The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Mig Welder Package

This post should probably go in the tool chest, but would get more visibility here.
for you rural folks, the TSC chain, (Tractor Supply Co.) has a pre Christmas tool package of a Mig Welder, floor cart, gas regualtor, face shield,gloves etc... for $299.00. Even less if you have a 10% off coupon!!
All you need is your argon/CO2 bottle. It is made by Campbell Hausfeld but under the TSC/Farmhand name and powereful enough for light body work, (sheet metal and angle up to 3/16" thick. Works pretty good actually
not a bad price if you cost it out individually.
Great price on new cylinders on E bay too for under a hundred bucks then your ready to go!!

Does it have a live tip or is it switched? Many of the cheaper welders do not switch off the voltage to the gun when the trigger is released, so be careful to check. I like a dead gun when I put it down.

I wouldn't expect much of a face shield with that price, even my $499 Lincoln came with a crappy sheild.

If all you are doing is sheetmetal work that rig might be fine. I would suggest instead the Lincoln HD3200 package which is available at HomeDepot for about $400. Better quality than C-H. Hard to argue with the price though.
Just for your information, TSC in this area also rents gas cylinders for welding and cutting rigs. They are in a cage outside the store.