Upgrading from a Lincoln 175 SQ Wave Tig

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Hello first post here, I have my Tig welder for sale at the moment, and am considering the pros and cons of my approach. It is a Lincoln 175 Square Wave Pro that needs a 460-600 Volt input. I can purchase a transformer for $400 and get it running in my shop or I can sell it for  whatever and purchase a new or newer machine that will be happy with my 230Volts.I am a rookie and bought the wrong machine several years ago. I understand it is a decent, basic Tig machine. My local welding supply suggests I get a Precision Tig 225 for around $2000 US .  Would this machine have any real world benefit over my 175 running through a transformer other than the extra amps? Are there any Inverter machines that ease the learning curve when it comes to welding aluminum and other metals?  Love the site. Been reading it for a couple of weeks. Thanks, Bob.
Reply:Bob,the material thickness will dictate what machine you should buy.What type of projects are you wanting to do?Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:I would like to do some 1/4 inch aluminum, as well as some delicate small stuff,, all the way down to bicycle gauge. I would like to build  Brackets, auto accessories, stainless boxes. Maybe the odd 3/8 steel item. I just picked up a Miller 211 today and have about 45 hours under my belt practicing stick welding at a local welding school. (Getting OK at vertical). If I sell the Lincoln for close to what i am asking, I will have that and the price of the transformer I didn't buy to put towards a new machine. The difference for a Precision Tig 225 should be just over a thousand US with taxes. (I live in Canada and our dollar has been going downhill) We generally pay more for most things these days. My shop is kind of space constrained too, so if i could get an inverter, plasma cutter and my mig all on  the same cart,with room for a couple of bottles that would help me out too.  From what I have been reading, some machines are more user friendly on aluminum than my Lincoln . Does the new Lincoln or another brand for that matter have features  that would make my progress go faster and open up new possibilities? I do want to stick with a product that a local welding store can support. So far I have got a lot of help from my nearest dealer. (They sell Lincoln, Miller and Esab) . I would assume Thermal Arc is carried by a local dealer too. Suggestions appreciated.