I bought one of those toy flux core welders from Harbor Freight about 12-13 years ago and after trying for a while to make something look decent, I slipped it back on the shelf. Pulled it out again this year and tried my best to run a decent bead and ended up putting it on marketplace for $50. Some other old guy like me bought it and loves it. Maybe I wasn't meant to use anything other than 6013 or 7014. I have an old Miller Thunderbolt that I converted to AC/DC last year and just leave it on about 125 amps and DC+. The conversion was about 75 bucks with rectifier and including all new plugs and receptacles etc. Bought a new helmet that I can see the puddle with so that helped a lot. I can still weld out of position as long as I can lay the parts horizontally. LOL