So, time has gone by and I never did get a welder bought. I'm really glad I didn't because I fell you-know-what backwards into a Lincoln 225 stick welder. Yes, it's old. Yes, it was free along with about 20 lbs of rods! I've been messing around with it, getting a feel for it. Never really stick welded before but I've got lots of good teachers to give me tips. Anyway, it's my new toy and I'm in love with it. Not sure how it's going to work on sheet metal though, probably not as good as a small MIG, but I should be able to weld about whatever else I want with it.

-Jake