Wondering what the experts would recommend for a beginner at TIG, who has no ambition beyond hobbyist mostly non-structural art use. I would like to learn to do aluminum. My question has to do with whether to pay more for a machine with front panel controls (upslope, downslope, etc) or whether I should just concentrate on learning to use a foot pedal with a more basic unit. Seems like setting things on the panel allows more consistency, but also more confusion in what to set where, especially if not doing it all the time.

I've only tigged twice on a friend's cheap multi purpose machine that only has a foot pedal. Thanks in advance.

Greg