Hello all,
I've been lurking off and on for a few years now, and am finally ready to make the jump from Oxy/Acetylene to TIG.

Currently looking very hard at the 250EX & wondering how to put the best package deal together for my intended use, which will be hobby level using both ferrous and non-ferrous metals from .020 - .190" (typically), and the occasional item at .25-.750" thick.

I'm thinking the 250EX with a water-cooler and a small CK torch head, and perhaps also a Plasma cutter.

The PP256 might be better suited to my needs, but I'm also thinking the 250EX, with it's better duty cycle would be more durable in the long run, and having each machine separate would allow me to continue (keeping the Ox set), if something needed to be sent in for repair.

A future goal is to become competent enough in welding and fitment, to produce the occasional custom bicycle frame for myself, a few friends, and perhaps turn this into a limited income retirement hobby.

Other uses will be more artistically oriented, with the occasional repair/fabrication job.

Anyone have any thoughts on each machine based on my needs/uses description ?