Want to start welding

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I've been looking to get into welding and these forums have reinforced my desire. I saw all the projects that you have all created and it's something that I would love to do.  I can't find a class around here so I guess I'll have to learn from books and trial and error. I have a couple of mechanic friends that may help me.What I want to do is create small things, like a headboard for my bed, a lamp, a night table, some art pieces.What equipment do you all recommend for a beginner?  I think a MIG welder is the way to go for me, and it has to use 115/120V input. Can I just use a torch for cutting? (plasma cutters are too expensive).  How about a cheap (but good) bender for scrolling, etc.? Can I drill holes with a handheld drill or do I need a mill?Thanks in advance for any help, I appreciate it! I hope to start posting pictures of projects on here too.
Reply:i recomend the lincoln sp-135t or the sp-135t plus mig welder. u dont have to run gas u can also run lfux cord but i recomend for what u will be doing use gas. preforms nicer welds and less splatter mess. the only diffrence between the sp 135t and the sp 135 t plus is the plus has infinte controll witch means you can have 10 setteings per say verses 5. u dont reall yneed this unless u want to do sheet meatal or thing metal.
Reply:Yea I would say the same thing, the sp 135 would be the machine of choice. Later you could upgrade to the 175.Bernie
Reply:How about a weld-pac they are cheap and are easy to get from HD the 135 is around $350.00Bernie
Reply:While I dont have it listed below. I have a Lincoln Mig-Pak 10 with gas. It is a very good, capable machine within its limits. It only puts out 100 amp max but it is perfect for my use (thin auto sheetmetal). It's nice and compact to have around the work area. While the housing of the drive system is plastic as compared to my MM175 which is metal, and tension adjustment is kinda cheesy as again compared to the MM I still can't fault it too badly. My Mig-Pak has taps and that is not a great setback as compared to variable voltage either. As most everyone will tell you, get a known brand name and you should be fine. The "cheap" off-brand machines are false economy.MillerMatic 175Thermal Dynamics Drag-Gun PlasmaAirco Bumblebee AC/DC SMAWVictor Super-Range II oxy/act
Reply:still the mig pak or the weld pak would be to small. he wants to get all the machine he can get out of his 120 volt machine and i think they would just not have enough power.
Reply:Yes, the Mig-Pak is NOT the machine to use if you want to squeeze the most you can out of 120 volts.MillerMatic 175Thermal Dynamics Drag-Gun PlasmaAirco Bumblebee AC/DC SMAWVictor Super-Range II oxy/act
Reply:u can get the sp135t at your welding dealer or sears. i would get it at the dealer becasue then if something goes wrong you can have it fix by them and they will give you no hassle
Reply:I just bought a Lincoln 135 yesterday at a pawn shop. looks like new, feeds wire great, and arcs. Paid $250.00 out the door. I haven't welded yet either, but was told by some of my business customers that are pro welders to get atleast 100 amp and that gmaw (mig) is the easiest and most versatile for general welding projects. I bgt a helmet at walmart for $16.00, so away I go. The 135 I had checked out at Lowe's is going for $439.00 (plus tax) but that includes mask, gas regulator and a little wire.  My advice, check your local pawn shops. A lot of folks get hard up for money and put stuff in hock and never go back.