Well,

Good instruction from an experienced welder is definetely a good thing, but for over a grand?...Hmmm...

I took a night class on welding through a local high school, and the instructor was excellent. I learned quite a bit. But the class was offered merely as a community service. The cost was only $25.00 per person.

I guess you need to consider your motive for learning to weld. If you ever plan to weld as part or whole of an occupation, then fork over the dough and take the classes. If you just want to learn to weld so you can handle your own projects, You're better off buying the welder and supplies like you suggested, and learning on your own. If you do decide to go that route, however, I would advise you to find a friend who already knows how to weld to help you get started.

Good luck!

Matt.