Welder Suggestions

[sj9ers]

I'm a college kid on a budget and need some suggestions on an affordable welder to buy for use on my mustang. This will be the first time I've ever welded and I wont be doing that big of jobs just filling in holes in the firewall and installing a floorpan and some other various projects. From researching I heard a MIG welder was the best and I've also read about flux wire welders that seam to be more affordable but I don't know if they will suit my needs. So wats a good inexpensive one to get me started? Keep in mind it doesn't have to last forever and I'm just trying to get started right now. Also I do have an arc welder that I got for free but never used and was wondering if that could be used on the projects I mentioned before?
Thanks

 

[Evilfox]

If you want cheap then check out Harbor Freights MIG welders. I bought one in a pinch and it was alright. My only gripe is no matter what I did it left small BB's on everything that I had to wire-brush off.

Harbor Freight Tools

219.99 if you don't mind a slightly used one. $20 more for a new one.

Edit
When you upgrade I recommend a Lincoln Electric. I have a K2470-1 which I absolutely love. One will set you back just shy of 600 dollars though.

 

[bentley429]

Ours is a lincoln weld-pak 140 I believe. Real cheap at homo depot, does flux core or gas. Flux core is garbage. It is only 120v and works great for the little welder it is. Check them out.

 

[Shakerhood]

Hobart Handler 140

 

[millhouse]

Hobart Handler 140

X2

It's made by Miller and uses high quality components. Look for packages sold through Tractor Supply. I picked up my HH180 for ~ $600 including the tank, cart, auto darkening helmet, gloves, 2 spools of wire, a couple wire brushes and a few other misc. items. Not bad considering the welder itself was sitting next to the "managers special" package for nearly $650 by itself...and the helmet was nearly $150!!!!!

 

[bynummustang]

"Buy nice or buy twice"

If you really want to do good work in a timely manner stay away from the harbor frieght welders. A buddy had one, and you could only burn for about 30 seconds. The duty cycle was very short. Which for you, might be a good idea so you don't weld too much at a time and warp the metal.

I don't mean to start a brand war, being that I haven't used a Lincoln much, but I've used the hell out of Miller stick and MIG welders, and I have no complaints. (except for the overhead fillet bead with a 6011 rod)