OK here's another 2 cents to go with my previous 5 cents
All good thoughts from experienced folks.
You may be looking for a cut and dried answer, as to which welder is the best.
I believe the answers you are getting are the fairest and most appropriate.
We do not really know your experience, physical limitations, mechanical ability, or financial situation.
So if I plan on only the one trike is it worth it, price wise, in buying a welder or farming the welding out? I am leaning towards the Aurora.
Might you ask, yourself, ' why do I want to build this 'aurora''..or other?..".is it worth it?"(this can only be defined by yourself)
Is it for the pleasure, the fun, the learning experience, of creating and building? Or just to save some money?
If to save money, then the cost for the equipment, consumables, welding tanks, gauges, gas, gloves, helmet, grinder, discs, etc. must be taken into consideration.
These things will be a waste of money if never used again, or sold at a loss.
On the other hand, a good investment, if the practice of welding and making, ...and repairing things, is long term.
Why do I want to weld it myself ?
As Brad say's below, welding is a skill that may very well 'be worth it'...in ways you may not have even considered.
Do you know anyone (personal or business) that might allow you to experience what welding is all about, or even better, 'practice' a weld or two?
How is your eye sight?
Especially in a darkened mode. One must know where the weld line is going, which requires seeing it.
Watch the welding videos online.
Kevin Caron..well known artist and metal working guru.
All who weld, know this,....it takes ....practice, practice, practice.
Every skill you learn is worth something for sure!
There is never just one welding project once you have the power.
Also, farming it out would cost you a lot more than buying a commercial trike.
Brad
I can attest to Brad's point here. When I was building my PVC car, (before buying a welder, and learning how to use it)
I had a local fabrication shop, weld up a set of double cranks. Total welded area, less than 12 inches.
(Cost me $200, and I swore, .. THAT ! ...will never happen again.
If you buy a secondhand welder you can usually sell it on for a similar price if you decide never to weld again.
Many have done this. There is certainly a lot of great deals out there, ...BUT !
I would caution, that you should
know, what you are buying, and see it demonstrated.
Welding is somewhat a generic term, with many types, methods, equipment, etc. all rolled up into a neat, one word package.
Lastly, be patient, and thoroughly, understand what your need is, vs ' your desire', (then select your equipment).
Do your homework, and you will not regret it, and you will have more fun with it.
Desire vs need vs specifications, vs cost, will no doubt, give you the answer you seek, grasshopper !