I know just about every process there is send me a PM if you need any tips once you get started. I recommend the Millermatic 180 they're about 7-800 new but you can usually find one lightly used for around 500. It's a really good machine and priced right, you'll know where your extra money went when you use someone elses little cheapo. you really don't want to learn how to weld on a 10% duty cycle harbor freight deal (weld for 1 minute followed by 10 minutes not welding basically) Another thing on cheap welders is that the trigger only controls feed, so your wire is always live and that sets to be a pain in the ass.