That is a nice machine...it will do every thing you need for a race car. unless your into tig, but if your just starting to weld thats probly N/A. good luck 
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Hobart is owned by Miller, and some of the parts are the same but at a lower price. The gun even says Miller on it.
Those sparks and heat remain long after youve stopped tacks and welds. SAFETY is always #1. I hope this will help. I have taught many people to weld in my 35 yr???? tenure. If you want I could teach you to weld online for FREE! Thank You 
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First of all dont believe all the lies about a 110 volt machine. Dont waste your money!!! A 220 volt machine is the ONLY way to go.
Save up and spend the extra coin. Don't use the 'I'm only going to weld thin stuff' excuse. You might regret a small cheap welder, but never a bigger quality machine. 
Quote:Agreed, but get one with infinite voltage and wire speed control.
Miller, Hobart, and Lincoln.
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I have a Miller 210, it is a great machine, if I were to buy another it would be a Miller 252.
Quote:Good info on the helmet
I forgot the most important piece, the helmet. Do not skimp on the helmet at all. I got a Speedglas 9002X online auction, but there are several good ones to choose from. Things to look at are field of view, how fast it auto darkens. You may or may not want the delay option to stay dark after you stop welding because of your work still glowing, I believe this is mostly for TIG, but could be wrong.
Bottom line, protect your eyes well.
Good field of view ( especially if you ware glasses ), adjustable auto darkening and adjustable delay are all features you will want. Quality helmets will start at $150 and up. BTW, you don't need a 220 welder to weld 3/8" plate. I bought a used HTP that has adjustable weld and pause times ( great for stitching pannels ) and will easily weld 3/8" plate. Runs on 110. Unless you are welding outside in the breeze, stay away from flux core mig welders. Gas is the way to go.
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more welding rods in a few ten hour shift that lots of people wouldnt burn in a lifetime...
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If your really serious. Buy a Lincoln Electric Power Mig 255. You also cant go wrong. First of all dont believe all the lies about a 110 volt machine. Dont waste your money!!! A 220 volt machine is the ONLY way to go. It gives you the ability to weld from 16ga.(1/16 in.) up to 3/8 in. plus it has a cheat sheet for wire speed and volt settings. Very User friendly for beginners and veterans alike. Plus its made entirely in Cleveland,Ohio. With this machine youll be capable of everything youve described and so much more. Oh yeah, Just FYI, Have your electrician wire in a 20 ft. extention lead(cord) into your panel. That way you can roll out around car, across shop,outside for sidejobs(mufflers,trailer repair,etc.). A new Lincoln will cost you about $2500.oo complete with small 75/25 mix cylinder. Depending upon your location, you could go with a used setup for about $1000.oo or better. Shop carefully (Machinery auctions,factory auctions etc.) ALWAYS REMEMBER WHAT AND WHERE YOU ARE WELDING!!!!!!.
Quote:Holly crap!! That is a lot of rod. Went through about 20 lbs of 5/32" 6013 in one shift welding up plows in the past. Agree with most of what you said. Many of the welders listed are bigger than what is needed for most car applications - point with my comment - My 110 powered welder will weld 3/8" ( which you will never run in to in a car application ), but I would also go with a 250 amp or bigger stick welder for 3/8" or over. The big plus with a 110 powered welder is that you can use it just about anywhere there is a 110 outlet. I used the old flip-up 3X5" windowed helmets for years also - and chipped with them. The new self darkening helmets are just better - and better for your eyes IMO. I use a seperate clear face shield for chipping / grinding these days. Even with side shields, safety glasses won't make it. Don't ask me how I know.Quote:
more welding rods in a few ten hour shift that lots of people wouldnt burn in a lifetime...
Oh yea.........50 lbs of 1/8th" 7018 in two shifts...
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Holly crap!! That is a lot of rod.
. I feel as if I should clarify my opinion that if one was to upgrade to a larger voltage machine, not only would you become more versatile but you would also increase your customer base capabilities which means more revenue. Example: I dont pay for my hotrods and parts, MY CUSTOMERS DO !!! 
