I may be in never-neverland.. in fact I have been accused of this before, but a decent MIG welder ($700+), the gas is about $30 per bottle with $100 deposit, a 5-13 shade auto darkening helmet about $100, gloves, wire, misc items $50.
All of the above has been well worth it for me. I have learned amazing things and can do just about anything these days because of it. If there is a future in it, spend decent money to get decent gear. Don't pay more than its worth, but don't throw good money after bad. If not, find a good body shop and pay whatever its worth. Moral of the story is.. have your eyes open before walking through the door.
