Is there such a thing as an easy to use inexpensive welder for someone who has never welded before and wants something to monkey around with? I would mainly be welding tube steel and other odds and ends. I do have 230 single phase in my garage.

I've been researching welders and am more confused than anything.

"Stick" or electrode ARC welders. These seem to be available for around $120 on up.

Wire feed with gas shielding (tank). These seem to be 2-3 times the ARC stick welders.

Wire feed with flux cored wire and no shielding gas needed. I talked to someone who uses one of these fairly often in his heavy equipment shop and he loves it. Pull the trigger et voila. About $450 for a Lincoln brand though.

Oxy-Acetylene: get a torch tip and I've got a cutter as well as a welder. Small portable models seem to be at or around the inexpensive stick welders without the cost of filling the tanks.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

Chris L