Welder Question

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I am new to welding and decided to take a class to learn how to do it right. 1st SMAW class went well, although I couldn't see a thing with the passive hood and struck up all over, I think my first investment should be an auto darkening hood. Any Way, I want to invest in a welder that I can practice out of class and still use when I am done. I saw the Thermal Arc 181i, does any one have experience using this machine? It does MIG, TIG, And Stick, so as I learn those processes I could practice those too. I plan on doing some hobby welding such as auto/motorcycle restoration, and building custom brewing stuff, as I am a home brewer as well. All thoughts are appreciatedThanks,Matt
Reply:I demoed one this week. I don't do stick, but assume it does the job. I was interested in the mig and tig functions. The mig worked flawlessly, and was informed that it is spoolgun ready too. The tig is a bit weird to me as it is lift arc(worked very well with no point degradation) but you can add a foot pedal to it. The foot pedal has an on/off switch in it as well as remote current control. You have to slightly depress the pedal, then do the lift/arc bit. Then when you are done with the weld, you stop the arc with the pedal. I really liked it but wanted more tig functions, so I will hold out for the thermal arc 252i, which will debut in a few months. The ThermalArc sales rep said they are working on an ac/dc version of the 252i which will also be dual voltage. Now that would be worth waiting for.Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.