Answer a few Q's up front:
- Good clean 20A dedicated outlet/no extension chord
- Cleaned metal surfaces with a grinder prior to welding
- Material was ~14-16 gauge
Better terminology:
-When welding with Flux Core wire, I have the welder set to DC Standard Polarity (DCSP - Electrode Negative). I have no problems with penetration in this mode, and can easily burn through the material
-When I switch MIG/solid wire, I change the welder setting to DC Reverse Polarity (DCRP - Electrode Positive) and use the gas (75% argon/25%CO2) . This is in accordance with the welder's operations manual. In this configuration, I don't get very good penetration on the 16 gauge material (couldn't burn through if I wanted to).
Stickout: I cut the length of my gas nozzle to expose more of the electrode tip to reduce stick out to ~ 1/4". From what I read (and think I've experienced), shorter stickout = a hotter arc.
Greatly appreciate the feedback, gives me a few more ideas to try (solid wire with gas in DCSP)
Thanks, Gordo
A great site I have been using for welding ref:
http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/index.html