I was in the same boat as you were earlier this year. I found one of these http://cgi.ebay.com/Clarke-130EN-Mig-Welder-110-V-130-Amp-No-Gas-or-Gas_W0QQitemZ160169007716QQihZ006QQcategoryZ113743QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem from a guy in rochester local pickup. Welder, gas bottle, two helmets, cart and gloves for like 250. The Welder works great. Comparable to lincolns and millers from everyone who welds that has used mine. They are actually the same company who make the craftsman welders (aka this http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00920569000P?vName=Tools&keyword=mig+welder ).
works, ok without gas…kinda a lot of splatter. and with gas works excellent.