Is this a good welder?

[Nima]

Wow, too much info. Anybody knows where I can take some classes. It has to be in the afternoons since I work during the day. With all the inputs and considering the cost and level of experience of the welder, Lincoln appear to be the ome to go. Does anybody has model #? Thanks.
By the way, HAPPY new year.

[doc_rock]

Depends on what you want. Lincon has the little red tombstone AC/DC welder that's an outright badass.

Check your local community college or vocational technical center. They usually have welding classes. I wouldn't sign up for anything like Tulsa School of Welding or anything like that, but a Community College, or a VoTech school should have enough to get you started.

[arkracing]

so i have to change wire evertime i weld sheetmetal? I see guys use .030 wire on sheet metal and 1/4" steel all day long. I really just think that the welder is tired...maybe not. but i go down in wire speed and amperage to weld the thin stuff (any ideas on what they should be??) the lincoln i'm using has like A-G for Amps and 1-8 for speed (D being the "yellow dot" on amps, and 4 being the "yellow dot" on speed) when welding body panels i usually knock those down 1-2 notches and clean the metal good and make sure the wire tip is cut off nicely.

How much gas should i be using 10-15lbs? how much "Stick out"??

i'm going sign up for some welding classes at the local Vo-tech school around here.

I eventually want to get a Lincoln/Miller - self rolling model - 210-250 amp modles. they are pretty nice...and what most of the shops use...correct? - in fabrication and body work (sheetmetal)??
Something like this (PowerMig215)
http://www.mylincolnelectric.com/Cat...eet.asp?p=9853

Or the Millermatic210
http://www.millerwelds.com/products/...llermatic_210/

[1972C10]

Hobart Are Very Good Welders Too Built With the Same Parts As Miller And Carry The Same 3 Year Warranty Little better price too