Hi Carbine, Regarding the Lincoln 135, I know that you just had your gear swiped but if you can afford it then I would suggest going for at least the 160 model or higher, even if it's a used unit. The Duty cycle on the 135 is about 120amps at 25% duty, which isn't a lot, ie; 2.5 minutes welding and then you stop for 7.5 minutes for the machine to cool down. That will get old real fast, the 160 model I think does 120amp at 100% duty, However money is probably tight as you have to buy all your tools again, and you will probably have to pay for the BOC gas cylinder which won't be cheap. But a larger used unit is something to consider. At least you will be able to do larger work if something comes up and not have the limitations of the smaller unit.
Also ask around if any of the welding factories in the area are upgrading their welders, they will hardly get anything for their old ones as an upgrade so you might be able to get a good deal that suits both of you.
Also the good old ebay is also a possibility, hey, you might even find your stuff on it, I definitively would be looking on it.
By the way, I don't weld all day any more as I am retired now, just whenever I get the urge to make something. Since retiring I built a couple of welding tables and a couple of very large offset bench vices all out of scrap metal I had lying around, and am about to receive delivery on Monday of my new X'mas pressie (from myself to myself, they're the best kind). An Everlast 3 phs Powerpro 256 TIG, (AC/DC/MMA/60amp Plasma cutter). But unfortunately will take a while to try it out as last Saturday I shredded my right hand down to the bone and tendons with an argument with my garage roofing gutters, due to a ladder that decided to go walkabout while I was on it. 30 stitches later very sore and very grumpy.
But that's life I suppose, It could have been worse. So going to have a miserable time looking at my new toy over X'mas and not being able to do anything with it. I even built a water cooler for it.
Also ask around if any of the welding factories in the area are upgrading their welders, they will hardly get anything for their old ones as an upgrade so you might be able to get a good deal that suits both of you.
Also the good old ebay is also a possibility, hey, you might even find your stuff on it, I definitively would be looking on it.
By the way, I don't weld all day any more as I am retired now, just whenever I get the urge to make something. Since retiring I built a couple of welding tables and a couple of very large offset bench vices all out of scrap metal I had lying around, and am about to receive delivery on Monday of my new X'mas pressie (from myself to myself, they're the best kind). An Everlast 3 phs Powerpro 256 TIG, (AC/DC/MMA/60amp Plasma cutter). But unfortunately will take a while to try it out as last Saturday I shredded my right hand down to the bone and tendons with an argument with my garage roofing gutters, due to a ladder that decided to go walkabout while I was on it. 30 stitches later very sore and very grumpy.
But that's life I suppose, It could have been worse. So going to have a miserable time looking at my new toy over X'mas and not being able to do anything with it. I even built a water cooler for it.
so I am grateful for that. 
Better still, I would ring up the Lincoln head office in the UK and ask for the sales dept manager, and ask him if there was such a sales plan in place and if not, would they be interested in starting one up maybe via a local dealer, no harm in asking!
