hey bzzzzzzzzzzzzz,
i bought a maxstar 140 str a few weeks ago. 10 lbs not 12. it doesnt glow red, and if you exceed the duty cycle it shuts off. the only time you know it is on, is when the fan comes on. a friend has a diff brand of small inverter and swears by it and his dad has a maxstar 140 and loves it. i couldnt believe the arc running off my trailbalzer 110 outlet. it didnt seem any diff off the 220 outlet. tig, 6010 and 7018. it gives 100% duty cycle @ 80 amps, weld all day with 3/32 6010 and 110 amps, 100% on 220, all day with 3/32 7018. make sure on 110 outlet you have enuff amps available cause i made pig tails and stuck it a regular garage outlet and it had problems just tryin to start the 3/32 6010. what kind of service do you expect from it? whatcha welding?
rich