10K hmmm.
It's ironic that a welder that is appropriate for part-timers like me who get out of practice are the ones who need the expensive welder, and the pros do great work with cheaper ones.
I haven't used a stick welder in 40 years. I was thinking of picking up an old Lincoln buzz box and practicing, just for the hell of it.
To answer your question, hell yes you need it. When tools are involved, kids don't education - or food.
