Beginner Welding

[SmokinwithWilly]

For the past few years, I've needing more and more fabrication work done for my business. Repair costs to equipment, trailers, and tools have been adding up and I'm getting tired of paying someone else to fix it all. Currently I'm spending about 1500 a year, most of it labor, in fabrication expenses.

I've decided to teach myself to weld to cut down on costs. I know that there are various forms of welding, but I'm mainly looking to get into wire fed welding for now. I've priced welding units and found they run from a fee hundred for a small buzz box to thousands for huge machines. 

I was wondering if anyone could give me any recommendations for a good starting welder. I'm want to be able to do fabrication for hand tools, small trailer repair, and small patches on equipment. I've read a lot online, but thought some of my fellow huddlers could offer me some of their expertise. 

[PandaPancake]

You asked this place about a manly art. Not a lot of people here are known for cool hobbies. YouTube? Got time to take a community college class? I'm in the same boat as you. Let us know what you come up with