At university we played with an automatic wire-feed welder the size of a big refrigerator. They are much easier to use than SMAW machines, because you don’t have to compensate for the lost of the welding electrodes when you move the electrode holder. The electrode feeder is also much easier to handle than a electrode holder with a long welding electrode. Perfect welding joints (nearly) everytime.
So it was quite a pleasant surprise when I read about the US$600 Lincoln 135 Plus wire-feed welder in an article in the latest issue of the Make: magazine. (Unfortunately, it only runs on 110V A/C).
Not to mention solar-powered, auto-darkening LCD welding helmets.
Cool toys tools.
P.S. (11/08): While discussing this, my old man told me that it has been some time now, that all construction sites in Hong Kong must by law run 110V A/C, for safety reasons.