I was in the same boat; wanted to learn to weld to make my own stuff. I kept an eye on Craigslist, ebay and the local pawnshops. I found a used Hobart Handler 130 flux core/ MIG at a pawnshop about a year ago for $289. I read, read, and read some more, watched videos online, and asked tips and tricks from people I know who weld. So far I've only used .030 flux core. I went through a good bit of scrap steel just for practice. I bought a mask, and slag hammer/brush, and a cheap grinder from Tractor Supply. I picked up some gloves, pliers, and a regulator, for when I finally get a tank for shielding gas, from Harbor Freight. So far I've tackled a few projects; a solar panel rack for my combo motorcycle trailer/camper, welded a tongue jack onto the trailer/camper, a cross bar in my roof rack on my Liberty for holding gas cans securely. I made a cargo carrier type thing that inserts into my receiver hitch that comes up to just above the bottom of the swing gate. I also made a highway peg mount for my friend's Harley Sportster. A year ago I couldn't weld, now I can. I'm by no means great at it, but I am decent, it takes practice. Keep an eye out for a deal. I would recommend sticking with one of "The big three" as well. Jump in there and give it a try. I don't think you'll be disappointed. It's a great feeling to be able to say "I made that!" Above all be safe. Wear protective gear. Insulated leather gloves, a good mask, heavy weight long sleeved shirt, hearing protection, safety glasses when grinding, and common sense. Also, NEVER use brake cleaner to clean parts to be welded; it can create phosgene gas. It is highly toxic, it can be fatal in even very small amounts.
_________________ Black '05 Renegade. Front suspension: Frankenlift, Moog HD LBJ's, Audiboy cut CV's Rear suspension: OME 948's, 2 extra upper ISO's, Rancho RS 5000 shocks. 31X10.50X15 Duratrac's/ProComp 152's ARB bumper, Mopar skids, JCR stage III's, Reese hitch with tractor lights, Champion shackle insert, "homebrew" on board air, 1000 watt inverter
|