I'm looking into the purchase of a hobby-sized wire feed welder (and currently eyeballing a Lincoln model 135/$500). I would like something that could run both shielded flux-core wire, and gas-shielded wire. Are there any features or brands to look for or shy away from? I don't think need a full-power welding shop grade unit, just something I can replace/patch body panels with, and repair stuff (bikes/garden tools/etc). What do the "numbers" mean .... rated output/Duty cycle/output range? Are there some minimum values I should look at? After doing the pricing, a couple of repairs and it could pay for itself (after taking a few classes, of course). Are there any issues with using self-shielding flux core wire to put patch panels in, say floorpans? I'm far from an expert, and I haven't done any welding since I put a patch in the rear wheel housing of the '68 Camaro I used to have, back in '91. I would guess some of you guys have forgotten more about welding than I've ever learned.

P.S. - MARTINSR, if you could repost or e-mail me your "basic of basics of welding" I would be greatly appreciative. Heck, if you've got any basic of basics of panel patching or replacing, I would be more than greatly appreciative .....

Thanks Guys

Here's both of the Basics of Basics on welding:

MIG Welding Basics of Basics (http://www.chevelles.com/cgi-bin/forum/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=3;t=006730)

Plus his later Expanded Basics of Basics - Inverted Welding (http://www.chevelles.com/cgi-bin/forum/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=3;t=007134)