I have a $300 range and im a complete newb looking to get a welder that i can practice on and use to weld up IC piping a downpipe and small fabrications...what do you guys recommend?

 

For $300...about the only thing you can get is a small MIG machine, which is plenty of capable of the projects you listed. Id suggest trying to get to the $400 range, so you can buy a "135" model MIG welder and have the oppurtunity to use shielding gas.
GOOD LUCK!