Gotta do some welding - not sure where to start..

[Joshua993]

I am going to be cutting out and welding in some new metal on the body of my truck, as well as fabbing a bumper just after the first of the year. I am researching/shopping for a welder that will serve as an all purpose type machine - sheet metal (body work) to 1/4" steel plating for my bumper fab. And quite frankly, I know almost nothing about welding, let alone the machines.

For those who do a lot of fabbing, what is the best way to go without spending a ton-o-grip?

Sorry for the silliness of this post - just not sure where to start, and there seem to be some very knowledgeable folks here!

Thanks!
JT

 

[batcon]

whats your budget? I can tell you right now with a decent welder (220v for 1/4 inch) and misc. tools and ect. it will be in the thousands.

 

[D'Animal]

I use a Miller 175 and it works great.

 

[bigndn]

I have a Lincoln 180c that I really like.

 

[cruiser guy]

lincolns work great!! I welded up to 3/4'' with it