try to buy a big name. I am a welder and I have to say the prices of the cheap stuff are tempting for home use. Out of all, the Eastwood stuff I find most interesting. Guys that have had issues with them say the customer service is excellent. With that said, I make a living using Lincoln and miller so I’m going to try to avoid that knock off stuff. I just replaced my little mig and plasma cutter both with miller.

Watch those little multiprocess machines everyone seems to be coming out with, like that miller 215, I think most are dc only with no hi frequency. Good luck doing aluminum tig with that. Also with no hi freq, you are stuck with lift arc or scratch start. Neither are the end of the world, but if I’m going to spend money on a tig, I want ac and hi freq, otherwise you can just scratch start off a dc stick machine.

Both Lincoln and miller have had some good rebates going, just make sure you buy from an authorized retailer to get the rebate, and warranty.