well i saw this unit on ebay zena welder (http://www.zena.net) for an awesome price (over $200 off). It is perfect for me because I don't have a garage and i tend to break lots of stuff on the trail. Now the hard part...i have basically no clue how to weld well. Can anyone recommend some good books or anything else for a beginner? I'm sure most of the learning to be done comes from experience, but some direction would be good to start off with.

Thanks
Steve

You really need to have someone who knows what they are doing look over your shoulder. Either find a friend or take a class at a JC is the best way to start.

check www.lincolnelectric.com...they have lots of great literature....enuff to get you started

there are some CD-roms you can get, but its faster if you take a community college course or have some one show you...and practice practice practice. It's not real hard, you save a ton of money, it's a lot of fun etc...:D can you tell I like to weld?

i just found out my school (university of colorado) offers a 10 hour beginning welding class. The BIG bonus to it is that when i'm done i get a Risk Management Safety card that will allow me to use the machine shop and welding tools whenever i want. JACKPOT!! now i have an onboard welder and a full machine shop at my disposal. Can you tell i'm excited?!

-Steve

yes, that is without a doubt the best way to learn. Not to mention all of the added benefits of having that equipment at your disposal! I actually learned how back in high school and then practiced on my home equipment for a while. Next quarter I went ahead and signed up for out college's program. Cost me a whopping $39 and I get all of the free steel I want :D Hello 50 ton shop press project!