Hey everybody,

This is my first thread here at CHR, woohoo!
I'm just a young whippersnapper (21) with a full time job, full time in college (MBA in 2006!), I'm a full time husband, and about to be a full time father (Due date: May 9th!)
Believe it or not, in my busy schedule I am going to try to get into the hotrod hobby. I'm going to teach myself everything. Auto tech, metal fabrication, even how to build a garage in the back yard! I suppose I'm a glutton for punishment; an overachiever even.

As of a couple of months ago I didn't know much about automobiles except that I loved them. I love going to auto shows, looking at cars, etc. The basics of how they work I have only learned recently. Most people I have met in the auto industry, whether its customizing, or being a mechanic, have a father that shared the same passion and taught them at least some of what they know. This is not the case with me. I was raised by my dear ole mommy. I have absolutely no auto experience other than driving. I've never even changed the oil in my own car.

Research over the past few months has brought me pretty far. I know a lot more about different models of cars (new and old), and I'm starting to know better of how they work. Now I am at the point where I am ready to start learning metal fabrication and paint. Maybe one day I will actually be ready to get an old project car!

I figure the best thing for me to do now is to buy a welder, experiment with some small projects, and learn some skill. I also think I will get an air compressor with a sprayer, and experiment with some painting.

After I get comfortable with those skills, I will probably try to find an old 46 Dodge pickup, something cheap and fully metal to restore as my first project. ( I like 46 Dodge Pickups cause of the curves, the grills, and the potential. But I don't love them so much that I won't use them as my first learning experience. The poor thing may not come out alright. )

I will learn plenty of other stuff along the way, chassi repair, suspensions, braking systems, electrical, etc. That's why I love this Forum, there are so many experienced rodders on here that don't mind giving some advice to an ignorant auto-virgin.

This brings me to my first ever, CHR question!
I've done some research on welders, and I think I want a Miller, but I don't know which to get. I haven't welded since the 10th grade (6 or 7 years) and it was very small amount. It was an ARC welder, with the rods and all that.. I remember it being very difficult at the begining because I couldn't see very well with the mask I was using (auto-shade). I sucked at sparking an arc at first cause I kept sticking the rod to the metal. So anyway, for a welding beginner, a welding student, and a future fabricator, what kind of welder should I buy? TIG, MIG, ARC, or something else? I'm thinking used.

Also: when it comes to air compression painting, does it matter what brand/size etc.? I haven't done any research on those yet.

Also #2: Anything else you want to tell a beginner, go ahead and throw it at me. Advice on tools I will need? Size of garage I need to build? Block vs. Wood garage? Resources on mixing good paint, and striping?

Thanks guys!
Nice to Meet you!
Jeff

ps: I will be changing my own oil if I have the time from here on out.