If you don't know how to do it or own the equipment then find someone to do it.

My experience has always been that if I want to do a nice job on something, I shouldn't make that project my first experience. It's worthwhile getting practice on unimpoortant jobs first. Since you've never welded, you will probably want to get someone else to do it.

rpxlpx,

Thanks for the constructive advice.

I located a local welder and dropped off the gates for quote...around $100 for complete restoration work.

Probably the best way to go. Welding is really not difficult. Just takes practice. But as the reply above states, you don't want to make your mistakes and do your learning on an important project. Better to make a bunch of mistakes and learning experiences with junk metal first. And your first experiences with welding will not be attractive :-)

If you're still interested in learning to weld (for the next cool project you come up with) the gear will cost about $500. Get a small Hobart mig welder which does not require a 220v outlet (130 amp I suppose). Think the model is "Handler 130". Then you need a good mask, heavy leather gloves, heavy jacket and pants and a good secure place to work. It's very important that no one sees the arc flash, and don't pick up any hot metal up with your hands. Duh. I've done this twice - hopefully you're not as absent minded as me. :-)

Seth