New to welding and would like the experts' opinion please...( a little long, sorry)

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Hi everyone, I am new to welding (my experience consists of about 45 minutes of stick welding while working a summer job).  I am shopping to buy my first welder and would like to get opinions from people with experience.I have been reading all I could get my hands on for the last few weeks.  I want to learn welding mainly to be able to fabricate parts for motorcycle and car modification (my hobby).  The materials I will be working with are mostly aluminum and stainless steel, both tubing and sheet metal.  From what I read, TIG welding would be the best process for what I want to do but is much harder to master.  Again from what I read so far, aluminum can be welded with a MIG but pretty much requires purchasing a spool gun (another 400-500 bucks).  I have my eyes on two welders, the Hobart Handler 187 and the Hobart TigMate.  If I ever have to do "heavy duty" welding, the TigMate comes with a stick welding setup as well.In your opinion, being a total beginner, should I start by mastering MIG welding, push back my projects a bit, then move on to TIG welding or should I take the dive and try to get proficient at TIG welding right away?Is the MIG welding process OK for what I want to do or should I just go to TIG right away (or after mastering MIG welding)?I plan on taking a class through our community college in the fall as well.Any input/suggestions would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance.
Reply:I personally think tig welding is easier than stick welding,but that's just me.
Reply:If you are going to be doing a lot of small more "precision" welds you will want the tig. For welding the aluminum you will probably want the TIG also. Difficulty with wire welding aluminum is going to come with trying to feed the wire, so I would shy away from this until you have had more time to learn exactly what you are doing. If you have never welded aluminum then I would definetely suggest you take some classes.Arguing with a Welding Engineer is like wrestling with a pig... after a while you realize the pig likes it
Reply:The HH 187 isn't going to do a good job on aluminum from what I've read. It will do it but like you said you'll need to purchase a spool gun and a controller for it to make it feed good.HH 187Miller Bluestar1EAHP AlphaTig 200X
Reply:I really appreciate all the input so far.  So basically for my application, I might as well get a TIG, take my time and learn to weld with a TIG welder properly than attempting my projects with a MIG.
Reply:Originally Posted by blastingcoffeeI personally think tig welding is easier than stick welding,but that's just me.
Reply:Originally Posted by riley mcmillanI agree.  In the beginning it is awkward but the learning curve is very short.
Reply:If you're looking to buy the Hobart Tigmate, I have the Miller EconoTIG, basically the exact same machine for sale...less shipping and tax, of course. John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:Originally Posted by MicroZoneIf you're looking to buy the Hobart Tigmate, I have the Miller EconoTIG, basically the exact same machine for sale...less shipping and tax, of course.
Reply:Keep your eyes open for promotions and don't limit yourself to one company because then you are limiting the models explore them all and check all the LWSuppliers for combination deals like Mig gun with oxy-acetylene torches or mig with spool gun and mask etc and try to stay close to 200 amps or more because you always will want a higher amperage machine whatver it may be.Bonus oxy-acetylene would be nice to help you with your handskills.