I have never been a good welder, but once I bought an auto darkening filter, it made a welder out of me. As I said all I have is a crackle box stick welder, and it's not even a DC.

With a stick the auto darkening filter really helps. With a wire welder, however, I don't think it's all that necessary. You just put it in place and pull the trigger.

Have a great day,