I went with the Hobart Handler 140, which is a 120v machine rated at 20amps. It has about 450 4-5 star reviews at northern tool (
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...6073_200306073)
I got it through amazon, same price, $499. Many of the reviews stated good starter machine, and very portable, not a heavy duty one, but still holds its own. It can do spool and gas. I don't know squat about either, other than what I've read. I look forward to learning. I haven't used it yet, just came yesterday. didn't do anything on the bike today, had to go for one last load of firewood, which I got split already. My headlight came today, haven't opened it yet.