FWIW, amazon has a lightning deal today on one:repatch wrote: ↑ There are hundreds of amps flowing through that rod, a switch would add considerable cost, and once you get the hang of it you wouldn't need one anyways.
I STRONGLY recommend getting an autodarkening helmet. Princess Auto carries one for a decent price (especially on sale). Will make learning far easier.
https://www.amazon.ca/Powered-Welding-D ... R3KEJXW9HZ