honestly, i got myself a 180 mig-pak from Lincoln Electric.
its WAY more than enough.
it can weld up to 1/2 without gas
K2659-1 MIG-Pak 180 208/230/1/60 (sold only in Canada) | Lincoln Electric
im sure there is a similar model for sale in the states, i just found that, this model is perfectly balanced for any application.
you can use with gas, 75%argon 25%CO2
or get another gauge for 100% CO2 (although its an "older" "design")
another option is the aluminum gun, to weld alum.
and you can weld stainless steel aswell.
you can also weld really thin metal, i believe 24 gauge, which is too thin for most of my welds/projects....
although this machine requires 240V, its still easy to set up yourself or hire an electrician to do it if you cant do it.
there are smaller machines, most notably the mig-pak 160(?) that can be hooked up to both 115V and 240V, which is a good choice as its dual current (portability)
smaller machines will surely do the job, but you are considering a long term purchase, so there was no "better" deal than the 180, as it welds really thin and thick metal.
(i probably will never need to weld 1/2" steel)
just be ready to spend some money on accessories, like a good helmet most notably, auto-darkening ones.
as far as brands go, for smaller machines (like the 180) Miller or Hobart are "better" but come at a much higher price, while Lincolns are more known for the bigger machines.
But IMHO the Lincoln does the job really well, alot of people i know had the machines for some time and i had mine for 2 years without any problems.
As far as courses/classes go, i never took one and weld pretty well, honestly, there is nothing better than 2 hours of practice, welding different metals (thickness wise) and so on.
Im sure there are cheaper brands that do the job and smaller models, but like i said, the 180 seems to be the "best" balanced.
Just wanted to add that i find some accessories to be a "MUST":
-good pair of gloves, and a good apron, good mask.
-dont forget some tools like a steel brush, a magnet, and some vise grips ( or any other tools that could hold objects together. ).
i find that gas is a must for most applications, find out where you can buy some, i get mine for 30$ a year for the tank, and 50$ a refill, a tank lasted me for many hours of welds, id say near 2 hours, which is allot, just to give you an idea,
it consisted of reinforcing/modifying 3 trailers, building shelves, and some other small projects,
IMG_0312.jpg picture by shui5612 - Photobucket you can see the winch platform welded by me to accommodate the larger winch, and the longer hitch, consisting of 2 bars each 2x3 and about 3.5MM thick, welded together and then welded to the trailer.
IMG_0308.jpg picture by shui5612 - Photobucket
IMG_0307.jpg picture by shui5612 - Photobucket really old trailler i have, welded the frame back together and added the rear hitch, 2x2 and 3.5mm thick metal.
IMG_0314.jpg picture by shui5612 - Photobucket one of the small projects i did, welded the frame so it fits into a car hitch (or the trailers) and i could use the crane, it isnt dont yet, those trailer jacks will be replaced by hydraulics as soon as i can make a hydraulic pump on my atv.
there were many other projects and such, but these are just to give you an idea...
and for my last point, i would suggest getting a MIG, stick welders are great and all, but for smaller projects, ease of use, learn-ability and functionality.
Hope i helped. sorry for the long post.
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