Goal is AWS certification in 1" Vertical but this kid needs to get more stick time to become proficient so we decided to research machines.

Being a Miller fan I am looking at these two ....

Thunderbolt AC/DC
Maxstar 150S

I realize neither is best suited for 1" material, but we are talking about a machine useable for practicing, and multi pass welding as well.

Personally I like the Maxstar for its small footprint and weight .... but I cannot let my desires influence this 'project'.