my advice to you....

1. Stick with a name brand!! Miller or lincoln are good choices. they've been around a long time and youll be able to get parts for them if you need to. Some guys will say one brand is better than the other, but is the same ol chevy vs. ford type of arguement.I personaly have a lincoln 180 SD. It cost me around $1400.00 I can weld up to 3/16 aluminum with no problem. I would not go with a liqiud cooled machine unless you find an awsome deal on one or are going to do alot of continous welding. Its just not nessary.

2. Argon is a great gas for almost everything youll weld. I use argon for stainless, aluminum, mild steel, galvinized, and titanium.
helium is good on aluminum but makes for a "hotter" weld so it is best suited for thicker peices in my opinion.

3. 2% thoriated tunsten is also very versitile. I also use it to weld just about anything.


hope this helps, and remember.....you get what you pay for.