^yup

If you just want to learn and are only going to use it once a month at most, then get a cheap one. If you want to learn and use it alot, buy a licoln. Good prices and good machines. I have a craftsman which i have had for about 3 years and i have never had a problem with it. Never used it as a mig, just flux cored. I have welded exhaust, strut bars, cabinets.... its been great. Now i wish i would have gone with a licoln just because of their reputation and i spent just about the same price.

If you are going to be welding AL, get a tig. They are awesome. They aren't cheap if you get a good one, but i would love to own one. Hard to learn on but once you know what you are doing, its pretty fun.