I have an old Lincoln and suits my needs fairly well, but it doesn't do more than 1/4" thick steel very well. A metal fabricator buddy of mine told me a little trick. When your welder doesn't seem to be putting out enough heat for the material you are using, take a propane (or acetylene if you have it) torch to the area to heat it up before welding. Doesn't need to be cherry red (as you probably will not be able to get it there with propane). Just get it smoking a bit and your welds will flow better.