Need a bit(?) of help troubleshooting a weld

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First up, I'm new to the whole welding gig, so take it easy on me for the crappy looking bead..  I keep getting brown/black soot around my welds and I'm not sure why..  Could be the machine, could be me.  Just finished repairing this Snap-on ya212a-ind (MIG) and it appears to work right (diodes were fine, caps weren't shorted and seem to take a charge).  So it will melt metal, but it leaves the soot.. I tried setting the gas flow to 20, 25, 30, 35 and still get the soot.  The metal is ground to a nice shiny finish.  I'm using .030, Argon/CO2, and welding beads on 1/4" plate.Is this normal?  What are the potential reasons for it?Thanks. Attached Images
Reply:It's most likely from excess voltage for the given wire speed (or insufficient wire speed for the given voltage). You also have excess spatter around the weld which is caused by that, too.What are the settings you are using?Is it a continuous voltage control or is it a tap?http://all-a-cart.comWelding Cart Kits and accessories
Reply:hmm voltage you learn something everyday i thought it might of been stick outLast edited by Bozzza; 11-21-2009 at 12:34 AM.
Reply:My guess would be stick out. Was the metal really oily befor you ground it? Some times there may still be oil in the pores of the metal, though by the looks of the amount of grinding you did, i doubt that was your problem.