olskoolpup
+1y
i would get a miller 180, lincoln 175, or hobart 180. all are good welders for about $750-800.
as far as a plasma goes...noone really NEEDS one. thats sure luxury. plan to spend some dough on one tha will cut 1/4". OR, you can grab a Cobra welding/cutting torch for about $350 and oxygen and acetylene bottles and get similar results.