The age old dilemma

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as to which welder to buy ....Ok I have a budget of only $300  - please remember this. (else i would but HH 140- which i feel is ideal ????)i only want to use for auto panel patching - i have read and searched and am now totally confused.for this budget - can someone steer me in correct direction - I have no welding experience but do pick up most techniques pretty quickly - I have been studying video training - now need to practice my self.I have searched for a used one - but nothing yet - so looks like I need a 'new' suggestion in my price range.are the Harbor Freight gas MIGs all bad ?I do not want to buy a unit that is hard to learn on and discourages me ! - but equally if I  spend too much - and I have no money left for the project and then don't need a welder  thanksStephen
Reply:We can only suggest options for your purchase.. A HH125 with the mig option while not as good as the HH140 for sheetmetal should be in your price range as a used machine and serve you well...  Check your private messages. Welcome to the board..I'm sure you'll get some more thoughts on this.
Reply:You'll get opinions from both sides on the HF migs... I've never used one and don't know anyone that has one....so I couldn't give an opinion either direction other than it would have to be dirt cheap to justify purchasing one over a name brand machine.Tractor Supply has started to carry the NEW model of the Campbell Hausfeld welders that resemble the Hobarts they are slightly less powerful than the HH125 and come as either a fluxcore only unit or as a FC/Mig . I had one of the FC units almost before they hit the market and it was a nice little unit and it welded fine. The FC/Mig machines are in your price range as a new unit and should do the body work you want to do easily.That would give you a better unit than a HF machine and Tractor Supply/CH might be a better source.Where are you located? That will be a factor in locating a good used unit.The only reason I sold the C/H was to purchase a HH140 and I already had a HH125. I bought it on Ebay NIB before they were being marketed and sold it for less than the TSC sells them for w/o tax.....so I got enough to buy the HH140 and the buyer got a new machine for a bargain...we were both happy!!
Reply:lincoln weld pac 100 was my 1st welderstill have it works great no sheet metaldid my floor with it Attached Images
Reply:have checked if any of the local tool rental companies rent mig welders?Tough as nails and damn near as smart
Reply:I paid $320 for a new (not reconditioned ) Hobart Handler 140 on ebay.  I would think a used one could be had for under $300 if you're patient.Last edited by Jack Olsen; 06-05-2009 at 10:06 PM.
Reply:You could buy used name brand.David Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:For $300, I would look for a used Millermatic 135, or the Hobart equivalent.    There also alot of different models of small 110v Lincoln migs for sale used in that price range.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op