Now that I've tested each of the operating modes I can say that I'm very happy with my purchase. I'm new at plasma cutting, new at tig welding, and an old hand at stick welding. When I picked up my first argon bottle, my local supplier even tossed in a dozen assorted filler rods. Picked up a package of 3/32 2% thoriated tungston and am good to go. Time to practice, practice, practice....