Make sure its a gas MIG. Although technically all MIG welders are gas (Metal Inert Gas), a lot of places (Home Depot, Sears, Harbor Freight) sell "gasless" MIG welders for as low as $125.
Those things make really ugly, messy, slag filled welds. They are imprecise and need a lot of heat, so they are not suitable for use on most automotive sheet metal (auto sheet metal is too thin). Don't waste your time with that. Do it right, the first time.
A gas MIG welder setup, with bottle and regulator, will cost a minimum of around $450. But, its a good investment.
I agree with the others, TIG welding is actually the best for most automotive applications, it makes the cleanest welds. But, its really overkill, and its difficult to do. TIG welding is like what you see on nice bike frames and Indy Cars, those nice, neat layered welds.
ANYONE can learn to MIG weld. The best thing to do is go to any welding shop, or Sears or a big book store, and get a book on welding. In a couple hours you will know all you need to know. Then its just a matter of practicing.
|