[SovXietday]

I personally am self taught, but I'd love to get some time with an instructor. Sometimes there are just things you don't know you're doing wrong until someone points it out.

As far as classes go, really depends on what you're trying to do with your welding. If you're really focused on working with cars only, I'd save your money on the stick/oxy welding. Oxy welding can be used just about anywhere, but it and especially arc welding are mainly industrial welding styles. They really don't have a lot of relevance when it comes to welding on automotive applications. (although, like I said, technically you can use them on cars with no issues).

IMO, learn MIG first. It is extremely versatile, and compared to TIG relatively inexpensive. Not only can you do automotive work, but you can also do work around the house with it as well. I have dabbled in MIG a few times. It's definitely the least frustrating and most fun. It's also fairly portable and easy to get around, and the one handed operation is extremely useful as well. All you need to worry about is the filler wire type and your shielding gas.

TIG, I won't lie. It's rough. I have never been so frustrated in my entire life other than sometimes when I'm behind my TIG at home. It is also extremely expensive. The welder is just the beginning, then you need specific filler rod, tungsten, gas lenses, caps, cups, and argon. THEN learning how to weld with it is a super steep learning curve (that I am honestly just beginning to get to the end of after 8 months). The most frustrating part is that because the welding is so precise every little hiccup and every little stray movement gets "recorded" in the metal, and to make things even more interesting every kind of metal reacts differently. Honestly, although picking up TIG has been extremely frustrating, it is even more so rewarding once it all starts coming together. Definitely glad I did.

The best way to learn is however you want honestly. If you have the money and time to put in arc time you will get better. There are a ton of resources on the web that will aid you along as you progress as well. It is difficult to say which way will make you a better welder (DIY or schooling) but regardless of the method the only way you will get really good is time behind the mask and always trying to make the next step towards "perfect."

Also worth mentioning is that a lot of "good" welders are even better fabricators. The better your fabrication, the easier it will be to weld. Gaps and holes in the fit will cause inconsistencies and trouble with the welding. THIS IMO is the real secret behind the guys you see who put down welds that make your jaw drop, and the average DIYer like myself who is still learning how to straighten out all the little bits and pieces that go together the right way. In other words, if you want to make good welds you have to make the metal fit right first. Preperation is everything behind every weld. A lot of cleaning, good fits, and arc time will be what makes you a good welder.

Hope that wasn't too comprehensive for the question asked lol