Well, i would suggest that you get a MIG welder. they are easy to operate, and mig is a very easy process. Flux-core, and mig have similarities but are very different. Mig uses Solid wire and a shielding gas, usually 75%argon/25%co2mix. Flux-core can either be self-sheilding (no shielding gas) or outtershield, requiring shielding gas. If your going to be doing alot fo welding outside i would suggest using flux core, but the Beauty of having mig is YOU CAN DO BOTH! =] mig is good for small parts such as auto body work, as such. now an arc welder that's out of the question if your going to be welding panels on a car, u will burn right through, and just to throw this in, arc welding or stick SMAW is it official name uses a consumable electrode to produce the weld. if you have a 220V outlet where you will be welding i would suggest getting a Lincoln Electric SP-180T, there a very good little mig welder, and a very reasonable price, i have one myself. If you don't have 220V you can buy the Lincoln SP-140T that plugs right in to a 110V outlet. there are lots of welders out there don't be fooled these $100 migs on ebay, there $100 because there a giant piece of S*%#, you get what you pay for when u buy a welder. And another thing, get an auto darking helmet, some people won't weld without one, i could careless i've had bad experiences with em, but if u get an auto darking, don't go out and buy a Jackson nexgen, or a hornell speedglas, you can get a reasonable priced and cool looking welding helmet for around 200 bones online, try millerwelds.com they have reasonably priced auto-darkings, but if u want u can get a cheap solid shade for around 30 bucks. Hope this hels you out any other questions on welding vist this site Weldingtipsandtricks.com < great site everything you want to know about welding