doing research and confused

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I have been doing some reading for welders...there is way to many to pick from I getting over welmed on how many are ot there to pick from.  I can gass weld pretty good with oxyacetylene.  Now I have a jeep that I want to enhance.so I am going to be welding bumpers and rock sliders ect. in other words steels in the 1/4, 3/8  up to 1/2 inch max.  no aluminium.I am just out of college and have little $$$ to spend.so if you where me but have your knowledge of welders what would you get and why?  I have about $500 saved up so far...
Reply:Sounds like a used DC stick welder, 250 amps and up, would fill the requirement and fit the budget.  You need to have 230 volt power available to run a machine capable of welding that material size.
Reply:Yep, go with desertrider33's advice. Limited budget and high power requirements, stick will win every time.
Reply:I "enhanced a jeep" a few years back and with what I did I wouldn't have required anything more than a Miller 210. I would even go to the extreme and say you wont need anything more than a Hobart 180 Or 187. 1/2 inch on a jeep is kind of extreme IMO.Good LuckDrivesector Hobart Handler 140Hobart Handler 180Ready Welder 2Hobart Air Force 400Airco Stinger 225Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most."OZZY"
Reply:Originally Posted by drivesectorI "enhanced a jeep" a few years back and with what I did I wouldn't have required anything more than a Miller 210. I would even go to the extreme and say you wont need anything more than a Hobart 180 Or 187. 1/2 inch on a jeep is kind of extreme IMO.Good Luck
Reply:The 1/5 inch is going to be or clevis shackles mounts that will be welded to the bumper so that is going to be a small part of the project.  Mostly 1/4 inch material and 3/8 for the frame mounts.
Reply:um the edit button is not working...the ***1/2 inch** is for clevis shackle aka d-ring, for tow strap or what ever to pull stuff with.  the girth is more for keeping the d ring from sliding rather that for the strientgh.
Reply:Then you can build up the weld in several passes, no need for the extra capacity machine. Used DC stick for my 2c worth. Have fun!If you don't have the time to do it right, then you definitely don't have the time to do it over.
Reply:You might even consider an on-board vehicle welder, like one of the Premier Power welders.  That way you'd have it for trail fixes if needed.  Somewhat more $$ than what you have saved, and definatly more than a used machine, but something to consider.
Reply:Ooooh I like those on board welders.Need MUCHAS mas $$$$$ thoughThankyou all for your replies that really narrowed to feild on what to look at.I am looking at a lincon 175 amp pro weld kit  what is peoples opinion on it, good deal or dont bother...