Moving from Multifunction to MIG

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I'm an old stick welder who's been researching "modern welders" for years.  I was recently presented with some "use it or lose it " type funds to spend on welding equipment, so I immediately started narrowing down the wish list.  In the end, I was all but convinced that we needed a Fronius TransSteel 2700 machine for its versatility, but, after an honest talk with a  US supplier of the Austrian welding machines, I've been told that they haven't established the US support necessary to stand behind their welding equipment.As I still wanted a machine capable of handling periodic AL work, I started taking a hard look at Pulse MIG machines.  The problem there is that those machines, although capable of high current work and AL welding, come at a price that's too high for my budget.  So it would seem that I'll simply have to start looking for a MIG machine that's capable of welding both thin steel (like 0.065) and relatively thick steel (like 1/2")  without exceeding the funds I have to spend, which is around $3K.  As all of my research has centered on multiprocess machines, I don't know much about "MIG only" welding equipment... but I've got until close of business on Monday to place an order, so I'd appreciate any recommendations that the board may be willing to share.  In short, we're looking for the best MIG welder we can get for $3K or less.Thank you kindly for your time.
Reply:Price bumps in the last year or so have changed things a bit or I would have said either a Millermatic 252 or Lincoln PowerMIG 256 would fit the bill, but both are over $3K now.  You could go with a Hobart Ironman 240 packaged including the spool gun for AL and be around $2,200 and have a really solid machine that should handle all the range you're talking about.  The Ironman 240 is essentially a Millermatic 252 without digital displays and a few of the extra features like push/pull gun compatibility, adjustable timers, etc.  I've gone through the parts manuals for both and they share the overwhelming majority of parts (exact same numbers), which is good from a long-term parts support angle as well.Check out my bench vise website:  http://mivise.comMiller Syncrowave 250DXMillermatic 350P with XR AlumaProMiller Regency 200 with 22A feeder and Spoolmatic 3Hobart Champion EliteEverlast PowerTig 210EXT
Reply:Hi Bart ~ After my initial post, I spoke to someone else about pulsed-MIG.  Apparently, the big advantage is being able to weld both thin and thicker aluminum.  Is there a MIG welder out there that can weld a wide range of steel thicknesses and has the pulsed-MIG function: that doesn't require the really expensive push-pull MIG guns that I've now been informed about?  As I'd like to learn as much as I can, please consider the question without my budget limit as a factor.  In other words, I'd love to find something like this within my budget, but I'm not holding my breath...so please fire away.
Reply:Millermatic 255 fits that bill, but is just a tad outside your budget. https://store.cyberweld.com/miller-m...55-907734.htmlThe base machine is $3400 and you would need to purchase the special Bernard gun made specifically for aluminum body work for another $300  https://bakersgas.com/products/bernard-q2012ad8rmcAccording to the door chart, it will weld 18 gauge (0.040 inch) up to 1/2 inch aluminum with 0.047 wire in pulse mode. I have the Multimatic 255 and I love it, but that is far above your budget ($3900 for the base machine). But the way I look at it, the price difference of $500 buys you a really good stick welder and a half way decent DC TIG welder with pulse.Miller Multimatic 255