Small mig welder

Get a good welder,try to avoid the lowest end of stuff and yes you will want to get one with gas.
My personal welder is a small ESAB Caddy mig C160i Welds nicely and is very easy to use, dont know about availability in the US but im sure there are similar machines from most reputable brands.
And you will want a good autodarkening mask, when i welded at work i always liked Speedglas,at home i got a ESAB warrior mask,it was included in a good deal when i bought the Welder and its nice.