Welding Woes, to buy and learn / to hire a pro Options

[stateofidleness]

So im almost to the point where welding will be happening on the ol' floorpans

Im wondering whether it is worth the investment to buy a welder and all the accessories needed for the job (could be pricey i presume) or whether it's best just to hire a shop to weld up the holes in my floorpan?

if i DO buy a welder (which i think could be fun and a neat thing to learn), what am i looking for? i have a few small pencil diameter holes to patch and a couple baseball size holes to replace in the corners...

what type of welder should i look for?
what type of welding is best?
what type of metal to use?
where can i buy a cheap welder and acc. needed? (as cheap as possible! i dont mind used)
best to hire a pro?

this would be my first time welding so id probably practice on other things first, but im willing to learn and do it right. ive also got an engman kit on the way, so it would be nice to be able to weld that in myself!

Thanks for the help!

[VaccaRabite]

Get a 120v 15Amp mig welder. They will run between $350 and $500, $100 more if you add welding gas to it (true Mig). Go with either Lincoln or Miller, both are good welders, both cost about the same. The flux core wire does not require shielding gas, and the metal does not quitre need to be prepped as well, but is messier and harder to get the handle on. I'm cheap, so I just used flux cored wire.

Stepping up to shield gas will give you much prettier welds, a LOT less splatter and grinding, and you won't burn through as often.

I welded everything from 24 gauge sheet metal to 1/4 inch thick stock with my 120v welder. No problem. AND I did it fumbling and learneing my way through. if I can do it, so can you.

A new arc welder (buzz box) will be great if you are welding thicker metal, but on sheet metal, it is going to burn right through. it is cheaper ($250 or so) but you don't want it for your 914.

Zach