$1000 budget, which mig welder???

I have a Lincoln Weldmate 175 220 volt unit. It came as a flux core machine and I converted to MIG with a kit from Lincoln. It was not difficult to do. I did have difficulty using with the .025 wire that came with the kit. A friend (who is a welding expert) recommended switching to .030 wire. I did and the welder works 1000% better than with the .025 wire, even on thin stuff like sheet metal! Now I love this welder it is my go to unit, even though I have since bought a Millermatic 200 in the meantime.

I would recommend getting either a Lincoln, Miller or Hobart 220 V MIG welder. The Great thing about the Lincoln is you can get consumables like wire, tips, etc at Home Depot and Lowes. Tractor Supply carries Hobart, but Miller stuff is only carried by the local welding supply shop (so when you need something on Sunday they will be closed!!)

The Little Lincoln 220v MIG is the way to go (at least for me). Don't bother with a spoolgun to use for Aluminum, fo rthat you will need a real commercial machine like the Millermatic 200 (something rated at 200 amps with a 60% duty cycle, the MM200 is rated at like 300 amps when at a 20% duty cycle like the smaller home owner machines are!!).