Tig welder for a beginner

You can find a lot of used TIG machines out there, stick with red or blue. (Lincoln or Miller) you likely do not need water cooled, entry level machines will run around 2k new. With TIG it is all about the prep. And yes it takes a bit of practice. I have earned a living running TIG torch since 80s and I am still learning! Aluminum and Magnesium take a bit more finess but in the end it is not as bad as it seems.