Like many tools it depends on the use its going to be put through. I Have a Lincoln SP-100 (predessesor to the SP-125) that I've been using, lightly, for over ten years. Bought it used. Maybe use it 15-20 times a year, rarely on anything bigger than 1/8", but a few times yes. It performs flawlessly. Lincoln makes good stuff, as does Miller & Hobart. Stay away from Century and HArbor Freight stuff for this.