Word to the wise, Mike. When buying tools, buy the biggest and strongest that you can justify ever using. As you move up you get more duty cycle, more power, more features, etc. You never know when you need it.

How much would you have to pay an hour to get a part welded that you couldn't handle with a smaller machine ? And remember, welding shops don't just charge for the welding. They charge to set up, going to the bathroom, having coffee, preping the work, do the welding, inspecting it, clean up, billing, shipping, etc.

If you think a welder is expensive, trying hiring a welding shop to do it for you. Then you find out what it really costs to not have a welder. And machine tools for that matter.

Caveat. I have no affiliation with Evergreen other than I bought 2 machines from them.