I was planning on taking one of the upcoming welding classes

MIG and TIG welding http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2457703056

Intro to Oxy/Acetylene http://introtooxynov.eventbrite.com/

Intro to stick welding http://introtosmaw-eorg.eventbrite.com/

They all look great, but I don't know which one to take. I have no welding experience. I am interested in learning how to do general welding with the widest applicability. I don't have any projects in mind yet, but mostly general metal art sculptures, basic structural frames, etc... with whatever cheap/free metal I could find. I would love to take all of them, but its not feasible time or moneywise at this time. So which type of welding should I learn first and which class should i take? Thanks

I'm just getting back into welding after a long absence and am no expert, but I think the most bang for your buck would be with the MIG TIG class. MIG gear is realitivly cheap and plentiful and covers up to about 1/4" in steel, which is most of what I'll need. TIG will let you do Aluminum and Stainless if that interests you.

Pete

I would make an argument for learning to gas weld. Its a slower process than an instant arc. But you really get a feel for how the metal heats up and when its ready to pool in metal. This is how I learned to weld, and think its a great way to see metal in its "plastic" nature. Its actually rather relaxing to weld with gas.

whats the main differences between all the various types of welding?

Ahhh, That answer could take all day. so here is the short answer

They all heat metal to its semi liquid state where the material can reform into a new shape. Arc welding heats the metal up where the contacts touch. Gas uses heat from a neural flame.

Most MIG machines make the arc contact with a consumable wire that also becomes the metal filler.
Stick, like MIG, but can do thicker stuff. the rod is the consumable. it has a flux that gasses off to keep the weld clean.
TIG uses a tungsten electrode that is not quickly consumed to make the arc, and the user fills in metal (wire) the other hand.
GAS flame heats the metal to a cherry red state. The user added metal to the weld "pool" like the TIG to make a connection.

MIG and TIG use a shield gas at the tip to keep oxygen from the weld pool.