Spool Gun Welder
A look at what is currently available on eBay
 Miller Multimatic 200 907518 Mig Tig & Stick Welder with Spoolgun US $1,999.87 
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 Snap On MHG5-B Spool Gun Welder US $650.00
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 Hobart Handler® 210MVP Mig Welder 110/220v W/ Spool Gun US $1,099.00
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 Eastwood Mig Welder 175 AMP 220VAC Welding & Spool Gun US $579.99
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 MILLERMATIC 252 MIG WELDER WITH 30A SPOOLGUN 951066 US $3,365.77
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 Hot Max SPG Spool Gun For Hot Max MIG Welders US $146.38
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 Marquette M02160 Mig Welder Cart Spool Gun 160 Amp US $1,299.95
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 1 050622 5/8" Miller Mig Welder Spool Gun Gas Nozzle Parts by USAWELD US $6.30
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 Spool Gun f/ Miller MIG Welders 195 016 US $375.00
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 Spool Gun for IronMan 250 Mig Welder 300144 -New US $659.99
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 Hobart Welding Spool Gun for IronMan 210 Mig Welder #300143 US $499.99
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 5 Spool Gun .035" Contact Tips f/ Snap-On MIG Welders US $24.75
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which welder should I get?
I want to run it on any 15 amp 120v household circuit; weld aluminum, steel, and stainless steel; and for the best value/$.
a couple options: http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/6/Tools/WeldingSoldering/Welders/PRD~0588108P/Mastercraft%252BFlux%252BCore%252BWelder.jsp?locale=en
or could I perhaps get this arc welder and add a spool gun? http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/6/Tools/WeldingSoldering/Welders/PRDOVR~0588107P/Mastercraft%252BArc%252BStick%252BWelder.jsp?locale=en
this is what I meant for adding a spool gun http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:GbIhmLsovkQ8RM:http://salestores.com/stores/images/images_747/300143.jpg
surely I could just add that to an arc no?
I've only ever used arc welding, no formal training or anything, but I think I know some do aluminum and some don't, so that's why I'm asking. I don't have a shop, so it's gotta be household current; I figure I can do multiple passes if I need to do something thicker.
Both are pretty much a complete waste of time and money. Prepare to be disappointed and frustrated. With all due respect, those are product intended for people who know absolutely nothing about welding.
I wouldn't touch one of those tiny 115V "booger-boxes". In order to get anything resembling a sound weld you typically have to max out the voltage on those things, and then breakers and fuses start blowing, capacitors and transformers start burning up.
If you are really serious about welding, you should be willing to save money for *serious* 220V equipment.
Note that most home dryers and electric ovens run off 220V and have their own 220V wall socket. So just buy 220V extension cord and run it to your garage.
Price range for quality equipment is in the range of $1,000 - $2,000 new. I strongly recommend ESAB or Thermal Arc equipment. Miller is OK. My last choice would be Hobart or Lincoln, or any of the no-name brands. I would strongly recommend a machine with at least 200 amps output. I would also recommend a machine that has continuously variable voltage, not one that only has 4-6 fixed voltage tap settings. Being able to fine-tune the voltage is very helpful to producing a smooth, low-spatter weld.......if that matters to you. Most machines that have digital readouts also have continuously variable voltage. If you wish, you can browse classified ads and such for used MIG welders. A good machine used might cost $400-$900.
EDIT: welding aluminum is difficult, and a lot of special considerations need to be taken, which is a whole new question unto itself. Aluminum is something that even experienced welders struggle with.
