I think you might have to go up on your price range a tad bit if you want AC. Everlast, Hobart, and Miller all make small, portable inverter units that meet your criteria - but the prices start around $1300+ to get AC. The Miller Diversion 180 is $1999. I think the Everlast has the most power (among low cost portables) at up to 250 Amps available. I know we are not supposed to self promote here, but if you are interested in seeing some of the units I have checked out, you are welcome to visit my website: weldequipmentreview.com. As time goes by I hope to investigate more of them, I have just had too many other higher priorities in recent months.
I plan to revamp my web posts to encourage people to read the customer reviews at Amazon.com that most of my comments are based on.
I also will add a current limit warning. The lower cost units at my site are not really intended for heavy industrial welding applications or very thick materials. I am not even sure if any of my posts will run the spray arc process. But, Amazon sells a lot of high end welding equipment - all the way up to $30,000 diesel driven motor generator rig welders. Some people might prefer to shop at a brick and mortar LWS shop though.
I am in the process of adding Google Adchoices to my website and hope to bring in enough to cover my operating costs. I think people are more likely to click on links to information resources than to buy something that I have reviewed.
I was real skeptical about Everlast just none of them in my area and after reading your review and on Amazon I might consider one now. For things hard to get for them local just have to keep some stock on those. No LWS here sells off brands and never keeps any used machines or just doesn't get them. Everyone puts their used machines on auctions because they will get more. Can't buy any used welder here on a auction anymore plus you may get stung on it.
Vern Lewis is very reputable. They are not my main supplier but I do have an account there and have used them often. They definitely do well with their customer service. They also are a big youth/education supporter. They promote Skills USA and bought one of Lincolns Virtual machines and put it in a van that travels the state and beyond promoting AWS, Lincoln, education, and of course, Vern Lewis Welding Supply.
Their Prescott Valley store has really bailed me out a couple of times when my larger distributor couldn't do it.
Have a Great Day, Brent
I think Wade or you told me about Vern Lewis. Saw machine wanted on their list and called it was done gone lol. Found a off brand tig but I'm not happy with it it's going soon very soon. Wanted Dynasty used I'm not needing it everyday just repairs at times but you get setup and others find out they will bring stuff in too so I want something better.
Glen,
Keep a lookout on their used section. I see stuff on there every couple of months or less. I also have a connection to used machines from the tech schools through airgas. I would be happy to look at a machine for you in the Phx area if you find one and want an opinion of it etc.
Vern Lewis is a good group. I enjoy dealing with them.