I have 2, a Lincoln "arc" welder (220) and a Lincoln Sp135 plus (110) welder (I built my trailer w/ the 135)...of course the 135 provides superior looking welds as all wire feeds tend to do; and I think you'd MUCH prefer it's ease of learning, you probably wont need the class... $20 worth of steel will "teach yourself", build something simple w/ simple butt and lap joints before you tackle miters, overhead, fillets, etc...anyway on the 135.. it does have it's limits. 1/4" is pretty much MAX on good burn, so you might consider a 175 or bigger if you're going to be working with big steel...all depends on your bank account. The 135 w/ cart, wire, gloves, helmet, tips, etc. should come in at about $800-$1000, plus your bottle (I have an 80# and that last a long time; and get 75/25 mix); The welder alone w/ just enough to get you started will probably be in the $650 range I'd guess. I got mine from a local welding house as I like to support the little guy over the chains. I bought the welder and built my own cart, it was good practice before I hit the "tasks". Now, if you have the bank...you might look at a bigger one that will accept a spool gun, etc...but you're going to be in the $2500 range and HEAVY...I like my 110 model for portability, but the arc is the one I use on the farm for the heavy stuff. Lincoln, Miller, etc. are good brands; personally I'd shy away from the HF or any off brand/discount/cheap models just because of a "budget", a good tool is usually cheaper long term, and a welder is a long term tool in my opinion...and try to find one that has infinite control..the sales guy will know what that is. Also...any welder needs a good grinder companion; I have a Milwaukee 4" and I've been more than satisfied with that too. ENJOY YOUR NEW TOY.
