I am planning on buying a wire welder soon, (I have never used one before).

So far I have looked at Miller 212 and Miller 252, the salesman does not like the 252, he said it has bad welding characteristics. He likes the 212 but I am concerned it is not big enough, it is only rated to weld 3/8" steel and the 252 is rated to weld 1/2".

I have also looked at a Lincoln 216 and priced a Lincoln 255, at the welding store the salesman said the 216 would do 1/2" steel but  the Lincoln literature says 5/16" max, so I am concerned it is not big enough.

I am kind ot interested in the Lincoln 255 but do not know much about them, it seems everyone around here has Miller.

Any thoughts on the best size and brand would be appreciated.