200DX or 300DX - That is the question.

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First of all, I am not a professional welder. I am a metal sculptor. But I now find myself wanting to move into the TIG arena from a MIG background. I will eventually be welding SS and aluminum (to 1/4" and maybe beyond), but am a bit imtimidated by the arc and gas control one has with the 300DX. My question is, should I go low with the 200DX until my TIG skills are better honed, then upgrade to the 300DX, and take the financial hit that involves? Or should I jump into the 300DX right away and just count on a lot more practice with all the control that the machine offers? The money is there for either one, but I dont want to be overwhelmed by the degrees of freedom.Thanks.Revenos
Reply:I would get the 200DX.  I'm not too sure that the 300 has many more adj. than the 200.  You should be able to do 1/4 Al with the 200 though you will need some preheat and maybe Helium or Helium mix gas.  As far as taking the hit on an upgrade the 200 will not lose much in value.  You may even lose more due to inflation on the price of the 300.DennisThermal Arc 185-TSWMillermatic Challenger 172VictorO/AAtlas Craftsman 12 by 24 LatheEsab PCM-875Wholesalem Tool Mill-Drill
Reply:Power is everything.  Many years ago I bought a Miller 330 a/bp and a friend of mine bought a 200 dialarc miller.  I ended up doing some aluminum stuff for him that he couldn't handle with his machine.  Power will coast while lesser power will strain.