I had similar goals to you and started taking welding classes at the local college. They don't offer car related welding classes but instead have a full program to train career welders who can do structural and pipe welding.
All students are reqiured to learn on Oxy Acetylene followed by stick (SMAW) before they can pick up a Mig or tig machine. Oxy Acetylene is great for teaching puddle control.
I have been researching my first mig welder a lot lately. I don' think you will find a quality welder that realistically will weld 1/2" on 110v. Also, 1/2" is HUGE and not used on cars... Most frame stuff on cars is way less.
Personally, I've been looking at either the Miller 190 or 211. The only reason I'm considering the 211 is for the ability to use either 110 or 220.
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