I went to home depot and got some 3/32" 7018 AC rods made by Lincoln.

This is too hard. The rods keep sticking to the work when trying to strike an
arc,
then the coating breaks off. I tried the current at 80 amps then 100 amps. The
1/8" rod at least I was able to get a weld going.

I forsee that even if I master this stick welding, it is going to take me
FOREVER to
weld up these 32 or so joints. If MIG is that much easier, it might be worth
the investment.

Lets say I have $1000 to spend on a MIG outfit, including a gas cylinder and an
autodarkening helmet.

Welder:

SP-175 PLUS - about $750
http://store.aglevtech.net/yhst-1586...pplmigwe1.html

Lincoln Pro MIG 175 - on ebay for around $475 new.
(is the only diff between this and hte sp-175 plus the tapped voltage?, ie, gun
and regulator the same?)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...9218 799&rd=1

I think i should go for a 220V machine since I use 220 in my shop, so maybe rule
out the 135.

Gas cylinder is probably about $100, and am guessing the HF helmet is less than
$200...

So which MIG?

thanks for all the free help, btw!

Rick