I know there are some welding experts that frequent this board (Ben/MB911, Tim Hancock and others); appreciate any input the pro's or others with experience can offer.
I bought a cheap Cambell Hausfeld Flux/MIG welder
http://www.cpocampbellhausfeld.com/welding_equipment/wg2060.html
I started out with it in flux core mode with .35" wire and have been able to lay a decent/solid bead with it. It has 4 settings - with the highest (4) working pretty good on 1/4" steel (larger than it is rated for, but I still got some good welds - tested by trying to bust the weld). It hasn't been too bad working thinner materials by backing the amps down to lower settings (1-2).
I thought for most automotive work, I would want to go to MIG (cleaner welds, more friendly welding stuff to thinner body panels). I puchased an Argon bottle, and some .24 solid wire, swapped out my tip to .24, conveted polarity and gave it a test on some sheet metal I was preparing to weld (~16 guage).
No matter what I tried (highest heat setting, very slow wire feed), I couldn't get a good weld (I got a clean bead, but couldn't get good penetration - cold welds that I could break the bead off of the material/easily break apart the peices).
I decided to try a larger diameter wire. Moved up to .30 and I'm still having the same problem.
The welder is great using the .35 flux core, but for some reason when I try to use it as a MIG, it doesnt' seem to have enough ass to weld the material I am trying to weld.
I hate to give up on using it as a MIG ($$ invested in the bottle, a couple of spools of wire and tips). Looking for any thoughts on why it would weld good as a flux welder, but weak in MIG mode (+ wire).
Wondering if I just need a higher amp welder for MIG - and if so, why (what would be the difference, flux vs. MIG for weld penetration/heat).
Thanks, Gordo