deciding on a welder

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i need to buy a MIG machine i think. i can do arc welding but need to do a project at home for my self but it needs to be aluminum. asking around my area wont help most guys don't even want you to know the info about their machine. and the info on the net is horrible. i figured from what i read so far i need a mig with a spool gun. i know a guy who welds but he does my stuff when he feels like or drunk. i did metal work in school but we only welded corrugated steel same one to build houses. we made burglar bars for the corridors and all the steel benches. thats how i learned arc welding. any ways with my life story;i need to buy a MIG welder i was looking at harbor freight online and northern tools. any recommendations wold be nice. don't feel like breaking the bank. and i don't know who else to ask so i am throwing it out to u guys. i just need  to make a small frame out of aluminum its 3/4 inch picketsalso i have used the search engine and still puzzled. finally i only plan to spend 500 dollars
Reply:Leon, First stay away from the imported chinese junk welders.  They are a source of constant irritation and poor quality welds.  Second, 500.00 is an unreasonable budget for alli unless you are planning to buy used and find a killer deal.  Third, MIG 'ing alli is not easy unless you MIG well already, and finally this is a skill that takes a good while to learn with a fair amount of practice.  Plan on spending the better part of a year as a minimum to learn and perfect your skills beofre you offer your services to anybody.  You are liable and the lawyers will take away everything you own or will ever own if you are not carefull.  I am not trying to discourage you in any way, but I am trying to open your eyes about what to expect.  If everybody could buy a home depot welder and go in business, dont you think they would have already?  Start small, and work your way up, you will see what I am telling you is a brutal fact, and it can be done, just not the way you think right now.   Good luck, and if you need further help, ask away, I and others will be glad to help point you in the right direction....BobI'm spending my Kids inheritance, I dont like him that much anyway!!!!!!Enuff tools to do the job, enough sense to use em.Anybody got a spare set of kidneys?  Trade?
Reply:i my humbly opinion i would never weld for any one for profit. my aim is to have my own sign shop. and the amount of welding need in my shop would be still minimal we order every thing pre made. i want to make a conveyor at home so that why i need a welder that all. that why i have a restricted budget
Reply:Hi 1leonchen, and welcome!If you are going to make signs I'd think just fastening the the coveyor parts together would be the way to go. Get the welding machine later after you have made some money and want to make signs and other things in a different way,There are plenty of folks here who screw things together when it's the right thing to do.Matt
Reply:Originally Posted by 1leoncheni need to buy a MIG machine i think.  finally i only plan to spend 500 dollars