Hobart is a generic Miller. There really is not enough difference to justify the price difference. You are paying for the name when you buy a Miller. I have welded and fabricated for 15 years and have used them all. I currently own the Hobart 140 to do projects at home. It will weld just about anything you will need. I would go with the gas option because of the clean up factor. It will not leave as much splatter and you will have a better looking weld than you would with the flux cored wire. Flux core is basically stick welding in wire form. I bought mine at Tractor Supply for $500 (bottle included). I already had the cart. Sounds like a pretty good deal.