if needed. I have a 220 in my garage but felt like a 220V was over kill. All of my welding was at the bottom half of the heat temp range and have never needed more power doing body work. A 220V Welder is needed if you are doing frame repairs and safety items like roll bars/cages.
I am selling my welder after I build a rear seat mount this month. I have toyed with the idea of having someone buy-in and share it will another member(s). However, I am hoping this is the last welding job I have for a long while so selling is a better option as I will likely not use it enough to justify owning it any longer. JUSTIN is first on the list to buy mine, but if it doesn't workout, I will let you and group know.
Likely Justin will be able to buy it from me for $x and be able to resell it for the same price he paid when he is done with it.
All of this being said, the Eastwood Welders appear to be a great cheaper route if you are OK with a Chinese Brand Welder that you do not plan to resell.
Sorry for the long-winded answer but I want to help ya make an informed decision.
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s,Phone that didn't get service majority of the way and satans gps and county music play(It was all I could get).I went to Wyoming and got me a bronco.There was sun,thick fog,snow,rain and a blizzard.I will post pictures as soon as i can or you can see it on the broncos for sale under restored and rolled.I need help with the tub.The inner and outer and upper and lower driver side needs to be replaced.Also the floor too.I don't know any thing about body work.I will do all the work i just need someone to tell me or show me what to do.