For a TIG welder, an inverter-based unit would be more portable and you can get by with a bit less amperage. 200-250 Amp class is nice but they get expensive. We picked up an older Syncrowave 250 for $850. but it's a real power hog and weighs nearly 400 pounds.
Here's a TIG amperage calculator:
http://www.millerwelds.com/resources...calculator.php
Here's a TIG unit that is simple to operate. Hobart has an equivalent.
http://www.millerwelds.com/products/tig/diversion_165/
This is a great unit, but over twice the price:
http://www.millerwelds.com/products/...ty_200_series/
This welder is prices somewhere between the two. It may be available in other countries since it is a rebadged unit from Japan.
https://www.mythermadyne.com/thc/en/...tProductDetail
I'm surprised to hear of the Grizzly lathe breaking all the time. I know they aren't top-notch, but that just doesn't sound right.