120-Volt Pro-Series Arc Welder (PS07572) $69 Free shipping from Home Depot

Anyone here done work on Stainless exhaust tubing with something like this? 120V AC seems like it would be problematic in getting a good weld. I know they make 1/16" SS rod, but I'm thinking this would just frustrate me with not enough juice to get the job done well.

Any input on this? I've been looking to learn how to weld, it would just be so damned useful for me for all the things I need to repair and whatnot.

Would this be a good one to start with?

Stainless is best left to a TIG welder, and a professional. Those rods you see are for a TIG welder. You do NOT want to start messing around with a nice exhaust system with ARC welding.

For the rest out there that are contemplating this welder, understand that while you CAN learn to weld with one, 120V ARC process welding is just not going to generate enough current to get a smooth arc. The above post about learning from a Community College is golden, as it's a process that takes lots of time and practice to do passibly much less well. Everyone starts with ARC welding or gas welding and moves up from there, and both processes are relatively easy when shown by a pro..... YouTube...... I don't konw? I don't like the idea of learning on youtube about something that could potentially kill me. Also for those of you determined to learn this way, who have no way of cutting metal to experiment with DO NOT EVER TRY TO ELECTRICALLY WELD ANYTHING GALVANIZED!! You can get galvanic poisoning, which is not fun in any way shape or form. Lots of folks find galvanized brackets and whatnot to experiment with and end up getting very sick.

IMHO you would be better off getting a used Lincoln tombstone welder off craigslist, which can often be had for the same price, and are powered off 220V.

Any input on this? I've been looking to learn how to weld, it would just be so damned useful for me for all the things I need to repair and whatnot.

Would this be a good one to start with?

A class at a community college and lots and lots of practice.

so this is for basic stick welding correct?

can you TIG also with this unit?

I was originally going to TD this because a cheap 120V arc is probably the most frustrating way to get started welding. But if you have small projects with THIN carbon steel it would be okay to get you started. Keep in mind this is rated for only 1/8" thick steel and welders like this are notorious for over rating. If you like welding you will end up CL'ing it and getting a MIG. If not you will CL it for and make it someone else's regret but probably not losing any money.

FYI, I started on a cheap 120V sears welder back in the day and got frustrated because I wasn't able to get great welds on 3/16" mild steel. A buddy of mine is a certified welder and came over and had similar results. I then got a re-certified Hobart handler 140 for $360. It is still a 120V welder but man what a difference! I can actually weld +5/16" steel so I CL'd the sears welder and used the cash for a reg. and bottle for shielding gas.