Rance, don't even waste your time with a flux only welder. The only thing it's good for is if you're welding outside, you don't have to worry about the shielding gas getting blown away and have contaminated welds.
You'll be fairly disappointed and frustrated with a flux core welder.
Know anyone that welds? Check Craig's List everyday and try to pick up a good condition used Lincoln, Miller or Hobart. A welder is often the kinda thing that someone buys, uses a few times and then it sits in a garage or shed.
-David
