The classes I took were definitely worth it. Being able to ask what you are doing wrong (or what you can do better) makes one heck of a difference over just trying different things until it works. I had done some welding over the course of a couple years before the class and within the first couple weeks of the class really saw an improvement in my skills.

That said, $1K is a lot of money. I'd second the idea of approaching a local welding firm and talking to them about the situation. I'd even take it a step further. Ask if you could spend some time watching and then ask what he would want for an hour of instruction. Liability issues may be a concern with actually letting you use his equipment, but even if he spent an hour welding and explaining to you what he was doing and why while you asked questions would be worth it.