[Alex Evonosky]

Bob,
Not much to add but the first thing I would do is buy some solid .035 Hobart wire.
Blow out your wire feed with clean air.
Buy some Lube-Matic and the sponge attachment.
Try setting the tension to about 3 with solid wire.
My guess is the person you purchased it from did not keep it covered while grinding in the shop. The fine metal tends to be attracted to the roll of wire and will eventually end up in your wire feed.
Also, jumping will also happen if your wire is feeding too fast.
As for seeing:
I have noticed the older I get the brighter the light required, and stronger reading glasses I need.
Of course, I am 59 and still doing this building and racing.
I don't know what the highest watt bulbs I will end up with but now it's the Home Depot Floods. LOL
Seriously, try the above with the correct gas pressure, solid wire,
and you will find that it is the cats wisker.
Also, let us know the thickness and we can get pertty close to the correct settings to start.