Best starter welder for bar work

[Punderhead]

Seeing as how everyone else is adding their 2c.

I'm not a boily, I'm a fitter/turner. But I do a fair bit of welding for work and am fairly competent.

Start with a stick. If you start with a mig then you will never perfect your technique, and your welds will always be second rate.

Start with a few bits of scrap, then a few small projects. Not barwork

Before you do a project, weld together some scrap. Cut across the weld. Ensure you have good burn in throughout the entire weld.

Make sure you have anything critical checked by someone in the know.

Cheers