Welding and Metalworking - Getting started

Can anyone get me started on home-improvement-type welding? Basically repairing yard tools, gates, and simple steel fabrication, possibly attaching holddowns to a steel trailer. No experience and I'm seeing the following stuff in stores but have no idea of what I need:

Arc Welders
Gas Welders
MIG Welders
Spot Welders

Is an ability to weld aluminum a step up?

Also, advice on DIY-type manuals.

Thanks!

OK, I'm not getting any responses to this question since it was posted in December. Does anyone have any ideas as to why no responses? Any book recommendations to get me started?

Probably did not get many responces since it was a "I'm just getting started... what do I need..." thread. Since you've posted back I assume the members will see that you are serious about learning welding.

I would get a MIG welder and focus on welding steel. It is easy to learn and has so many uses around the house. I've always been a big fan of buying a used brand name machine versus a new cheap one but if you are just doing odd jobs around the house a cheap one would probably work. Gassless with flux core wire will be the cheapest but I preffer to use gas so there is less smoke and a cleaner weld.

You can weld aluminum but it does require some additional equipment and you do not have a need for it as often. I'd save that purchase for later.

Thanks! Care to list a few reliable brand names? Is Lincoln Electric one (Home Depot and Lowes)?

MIG is the same as wire-feed?

Lincoln, Miller, Esab, Hobart and others are all good brand names. I have read too many stories of people that have bought the off name, cheap Chinese welders only to find that it does not work well and they cannot get replacement and repair parts. If trying to save some money I would rather have a used brand name machine over a new no-name. A quality machine that accuratley controls the current and wire feed rate makes it much easier to get better quality welds.

Yes, MIG is wire welding where a wire is fed down the cord and comes out at the welding gun.

You might try spending some time on the major brands websites. I know the Miller site (and I assume the other brands do as well) has a ton of usefull information and how to guides.

Mig welding is by far the easiest to learn. Like you have already read, gas-less mig welding may be a bit cheaper, but are not as clean(pretty).
Using a gas mig welder will give you the nicest welds.

Taking a small, local welding class would go a long way in helping you get started. You can pick up lots of tips and techniques that will save you time and money.
In a class you get to waste there stuff(gas, wire, material) while picking up valuable insights and information.


Travis