Id have to say for all around welding a mig is going to be a better choice for a beginner and even someone with more experience. My mig can weld sheetmetal (within reason) all the way to thick steel with a couple passes, roll cages and even stainless steel and aluminum. All you need is the wire, settings in the hood. Lots of welding boards out there for help too. Heres one I havent been to in a long time so if it dont work shorten the /... and get to the main page.

http://www.hobartwelders.com/mboard/....php?forumid=4