I prefer aluminum TIG. I use mig and spool gun at work. I had a Lincoln 140 mig in the house and I was surprised that I fed the alum wire without a bird nesting. I could get a fake gun if I wanted to. Since it is a small machine, I am limited to thickness. Miller has some entry-level tig machines around 1K
You can also find use of syncrowaves and idealarcs at the same price.
Eastwood has a AC/DC TIG unit priced at $699.00, made in China, but eastwood oversees manufacturing. I have a friend who has a 220v Eastwood mig. Love it. It came with a barrel gun, and he got it 500 or 600.
If you want to take the mig route, I highly recommend 220 machines. Millermatic 211 got a good evaluation. You can use it in 110 or 220 outlets.
Miller/hobart and Lincoln sold 220 machines ready. Once again, you can find deals about second-hand.
Then there is the China line. I've heard of some great things about them. I've also heard that customer service sucks. I personally haven't used it. Let me take a look at miller or Lincoln. But if the price is right, I can give them a shot.
They have a combined rod/tig/plasma cutting machine around 1K.
