Welding woes...frustrating!!

My brother started with a Farm Hand (Tractor Supply house brand IIRC) brand 110v true MIG welder and it performed just fine for a budget first setup.

Check pawn shops, too. I've seen some really good deals.
You could trade yours in on a MIG setup.

I got my Hobart 140 from craigslist for $250 including a bottle and the bottle kit.