Need help with minor welding - Vancouver WA/Portland OR area

I am in the same boat as the OP, have some welding I eventually want to do on my control arms and K member, and probably make my own frame connectors. I would probably think of other non-car related items I might make if I had the welding skills and equipment.

A local welder I have used in the past on various projects also does one on one training. He has an impressive shop and does a lot of custom sand rail building. I found him on Craigslist several years ago. I am going to try a class with him and see if I have enough talent to weld, if not I will face the reality and just use him to complete the work.

I do not have any welding equipment, but if I decide to go that route I plan on buying used off Craigslist - there are always a bunch of welders on sale and if you wait long enough a good deal will eventually come up.

For me a big part of the enjoyment for this car hobby of mine is learning how to do things myself. It just seems to be ingrained in me, probably instilled by my father. Another part is this car hobby enables my tool fetish:D