New builder, some new tips, and a question

[spazio]

Mark; I'm just a sort of Jack of all trades, but mostly mechanical, so many years back I bought a small 110 volt MIG from Eastwood Co. Mostly it sits under my bench, but when it's useful, it's REALLY useful. It's not hard to get decent with it, it's mostly practicing on scrap. Buy a mid range model from Sears or Tractor Supply or such, and invest in a reasonably good self-darkening helmet and a how-to-do-it book. Oh, and get the inert gas (usually argon) setup, it really helps. It's been a long time since I priced anything, but I guess I'd budget about $1000-$1500 for everything; I may be way off on that figure.
Mike

[ThisOldGarageNJ]

thanks mike, I was considering this one,,, But if you think the inert gas is better I will start doing my homework some more
- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices Its Model # 94164 in case the link doesnt work...

Appreciate your help...

[spazio]

Actually, the inert gas is an accessory to the MIG consisting of a gas bottle along with the appropriate plumbing and wiring. It creates an "envelope" around the arc that shields it from the oxygen, giving you a cleaner weld. There's a solenoid that turns the gas on as you pull the trigger on the MIG handle. It's not the same as a TIG welder. Mike