I have a $120 Flux core I bought at HF about a year ago. When I first got it I thought it was a piece of crap,(and I still do) but I didn't want to admit defeat so I kept playing with it and I have got it to work acceptable now. It does splatter a lot but I grind the welds down anyway, so that isn't a problem for me. I have welded both cab corners,both rocker/steps, hinge pillars, patch panels on my fenders, etc with little problem. The thing I don't like is I have to go over the welds a second time in some areas because of tiny pinholes in the weld when I but weld. Time consuming, but cheaper than buying a new welder. Even though I can get buy with the HF welder, if you want a good one don't look in HF. I haven't priced a good one but I am sure someone here can give you some good advice.

1957 Chevrolet 1/2-ton Stepside LB in the Gallery
My Photobucket shots

The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself." - John Stuart Mill (1806 - 1873)