I was gonna say,.. does AB still do exhaust work?
The shops are correct though. If they get turned in, it is a big fine. But its like anything else,.. they have to get caught and it has to be proven. Since they dont know you they just assume your working for the man.

I would hunt around in the pawn shops. I picked up my 110v Lincoln mig for $200. Not going to weld any frames with it.. but it does exhaust and floor pans like cake.

Hurst