[durtkillon]

Not all Lincoln mig welders have shileding gas capability. Do your homework before you pay $300. Many of the "non-gas" types use flux core wire that have a gas that releases from the core of the wire as you weld. Some units are have gas capability, some do not. Shielding gas becomes more important for thinner metals and cosmetic repairs.

I have mig welded 16 ga metal with flux core wire. It may not be as pretty, but you can make a good weld on that thickness without the gas.

Renting is an option. Some HD stores rent these units and just about every rinky dink town has a equipment rental store that has Lincoln or Miller welders for $50 a day. If you rent on a weekend you may get a deal.

I recently purchased a new 120V Marquette welder on EBAY for $260 and free shipping. It was made in Italy and has more plastic than the Miller or Lincoln, but it lays a very nice bead. It also came with the gas regulator and a really flimsy mask.

Other helpful tools... a mask ($50), 2 lbs wire ($20), decent gloves ($5), a variety of vice grip pliers, a grinder, a cart with chains(for a gas bottle/bomb).

I love having a welder around the house. It makes many repairs and modifications possible. It also turns scrap yards into gold mines.