I suggest you got to a welding supply store and check into the prices of everything you want for what you need to do or want to do in the future. Once you know the specs of what you want, ie 220v 300 amp mig (a big welder), programmable for stich welding etc... or 110v 60 amp for hobby welding, or perhaps 220 90amp dual purpose mig (flux & gas)...
I've found some great deals on welders on governmentauction.com. Its a website where the military sells off old equiptment- everything from washing machines, high dollar movie cameras, medical equipment, clothing, tv's, trucks, welders, metalworking equipment...
I've also seen some decent deals on E-bay, just keep an eye on the shipping.
Before you start welding spend afternoon thumbing through Finch's "Welder's Handbook" or something like it- If your library doesn't have it Amazon does.
