To the OP ... get a gas lens set up for that torch. Never had that off center problem with a gas lens set up (yet anyway). Once you get a gas lens setup up you won't go back unless you absolutely have to and there will be times that you will have to. To Steve S: poptm, Are you known on another forum...

They are both fine machines. Pick the color you like best, unless there are other attributes about one or the other you like better (besides the color).

get used to it, regardless of the brand of cup you buy they'll all exhibit that tendancy to some extent or another at times. Just weld away and don't worry about it.

Good luck with that idea (I seriously mean that). Personally, I wouldn't buy it or even accept one from you for free. But then someone will. Just need to get enough "someones" to give you their hard earn cash (or not so hard earned cash) for it. The problem with it, as I see it, is that th...

you most certainly can TIG weld aluminum with DC.

When welding 1/8" or less with that machine, why would you use flux core? Why would you clean off slag if you don't have to? Why would you dump in more heat than you need to? If you are not using it outside on a windy day, or welding slightly dirty/rusted metal why would you opt for flux core p...

If the patch is the same material as the plate, and assuming the plate isn't heat treated, and you use the proper filler metal the patched plate will be just as strong as the original plate.