You know what they say....a little knowledge can be dangerous!
That's great you have this Ag teacher to help you learn. It will save you TONS of hair pulling in the future. Once you see what you can and can't weld with MIG you will be looking for a stick machine. Check out
craigslist classifieds: jobs, housing, personals, for sale, services, community, events, forums in your area. I know there are GOOD machine list in our area all the time well worth the $$. May be used, but most of the older machines will last way longer for no more than you will problably use it. Good luck. can't wait to see your finished hammer.