Two counterpoints, before 2008?, any quality welder could be resold used for what it was purchased new for, and a better welder is easier to learn on and weld with than a cheap piece of junk, especially when operating near its limits. In 35 years I have upgraded 3 times with miller tig welders, and have never regretted upgrading.
Reality check, that half the population is smarter then 50% of the people and it's a constantly contested fact.
