Thanks for the input, everybody! I took Ken's advice and went to my local welding supply (Three Mules Welding Supply in Lexington Park, MD) Had a great time talking to Witt and Doc and learned a whole bunch about welders, helmets, people and life in general. Ended up with a heck of a deal on a Hobart Champ 2060 which is about twice the welder/generator I was looking for at about the same price. Left with knowledge, new friends, auto darkening helmet and a new slag chipper (and a bunch of new rods). Unloaded it at home tonight, fired it up and WELDED!!! yee haw -- it's so nice working with quality tools. I am so pleased. WAA HOO!!!!!
Too bad my beads still look like junk....
Thanks again for the excellent advice!
John
