[sen2two]

As far as equipment goes... buy a quality used American made machine. Preferably Red over Blue, but it dosnt really matter.

You can get a Lincoln 175 square wave TIG for a decent deal. It will outlast you and do more than you need it to.

MIG, eh.... anything really will do since most just use it to stick exhaust tubing together. Now if your doing serious work or want it to look good, you'll need something with actual voltage and wire speed control. Not just button settings like you see on the cheaper units at home depot. This is where buying a quality used machine comes in handy again.

I used a Miller TIG on occasion at my last job that was built in the 80s. It was used for 10-15 years everyday then sat for about another 20 until I started using it for prototype welding. It worked perfectly. There isn't a Chinese welder on the market right now in 2015 that can hold a torch to that. Pun!