My buddy welds with a old miller 35.

Hell it's almost older than I am.

That thing is awsome definately puts out some heat.
You can pretty much do any fabrication you want with it. It welds 3/8" plate with ease.

Here's a Millermatic 35 on Craigslist for $500
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/tls/82878743.html