Check out the new Miller Syncrowave 200.

Its decently cheap (can be had for $1500-$1600), does AC/DC so you can do aluminum, and has built-in pulse control so doing thin sheet metal is a breeze.

If you want to spend a little more money, look into the dynasty series. The invertor technology is pretty nice... adjustable output frequency for better bead quality and appearance, the machine is very light compared to a non invertor machine (200 amp machien above is over 250 lbs compared to 75 or so for a dynasty at the same amperage), they're much smaller, and they draw much less current. They've also got a perfect squarwave, and built-in pulse control. Nice units.



I've got a syncrowave 350. I love it. Its far more capable of anything I could ask of it. Big 'ol 500 lb unit.. built in torch cooler, pulse and sequencer controls, PFC... BUT... the thing was mighty expensive at over $7000 with all the bells and whistles, and its current input is pretty hefty.



I've got a millermatic 175 for quick field welding. No complaints... pretty much exactly what I expected.