If you are going to buy a welder dont get a hf welder get either a lincoln,miller or a hobart in that order get a lincoln 175 110v you can get it without the gas hookup then pick it up later when you have more cash. The only reason for the gas is to have a clean weld and weld hotter at a lower setting does not have anything to do with strength of the weld.strength mostly has to do with penatration.you only get good looking welds with alot of practice I know because I am a certified welder and weld everyday 8hrs under a hood(pipefitter)

When I do get a welder, not now though, I was thinking a Lincoln 140 115v. I'll consider the 175 though, but I'm not sure if I'll really need it or not.

Thanks