Tigs are very expensive (comparatively) and harder to learn.
Go to harbor freight, buy the cheap flux core 90 amp MIG welder they have (should be $90-$110). Go ahead and buy an auto darkening helmet as well, because these welders will arc on contact. Most require the button to be pushed. Gloves are recommended, but up to you. If you don't already have one, I'd recomend an angle grinder. I bought a Hitachi brand and it's been kick ass, but again, harbor freight will work for your experimenting. Pick up a cutting disc and grinding disc. This will allow you to not only cut the metal you'll be welding, but also to prep the surfaces that will be welded. The metal needs to be degreased, dry, and clean, bare metal. No dirt, grease, rust, etc. I started with exhaust pipe. It's decently thick, not expensive, and if you don't get carried away for your first welding adventure you may get some good exhaust work for free.
First try tacking the metal. Turn it on minimum and the wire feed about 1/3 of the way (I think these are like 1-10, so somewhere around 2-4 depending how it acts). Tacking is fusing the metal, but not making a complete bead.
To do this, you'll simply make contact, and do a circle between the two pieces of metal. If it feels like the gun is being pushed back, lower the wire feed. If it feels like the gun is unable to keep up, raise the speed. You can do this on one piece of metal, but the purpose is to hold the metal together and/or not get it too hot. For learning porpoises, I'd suggest cutting the pipe into 3-4" sections and use something to hold them together, even if you just set them on the ground against something (non-flammable!!). Once you make some tacks, try to break it apart. If it breaks apart easily, keep trying but change what you're doing because it should hold. If it holds, you got the hang of it.
Running a bead is similar. Some say do rainbows/arches, some say circles. I did the opposite of the I-Car welding instructor, and made a nicer and stronger bead. Try both... one will feel better or work better for you.
Basically:
Your goal =
What it'll probably look like =
If it looks like the latter, don't feel bad or discouraged. Just bury it. Either way, practice always helps if you strive for better.
If you can get the $100 special to lay a decent bead, you'll be able to pick up a nice, gas welder and make peoples jaws drop. I had no training, just self-taught and making what I need, and had no problem passing the I-Car structural tech welding certification.
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