jeepguy553

So I was outside playing with the MIG and something ain't right in Chinatown.

Here is what I am doing:
1.) Using 2 pieces of bumper metal that I saved from when I did the stubby front mod
2.) Lincoln Pro MIG 180 (220V)
3.) 0.035" FCAW

The wire seems jumpy and won't hold an arc. I have experimented with all sorts of heat and wire speed combinations and the results are always the same. CRAP. I cranked the heat all the way up to E and kept the wire speed around 2.5. Even with the heat cranked all the way up it doesn't look like the welds are even penetrating the base metal. Here is a pic. WTF???? HELP!!!!

Do I not have the wire feed adjusted right inside the box? I can't figure this out and I am not new to welding.

SILVERRUBI2010

Check your shielding gas

SILVERRUBI2010

And you can try having the tip of your welder closer to the metal.. That'll totally affect your weld penetration

jeepguy553

Thanks!
Not using gas. I am using flux core but I am thinking of getting a bottle of 75/25 tomorrow if the local supply place is open. I'll try holding the tip closer. Was trying to keep it at 3/8" but may need to get closer.

SILVERRUBI2010

I've never had good results with flux core, gas is totally they way to go

jeepguy553

I used flux core a while back before I got this machine. I had decent results with it but the welds were always really bulky and had to be knocked down with a grinder.
Thinking I will be getting a bottle of gas before I try my next project.

nwbronco

Flux core is for stick welding. It's about useless with a wire one. Get the shielding gas and call it a day. You'll be happy with the results.




Bob K.
Miller Challenger 172 for a MIG.

Mad-Hatter

How much wire is left in your spool? Mine gets jumpy like that when the spool is almost gone and it's out of balance so there isn't a constant wire feed like you are used to.

medic_23387

I know your problem gas is the way to go it will smooth out everything. But to solve your problem with the flux core very slow wire speed with any heat setting. I mean like 1 or under. It will weld slow but that's what mine does too with flux core. Slow the speed way down and give it a shot

jeepguy553

It has about a half of the spool left. I am wondering if the electrical work I had done in my house 2 weeks ago may have caused a voltage drop in the 220V circuit.

I will try the lower wire feed speed too. I hope I can find a supply house open tomorrow so I can get a gas bottle.