This is a great thread! What about books? I've seen all these body shaping tools (thighmaster?) but I always wondered how to use them. Seriously, is there a good book out there on metal fabrication?

Thanks!

I've been practicing with a Lincoln 135 plus and it is awsome.
An associate who works for Praxair welding hooked me up with a great deal and explained it's advantages (I hope I remember this correctly):

It has a copper vs. an aluminum "choke" so the voltage fed to the wire is constant when the tranfer is pulsed.
It (plus version) has an infinite variable settings, although I haven't noticed too much difference(still a novice).
The Lincoln vs. the Miller has a flexible wire output housing so it doesn't break when you carry it and accidently bang the wire feed cable into something.

My only gripe was it didn't have superfine control to contiunous lap-weld steel can edges, but if you have the patience to tack spots all the way around and grind them off the welder should be able to attach sheet metal.

BTW: I saw this program(discovery channel?) where they welded panels for a Finnish cruise ship (the largest in the world) underwater so there was no buckling at all.

I have the 135plus it is excellent. If you want to do heavy work make sure you have a 20 amp/120 volt supply. I haven't used my stick welder since I got the 135. It will weld paper thin and heavy structural stuff. i also have a sandblast cabinet, definately handy.
Good Luck
WoodySmileWavy

Don't forget to check Harbor Freight Tools. There in Ohio,Mich, Ind, Penn, Good tools cheap. Not always the best quality but they will warranty almost all there stuff!!

I bought a 135 plus as well and have had good results...now if I just had time to actually finish the damn thing...