Oh no! Im so sorry.
My dh is a mechanic and excellent welder. I know welding aluminum is tough and takes special equipment but it can be done. I will have him look at my machine and see if he thinks someone at a machine shop could do a good repair that will be long lasting.
Did you plan to sell it? If not, then try not to stress too much about the $ value. If she's your dream machi e and still runs perfectly, you've still got the most important value.