While I was in high school, I got to do a little bit of welding (I MEAN A VERY LITTLE!) in metal shop, just basically got the basics from class, and did a little stick welding. I think we were all allowed like 3 sticks only! But from there we were supposed to "practice at home" Which would have been ok, except my dad didnt own a stick welder, so I was out of luck.
Later in life when I moved to my farm, I got a old craftsman welder that was in major need to see the dump, but it would almost stick metal together, and got me by. 2 years ago I purchased a Miller Bobcat 250 Welder/Generator, and built a Steel pipe corral system for the Bull Pen. Since then, I have completely replaced two of our cattle chute areas, and various things around I could never get done with the craftsman. I just got my Hobart Manhandler about 2 months ago (230 volt Wire Feed) and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! I have so far spent one small roll of .030 wire, and almost completed one LARGE roll as well building and playing!
BTW, my Bull Pen covers almost 5 acres or so of pasture, so it was a BIG build! But well worth it considering a local welder is getting 25.00/hr