Starting the weld has been the easiest part for me, especially after using my other welder with a scratch start. Using cheater lenses has allowed me to get really precise on some welds. The downside is that there is a short window of field of vision, so if I can't be the right distance from the joint, I'm better off without the cheaters. I welded my chassis with purple E3 tungsten. I don't know what the welder came with, but it doesn't seem to be working out too bad. In fact, I think the tungsten lasts longer welding aluminum than steel. I seem to always eat up tungsten on the C/M tubing. Worst that happens on the aluminum is that I accidently dip it in the puddle or touch the filler rod. The tungsten gets coated and quits working until I regrind the tip.