1st time welder

Get yourself a brand name MIG WITH GAS like Miller, Lincoln. "Harbor Freight" is not a brand name, nor are the zillions of other Tai/ Chine/ Italian imports that you can't get parts for

Some "big box" stores which sell Lincoln do NOT sell true Lincolns. A Lincoln dealer can not get parts for 'em.

Once again, go GAS not just flux

My first was one of the little Lincoln 120V MIGS, but I soon wished for 240V and did so, now have a Lincoln 180- something.

IF all you ever plan to do is light welding, sheet metal, and low stress stuff up to 1/4" thick or a little more, you can "get by" with the 120V machines.

The 120V machines NEED (must have) a good solid outlet, IE one wired with BIG wire close to the box in order to push their limits. Makes a hell of a difference.