[Mike Braddock]

I concur about the syncrowaves. I have a Miller 250 and it's a fabulous machine. I've also used a Lincoln 175 and it's comparable, so you won't go wrong with either unit. The Miller is more expensive but seems to be a little more popular. Kind of like Snap On tools--not necessarily "better" but more expensive.

What gage aluminum do you plan to work with? This will determine what size (amperage) machine you need and hence what size service you need to run it. A good rule of thumb seems to be 1 amp for every 0.001" of material thickness. So you can weld 1/4" aluminum with a 250A machine. The Miller 250 syncrowave is actually a 310A machine.

If buying new, the best price I've found on welding equipment is from brwelder.com . Plus they offer free (drop) shipping on most of their stuff. If you are looking for more of a hobby machine, you can pick up older machines for between $400 and $800. These machines are strictly high frequency AC and don't offer the arc control/stability and tunability of the newer squarewave machines (like the Miller and Lincoln), but they are very good machines nonetheless. Personally, I don't use a lot of the adjustment on my 250 and neither do a lot of pro's. You can often find deals on these older machines at local schools and machine shops.

Another good source for used machines are your local welding stores, as they often take in machines on trade. Oddly, they don't seem to advertise the used stuff they have in the back, so you have to ask. It never hurts.

I know Esab makes a beautiful machine as well, but a little more expensive than Miller.

Mike