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Power = I x E; Wattage = current x voltage; so take the amperage DRAW (from the data plate on your welder) multiplied by 220 or 230 or 240 nominal volts to get the minimal watts needed. Remember to add about 50% for the fact that a stick welder is an inductive load and has a huge inrush current...

Everlast PowerArc 160i for the under $500 category. Inexpensive and comes with decent accessories. I own a PowerTig 210EXT ($1500-1800 welder) and the difference between it and a Miller Dynasty was very little in performance, but the Everlast was half the price of a comparable Dynasty. The stick...

Buy an old American transformer stick welder to start. Become competent at stick, and *proper* mig welding is easy. TIG can be done on any DC stick welder when you add a scratch-start TIG rig. +1 on the pipeliner welding hood mentioned above, and +10 on taking a welding class or several. Their...

Buy a stick welder and learn stick first. It will make every other process easier. The youtube channels listed above are good for learning. Practice striking an arc, then stringer beads, then padding beads on a plate. Learn to use 6010 and 7018 rods. Old transformer stick welders are fine...