did a search and want to make sure i am correct on this before i do it.
it's a hobart 175.
bought a 30 amp breaker.
#6-3 wire 25 ft. (extension cord style set-up)
and the correct outlet receptacle/box

Shut off main first.
Step1 connect the the red/black (both live wires) to the breaker and then to the outlet box on opposite sides from each other.
Step 2 connect the white wire to the ground pole inside breaker box and the correct spot on the outlet box.

wondering about this last step because from my understandign the white wire is a neutral wire and there should be a seperate ground wire. i would really rather not burn the house down so any advice would be greatly appreciated. thanks in advance. if all else fails i will wait for my brother in law to come 2 it 2 weekends from now.

Yes, the White wire is the neutral wire. However, If you look in your breaker box, you will notice that the neutral wire and ground wire (green) are connected to the same place.

So, the answer is yes, hook it to the ground.

thank you orbit cat, i feel like a total dumb-ass right now. one of those things where you get home late and want a head start on morning projects. thanks for the help though.