I picked up a Primeweld TIG225X earlier this year as a learning machine. It was one of the best reviewed cheap import inverter machines. I think one of the major upsides is it starts you with a quality name-brand (CK Worldwide) torch.
Having used it for a while now, I will say I'm very glad I didn't spend more money. At this point and for a long time to come, my physical skill is the limiting factor here. My biggest complaint about the welder itself is that the digital display is only for the welding current, so it takes a little bit of fidgeting to get things like AC balance or pulse settings dialed in. That's not a huge deal if you're perpetually doing 1-offs like I am in my personal garage - if you were doing repeat jobs I think it'd be a dealbreaker.
Also one thing I didn't see coming, having spent plenty of time mig welding, was how much I was going to get nickel-and-dimed on all of the ancillary stuff. Sure you don't need gas lenses or huge cups to learn how to run the machine, but I found quickly that as soon as I was doing something besides butt welding two pieces of flat bar together, I often needed big stickouts to get into corners and stuff. Go get on weldmonger or something and I dare you to spend less than $100. You'll want to experiment with different tungsten types and thicknesses, etc. It adds up.
