New to welding looking to purchase a welder

[NRM]

Hello all - I have been a long time stalker reading as much as I can to better my welding knowledge and looking at the pictures posted. I have taken a few classes (stick/TIG) at the local community college and am now looking to buy a welder. I am just a hobbyist and can't afford any of the big name brands so I am looking at getting a Power Pro 205 or 256. I will probably/hopefully use the machine at least once a month on projects I have in my head.I think I will be welding stainless steel mostly and maybe some aluminum less than 3/8". It will be SS or Alum since I live on Oahu and everything rusts/corrodes.

As a novice and material listed above what model would you recommend, PP205 or PP256? What are the advantages of each?

Thanks for any insight.

[joe6]

As a beginner I recommend getting the book "Metals and how to weld them" from the lincoln society. Its 10 bucks and a very easy read, about 350 pages. Give you a lot of info on mettalurgy and process's. As for a machine to weld aluminum and ss I'd say anything 200amps or bigger with ac and pulse

[waynep10]

Joe:
As you are aware this is a really good reference book. I would recommend it to all NOOBS myself included !