I Really like the syncrowave 351 over the 250, and they can be had for not a lot of coin. We have one at our shop, and it welds just about everything, no problem. Pulsed tig is essentially useless. Don't let it be a deciding factor in your purchase.

preferably of the thing. What kind of helmet does it fit? any idea who makes it?

pic?

Welding supply shops can really give you a line of BS if you're not a regular customer. They really don't like doing things for hobby shop guys, and it sucks, because it shows what their true business practices are. I would avoid them, and continue looking for a great place that doesn't give you the...

well, it can be broken down into math. Depending on your flowrates, it can last anywhere from 4- 8 hours of straight arc on time. Say, 20cfh, and it will last for 4 solid hours of uninterrupted welding. Since the duty cycle of the welder wouldn't allow that anyway, it is kind of a useless figure. My...

I wouldn't say as there is a particular rule, so much as personal preference. I use 2% alloys for my tungste, but frankly, the difference is rather nominal.

Forget the pulser, that won't help you here. Set your machine to balanced AC, running 180-200 amps. Use a 1/8 2% thoriated or lanthanated tungsten. You said you ordered some, so use it. Grey tungsten is manufacturer specified alloys, so it isn't guaranteed to be great for aluminum. Put a #10 cup on ...