[Aussie Mike]

I would love to have a $5000 TIG welder sitting in the shed but I could only justify $1300. Realistically I don't think with my back yard skill level I could tell the difference using the pro machine.

Buy yourself a couple of stainless steel wire brushes and write aluminium only in big letters on them with a permanent marker. Also build yourself a welding trolley that you can wheel to the job, has holders for filler rods, some hooks to hang your lines up on and a secure mounting for your bottle. I find I use the TIG much more now I'm not having to pull ot off the shelf and set it up.

Cheers