I suppose the pulse on the TIG portion is more of a want to try and not a need to have, although it would be nice to have the option of aluminum TIG. I am not against purchasing a more purpose built machine for TIG down the road if it makes more sense. my guess is that 80 to 90% of the time i will be using MIG with or without pulse. i will admit i have never actually used pulse but i am very intrigued by the process and its application for building an aluminum boat