Hello folks, I'm new in this group, but did not find anything relevant in existing posts so I'd like to ask about getting a MIG or TIG welder. First big question: How much more expensive will it be if I anticipate doing some aluminum welding? In other words I would like to be able to do just some simple steel or iron welding most of the time, but I have a project in mind that will require aluminum welding. Is it worthwhile to get the capability for a single project, or just better off finding someone who can do it for me? The project I have in mind is a light weight trailer to be pulled by a motorcycle, so maybe 1" or 1.5" square tube aluminum is my first guess as to size, but I'll have to do some material strength research before I know for sure. Any thoughts on specific welders? Should I prefer MIG or TIG? Why? I realize I'm being a bit vague here, but I haven't done any welding in about 30 years, and back then a MIG or TIG for the home user was just about unheard of. I was pretty good with arc or torch welding, but I'm way out of practice and don't know enough to ask all the right questions, so any guidance is appreciated.
Bill Ranck Blacksburg, Va.