what is the least expensive welder i can get away with ?

you get what you pay for i have a welding shop and build steel rigging for commercial fishing boats and own 5 welders . cheap welders suck and are not fun to use imho get one with adjustable wire and heat settings not the click settings you cant fine tune these and go 220v or rent a good one . dont waste any money on china junk a god welder is fun and easy and will make your welds look like your a ro