Your post below reminded me that I wanted to thank everyone who suggested I get a TIG system rather than some other form of welding set-up.  After getting up to speed on the benefits of the different types of welding, it is clear that TIG was the only solution for my needs (most versatile and most appropriate for the lighter gauge metals used in aircraft).  After spending a couple weeks learning to not destroy everything I touch with it, I can finally create ugly looking things that would loosely fall into the category of a weld.  But is is fun, and great to have the ability to fix a lot of things that were previously thrown out or limped along with JB weld.

I have been able to repair cracks in my exhaust system and beef up my 4130 engine mount, not to mention a ton of projects at home.  

Wish I did it sooner.

David Leonard