[Winky Dink]

I modified the vintage plug to make it polar, but I figured out a way to reverse it anyway (didn't help). I will look at all the other issues.

Regarding the earth ground: Of course I don't have metal plumbing and the house's main ground is too far away to practically access. This year I put a single 8-foot copper pipe into the ground under my window and have 14 gauge stranded wire running to the work bench. This earth ground was to use for these testing situations--not for any long-term use. However, I was warned by experts ("I worked for the electric company...", "That doesn't meet code...") that I would die and burn my house down. I'm gonna use it anyway.

I won't lose sleep over it. I'm just a bit obsessive about making everything as good as I can.