Newbie questions

[pimpgauer]

I have a Lincoln Promig175 . I've been practicing laying beads as I'm very new to this hobby. I'm only running .35 fluxcore at the moment. When I try and weld up some thinner (18) gauge stuff, I look inside the door for the settings. It says set the machine at A 1.5. I try that setting and no matter what I do I can't get an arc to start and stay going. If I bump up the wire speed to closer to 3 I can keep an arc going. This problem seems to happen on every setting that requires a 1.5 wire speed. I've ground the metal down until its shiny thinking that might be an issue...still can't keep the arc going. What is my problem??

[RcRacer]

The door settings are only a guidline. The correct setting is when you have a good arc and bead.
PS. .035 fluxcore is not really optimum for thin stuff. For thin sheetmetal, a solid wire with gas is your best bet. I also have Pro Mig 175 and since switching to gas, I have never found the need ( or desire ) to go back Flux core has it's place though. I would use it if the project did not allow for really clean joints or I needed extra penetration on metal thicknesses that are on the heavy side of the welder's capability.

[Nickoli]

I have the same machine, although I have converted mine to solid wire and gas I really have no reason to go back. I have found that the door settings are only there to guage the settings. I have found that the more you use your machine you will build a learning curve as to how to set your machine for the application! Although Flux core has its time and place you will not regret converting your machine to solid wire.

[pimpgauer]

thanks guys. That's what I was thinking. I just thought there was something I might have been doing wrong. I hope to get a cylinder soon....Flux welds look like crap IMHO.

[djb]

They won't once you're pro. Once you dial your wire speed in, and control stickout, you can make flux welds that look 95% identical to hard wire. Only difference being that you have to wire-wheel everything. But the welds *should* be the same quality and result.

[ripshot]

You really don't want to lay a bead on 18 gauge anyways. The sheet will warp and will be useless if you are working on a vehicle. I would suggest use the 18 gauge to practice making small spot welds. If you work on auto/truck bodies that's what you will need to do. Just something to consider. Jim