I am not a great fan of metronomes, but I do have a drum machine that I used to use for practicing. Not as much fun as a band, but way more fun than a metronome. I have a small number of simple patterns: waltz, shuffle, cajun 2 step, zydeco double clutch.

Here are some good ballpark beats-per-minute rates that work out well:

Waltz - 115 to 125 BPM
Shuffle - 140 to 145 BPM
Cajun 2 step - 170 to 180 BPM or more
Zydeco double clutch - 160 to 175 BPM

These are approximations that I am remembering off the top of my head of what I have used in the past.

One thing that I find to be VERY helpful when learning a new song is to practice it at a much slower pace than normal and work your way up. Otherwise, your timing is likely to be a little sloppy.