Neophyte looking to buy a welder

[GR Brown]

Just joined this forum and it looks great. I am a retired building contractor and have never welded (been around it some though for my heavy equipment) and want to buy a welder to do some tthings around my shop at home. Probably nothing thicker than 1/4" or so--just build some shelving, mobile dollies for equipment, brackets, etc. What should I buy? I have 110 and 220 and would probably use it a few times a year. Thanks guys.

[Sberry]

This is one of the most difficult questions. you could use 2 methods, stick or wire. Wire is going to be easier on light materials. Here is to make it easy. If you want stick a Hobart Stickmate XL AC/DC, if you want wire Hobart Handler 180 running C25 gas and 030 solid wire.

[hankj]

You've gotten excellent advice on the electric sparky things, but I just can't imagine that you won't want to heat or flame cut something at some point, too. The most versatile thing I have in the shop is the oxy-acetylene rig. If $$ aren't a big problem, I'd look for at least a light-duty O/A rig too.

Hank