This is something like the unit that I have from Lincoln.
http://www.mylincolnelectric.com/Cat...t.aspx?p=42422
My unit is an older model of the one above. You need a dryer type outlet with a 50 amp circuit breaker. Using a 230 volt set up the penetration is much better then a 120 volt machine.
It has worked fairly well but it's duty cycle is small and not geared toward production type work. I have welded stuff for the tractors (weight box/front loader/3 point hitch assembly), car stuff like mufflers,gas tanks and trailer stuff. Just started doing stainless steel last year. My brother in law was fairly impressed with job the little machine did as the splatter wasn't to bad. No doubt about a TIG machine will give a much prettier weld however TIG welding is a bit harder for the novice.
I actually enjoyed TIG welding better then MIG. It was a lot like oxy acetylene welding with a filler rod. I was never qualified to do TIG it just came to me naturally.