I feel bad to recommending it but I would go for a stick welder. (arc)
They are cheap and usually reliable.
It is definitely harder to learn and I would highly suggest getting an automatic shielding helmet but produces good quality welds.

I bought a thermal arc last year and love it. Its portable and easier to use than I expected.
My first experience welding was a gas less mig sip welder which worked well at first but became useless after about 2 years.