Total newbie, need a welder, eager to learn, have questions.

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I have had many projects where I wished I could just weld few pieces of metal together and for all intentisive purposes I would have done this if I had access to a welder or the know-how to do so. So I plan to pick up a cheap one on craiglist but need advice on what to look for. That said, I am interested in purchasing one but I have a very limited budget and an even comparable limited knowledge of the electrical setup of my home / garage. I like the idea of using 110 because that's easiest for me, but it seems 110 welding from what i've been reading is very poor at best. I could possibly use 220 but would need to have an outlet from my inside home wall added to the opposite side of the wall into the garage. I will only be using this for one-off projects here and there and will not be welding long lines or anything like that... for example right now I need to weld a piece of hollow bar between two bicycle wheel axles (this will not be needed to support any weight so it could basically be tacked on there) What are your suggestions for a beginner? Advice on electrical setup to go with? etc.. any advice is welcomed.
Reply:If you have the ability to add 220v, do it.  I recently sold my 110v welder and am in the process of upgrading.  Money was a major barrier to me the first time around, but I wish I'd spent the money for a bigger welder up front.  If you're on a budget, this would make a great first welder:http://www.weldingmart.com/sp-180t-24090.htmlIf you've got a little money to spend, then get this:http://www.ebay.com/itm/MILLER-MILLE...item53ee662c2dDon't sweat the ebay origin, Indiana Oxygen is a well respected vendor.  The perk of the Miller is that it can be run on 110v or 220v, although it won't make it's full power on 110v.
Reply:As said a 220v machine is really your best choice in the long run.You might  want to think about taking your money and "investing" it in taking a welding class at a local tech school. Around me most of the high school Votech schools run inexpensive night classes in welding, so do some community colleges. When you sit down and add up what gas, wire, rod, electric and materials will end up costing you, not to mention the instruction, a class is usually stupid cheap. Around me a class usually averages between $10-15 per hour of class time. On top of that you get access to different machines and processes so you can get a feel for what might be best for your projects and you usually have access to top quality equipment that's not usually available to the average hobby guy on a budget. You may also have access to other equipment like brakes, shears, OA cutting and plasma. Most instructors are happy to help with projects as long as you get the basics down 1st and the project doesn't interfere with the class. Having someone look over your shoulder and tell you where you are making mistakes is the fastest and easiest way to learn and usually will save you money in the long run.Good luck..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Every welding process has its pros and cons.  Once you have the ability to stick metal together, more projects requiring different welding will arise.You can't go wrong with a Oxy Acetylene setup.  You can cut, heat and weld with it.  That and  220 mig will likely take care of 99% of your welding and fabrication needs.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:As a new to welding my self, Ill say if you can do something on 220, you ned to do it. As Doug said, if you can get in at a night class somewhere Id go for it. I too was like you in that I thought Id just stick a few pieces of metal togeather but it has really taken off for me. The OA set up is a must, just did a repair on my friends portable saw mill the other day. I dont have a mig, so I used the OA to weld it. Real nice for me with the thin stuff. Oh and get ready for the comments when you post your fist beads, some guys can be harsh, but they mean well! Learning one rod at a time
Reply:[QUOTE=Chaotech;1867921]. I like the idea of using 110 because that's easiest for me, but it seems 110 welding from what i've been reading is very poor at best. no no no 110v is fine for thin metal..better for thin metal..no good for thick metal..get a used lincoln with infinite taps and play with it..