Hello tighand430, not quite an answer to your question, but we have the same thing happen with the 5P+ that we use in our shop on occassion. I recall hearing of others on the site here experiencing something similar. So I don't think that you are alone with what you're seeing. They do seem to be surface defects and not extend down into the bead very far. I will be interested to hear of some better explanation as to why they occur and to what extent they can be an issue regarding a sound weld deposit. Prior to your post I only recall hearing of this with the 5P+. Best regards, Allan