what machine?

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im 19 and brand new to welding, actually i havent even begun. this is something i really want to learn because i am at a standstill with my jeep. basically i need to fix a crack in the frame, cut out and replace soem rusty panels, and want to go spring over axle (so i need to weld the perches and maybe new shock hoops). what machine do i get? how powerful should i start with? and should i get one that runs with gas or no? im going to be funny self taught, expet for soem help form you guys and other things i can find online. im also picking up a dvd that should be a good intro. thanks for any help you guys can give me.
Reply:First of all, welcome to the forum. You have come to the right place, the guys here are helpful, and from the feedback I've seen we conduct ourselves with more respect than other forums out there.  With that said, I can think of a number of better first welding projects to take on than a cracked frame and axle modification on your jeep. You can expect more than a few replies here telling you to take it to a professional and not to attempt it yourself. You are just asking for potential trouble here, both for yourself and also for anyone on the road if something lets go. Don't get me wrong here, love to help you if you were planning on making a repair to someting less volitile, but this isn't a good idea, and I don't recommend it. Please don't let this turn you off to the forum, love to see you post back with a different project!If you don't have the time to do it right, then you definitely don't have the time to do it over.
Reply:oh i was def going put those things on the back burner until i was confident i could weld. the crash is just a hairline half inch long nothing that will need to be fixed eventually, and the axles can wait until im good and ready. i was going to practice on square tubing and try to take on my floorboard (rusted through anyway, cant make it worse) for now. dont worry, i dont think im god and can do everything. i understand there is a learning period to go thru before i am capable of such tasks. but anyone have advice on what welder i should put my money into?
Reply:Since you eventually want to do some critical welds having an impact on your (other other's) saftey, you should be getting at least a 220V machine with the ability to weld those parts with integrity.   Don't go with a smaller 110V unit.   I'm not saying it couldn't be done with one of those units, but I wouldn't want to push the limits of the machine to do welds like these (I'm a noob too).
Reply:a good starting point here would be the 175amp mig available from local box-stores. lincoln 175 or 180 amp, a comfortable hood, some gloves, a bottle of argon/CO2, some wire, and a means to clean your metal (a wire brush is a cheap way of getting it done for starters). that will get you started PRACTICING. then post pictures here and several people will critique your progress to help you out.also if your like me and hate box stores you can (and should in my oppinion) go directly to a welding supplier that youll be buying your wire and gas through, they will offer assistance and oppinions that may be very helpfull (be wary of obvious sales pitches though = }) AND you will be supporting smaller business that will help you out once they get to know you
Reply:at the end of the crack drill a hole to stop the crack from propagating (going further)  This is what they do on airplanes and racecars. Welcome to the club.Thermal Arc 185 TigHTP 200 MigCraftsman O/A1942 Bridgeport Mill12 Ton Hyd PressConsew Walking Foot
Reply:howdy   good luck  its  just  all  practice  practice  ....ect......
Reply:Glad to hear that wasn't your first project, as for machines, 110v machines are very limited in what they can do. I own one, love it and use the crap out of it, but for framework and heavier guage steel you will want 220v. luzRD gave you some good starters, add a light welding jacket to the list, and maybe an angle grinder when you can scrape up the cash. Good luck and welcome to the forum.If you don't have the time to do it right, then you definitely don't have the time to do it over.