David
Reputedly an issue is that older copper-and-iron machines can use up to twice the power for the same welding work as modern silicon "inverter" welding machines. The real problem can be if an older machine's power requirement is more than the mains can supply - whereas an more expensive inverter set might be able to plug into the mains as it is. In Europe with 240V supply this is rarely an issue but in N.Am. with 110V supply it can be.
Ernie vouches for the quality of this machine and he knows... I can tell you I learned TIG mainly on a 1960's copper-and-iron machine of massive size with great big clunking electro-mechanical relays as you put your foot on the power pedal, but it was the sweetest running of all the machines in the TIG welding bay, all the others being inverters...
Richard Smith