If you are planning on Aluminium work I would suggest a MIG. They are fairly easy to weld with as well as rather affordable anymore. They are very versatile. Shielding gas is an additional cost, but if you are working on mild steel, you can get away with flux core. I know the welds aren't as pretty as using shield gas, but they are passable.
I have heard of a special rod to weld aliminium with a stick welder, but I have never seen it. I am still rather skeptical of that one anyway.
A TIG would be real nice, but they are a considerable amount of money and, unless you just want the ultimate, I don't feel they are worth it for home use.
[This message has been edited by IanR (edited 08-07-2006).]
