It was two years ago. I was the inspector, not the welder.
He could have used cables the size of your thigh and it wouldn't have made any difference. The machine was too small for the work that had to be done considering the length of the leads. While the drop would have been less had large leads been used, the voltage drop would have still been too much for the small machine and the machine simply didn't have the capability to maintain the arc voltage required for the diameter E7018 the welder was using. Plus, considering the resistance of the circuitry increases as the welding machine heats up from use, the voltage drops as resistance increases.
As eloquently stated before, you are not judged by the amount you spend on a machine, simply put, you are judged by the machine and whether it is capable of meeting the demands of the work.
It has long been said that a tradesman is judged by the quality of the tools he carries. A tradesman that shows up on the job ill prepared isn't highly regarded by his peers, be they welders, carpenters, or inspectors.
I like the episode on "Ice Road Truckers" where one driver shows up wearing Artic gear, well worn, and ready to go to work. The other driver shows up wearing a light jacket and a new briefcase. Which one do you think was the successful driver? It reminds me of the welder that shows up wearing nothing but new sneakers, jeans, a t-shirt, and no welding hood or leathers. Things never improved for him either.
Dress for the work and tool up for the job at hand.
Best regards - Al