I am not a welding expert, but I would only get a MIG with gas. Otherwise your welds end up very similar to stick welding. In that case you might as well just stick weld.

I went with the smallest Miller 240V MIG welder and use it occasionally.

With stick welding its more difficult to get a good looking seam than it is with MIG, but you can usually get more penetration and weld thicker materials with a relatively inexpensive stick welder. Once you add gas to a MIG welder you begin looking like you really know what you are doing, since the seams are smoother and it takes simpler technique to get it right. However, you still need to make sure you have good penetration so that you also have a good strong weld.

A small 240V MIG would probably work for you, but you need to check specs to make sure you buy one that will handle 1/2" plate.

Bruce

An inverter type stick machine allows you to lay beads like butter. I just scared myself when I did the math and realized I started to weld 50 years ago. I like the simplicity of stick in both machine design and the fact that there is only one consumable. From light gauge material to heavy plate it will do it all, just match the rod to the job.

Right..I’m setting up a little hobby shop in 2 shipping containers where the only power source for the time being is a 4000 watt generator with 110 volts. Been looking at those attractive inverter welders which can adapt to 110 or 220 volts. I’ll be welding some 2 inch square tubing in place to support load from top ones I cut out some walls. This one I might get.. https://www.amazon.ca/OrangeA-Electric-Welding-Anti-Stick-Inverter/dp/B07DZT6HG4/ref=asc_df_B07DZT6HG4/?tag=googlemobshop-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=292960966549&hvpos=1o9&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5462313066595707932&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9047845&hvtargid=pla-567852641214&psc=1