Good CHEAP tig machine for aluminum

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A buddy of mine wants me to build a book shelf for him out of aluminum. Since it wont be painted, I want the welds to look good (well...as good as I can with my limited skill). I am considering buying a TIG welder, but I am not sure what machine to get. I was looking at the Miller Maxstar 150, but according to miller's "Smart Selector" it doesn't like aluminum. What do you pros recommend? (I need to keep the cost as low as I can, but I want a decent welder...I don't want to waste money on something I will be replacing in a year). Thanks! "Ask not for whom the bone bones, it bones for thee" - Bender
Reply:for many years, people with limited $'s have used an AC cracker box, HF unit and a HW17 (air) to do their work.  Cost  about as simple as it comesSMAW,GMAW,FCAW,GTAW,SAW,PAC/PAW/OFCand Shielding Gases.  There all here. :
Reply:The Maxstar will only weld on DC...and you will probably want AC.  You may bet by welding it on DC, with helium, but it's typically harder for people to do than AC.
Reply:Miller's Econotig will do the job, and they are about the most affordable. I believe the Hobart handler will also do the trick, for a similar price. Both are in the 1200-1600 range, ready to go.And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.
Reply:awesome, thanks. i really like the looks of the econotig. Are they pretty hardy? (i.e. would a used one be a safe investment?)I do have a lincoln AC-225 that I could add on to, but I would still like to have a nice tig setup at some point, and 500 now to add on to what I have sounds great, but I will end up spending 2000 later anyway. time to peruse ebay!  "Ask not for whom the bone bones, it bones for thee" - Bender
Reply:Here is one  for 9 bills.http://www.weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=15162DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:I've got an EconoTIG. It's a good machine, I can't complain about it.Miller EconotigCutmaster 38Yes ma'am, that IS a screwdriver in my pocket!