I've been thinking of getting in to welding for some time.
Watching videos about people fabricating things, or forging items, or repairing metal items (such as mower decks), or any number of things, welding is the base line capability that all of them have.
I think that a welder, and the ability use it, would be a very practical tool, and it will not just be a toy that I'm playing around with (as would say, a forge, anvil, sanders, etc for knife making.) Welding will be a skill that I can keep using for various practical purposes throughout life as well as if and when I do get to the stage in life when I have time and money for hobbies such as forging or making things just because.
What sort of budget range should I be looking for a first welder? I've gathered that buying one that is too cheap will leave you with an under-powered welder that will frustrate the learning process/limit you in what you can and can't do. As an occasional user, I also don't want to break the bank on something that isn't going to be used all the time.
I know there are a bunch of different resources on the internet that discuss this, but since we have a metal working forum, I figured, hell, whats one more thread to add to the old post count.
I've read about the different types of welders, (MIG vs. Stick is what I've been considering, MIG is where I am leaning), and see a range of suggested powers/price points. Generally between $600-$1,200.
I'm going to try to talk to a couple people I know to let me try out their welders to see for myself if it is something I think I can pick up, or if it is something that will end up being more of a pain than its worth. I really suspect the former.