opinion needed for return purchase

[jst_4_kiks]

Hey members, need some help deciding what to buy. My wife and I are getting a decent return this year and after we pay some bills and such ill have about $500 or so to buy something that I have wanted/needed for a while. Question is what is better.

I got a new job working on cars and the guys I work with are cool with me borrowing stuff to use and get the job done because I don't have what I need to work on stuff yet. I know that you break stuff, it happens. Just I don't like it to cuz I'm borrowing something that someone else has worked for to have and I broke it. Only a few sockets but that's not the point. I got them replaced and such and. All is still good.

So the question is,

1) do I buy tools and such that I need for work (will be about $350 or so. Ill take the left over and split it for snap-on and mac to pay my bills down with them).

2) buy a decent mig welder set-up with shielding gas (either hobart or lincoln electric) so I can do the body work that I have needed to do for a year or so and fix the exhaust or anything else that my dad or I have to work on in our garage that needs welding?

Let me know your opinions. Thanks.

[Jarrett]

My vote would be toward tools. Start off buying the ones you absolutely need for the work you do. If nothing else it's a gesture toward your co-workers that you don't intend to free load off of them forever. Maybe you can get a lot of stuff, but not EVERYTHING you need. Also, why not buy Craftsman or Kobalt tools? I know everyone thinks Mac and Snap-on are better but you don't sound like you've got an immense amount of money lying around. It could help a lot if you went with something a little cheaper.

[deevergote]

Certain things make a HUGE difference with the high quality brands (a Snap-On ratchet compared to a Craftsman ratchet is like comparing a BMW to a Daewoo...)
Some parts really don't matter. Lesser used parts that require lower levels of durability or precision. Those parts, I totally agree with buying cheaper brands.

I agree with buying the tools, though. It's something that will help with your work AND your hobby. I assume you wouldn't be using your own personal welder for your job.