I recently purchased a MTS 251si. I was considering a 200DV but at the last minute opted for the bigger machine because of the synergic function and I thought it came with a spool gun per the pictures in the product listing. This will mostly be used on a farm, for greenhouse work, and making 4'*8' aluminum troughs. It appears that the AC for aluminum is for more cosmetic precise work. A spool gun is $400 and for a little over $700 I can get an AHP.

I could just get another mig gun that is short with a teflon sleeve and reserve it for aluminum also.

Since I am a novice what will be the most pain free for me. I have done very little welding on steel and have NO experience on aluminum. I am retired basically and the farm is to keep me active so time is not a critical factor. A lot of what I do will be experimental.

Any thought and suggestions will be helpful.