What's a good beginner's welder?

[brewercm]

Like the others have said, I prefer MIG for all around welding. If you decide to go ARC I'd recommend a AC/DC welder since DC is much easier to learn on.
If you are going to do any decent welding I love the auto darkening helmets. A little more expensive, but worth it in my opinion.

[captexas]

My friend got a little 120volt Hobart wire feed awhile back and likes it. He got it to build some mega hog traps out at his property. He also used it to build his own monster deer blind as well. He's the kind of guy that does lots of research first before he buys something and he always buys quality tools. Can't remember where he got it at though. Shop around and I'm sure you can find something around your budget. I'll ask where he got his and let you know.

[captexas]

My friend got his at Northern Tools so check their prices too.

[brewercm]

Northern Tools

Ahhhh, the Do it Yourselfers crack house.

[Brett Wilson]

Another vote for the wire feed

[hobogato]

lazy. mine has the option for the shield gas, i just never set it up - still using flux core wire. is there really that much of a difference between that and using the gas?

[caferacermike]

lazy. mine has the option for the shield gas, i just never set it up - still using flux core wire. is there really that much of a difference between that and using the gas?

OH YES. The penetration is amazingly different. With the gas on the energy is much more focused. You can watch it cut right into the metal and instantly set up. No more splatter. You can make beads that blend right in. I've run out of gas in the middle of a project before and kept on using the non flux wire and still noticed a cleaner weld. With the gas on, you'll really see the "blue" coloration of the welds that tell you that you got it hot enough. They are tricky to set up, like much of the high end reef equipment, but once dialed in.... Think Seaclone compared to Deltec.

[hobogato]

great - now i have to go spend more money. thanks mike