mig-welding: straight drag or circular motion?

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I just got a 125v wire-feed Lincoln 3200HD welder from Home Depot.  Been using the flux-core wire.I've been using a "straight-line" drag motion.  The welds look OK.I had an expert look at my welds, & he spotted some flux on the outside of the welds.  He told me, if I use a circular motion, those outside flux wouldn't happen.If I use a circular motion, I don't feel as if I can get a nice bead "line".  I.e., dragging in a straight-line as I'm doing now, will give me a straight looking bead.What is the viewpoint of users here?  Is a straight-line motion adequate, or should I goto a circular motion?
Reply:circular is ok just small circles but dont drag the mig..push the mig...go away from you......zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Originally Posted by byen00I just got a 125v wire-feed Lincoln 3200HD welder from Home Depot.  Been using the flux-core wire.I've been using a "straight-line" drag motion.  The welds look OK.I had an expert look at my welds, & he spotted some flux on the outside of the welds.  He told me, if I use a circular motion, those outside flux wouldn't happen.If I use a circular motion, I don't feel as if I can get a nice bead "line".  I.e., dragging in a straight-line as I'm doing now, will give me a straight looking bead.What is the viewpoint of users here?  Is a straight-line motion adequate, or should I goto a circular motion?
Reply:Originally Posted by zapstercircular is ok just small circles but dont drag the mig..push the mig...go away from you......zap!
Reply:Originally Posted by RojodiabloMy opinion, after having used the lincoln 100 for almost 10 yrs: I like the small wire. .023 for mig, .030 for flux core.You NEED to cup, weave, etc. your welds on thicker material to keep the heat in the local area to get a good bond going. Preheating thicker material is very helpful, and it is NECESSARY when you intend to weld 1/4 or 5/16 steel with that welder.
Reply:straight motion is called stringyes C is the arc motion i use a zig zag but i also run .045 wireChuckASME Pressure Vessel welder
Reply:Originally Posted by byen00I have a Honda EW170 (DC arc-welder), so I use that for thicker material.  The 3200HD will make the smaller stuff (1/8" & thinner) easier.  I'm doing a swing-out tire-rack for my 4x4 van, it's 3/32" steel.My "straight" welds are to 3/32", & I can see a nice puddle.When you say pre-heat, do you mean use a gas torch?When you say "weave a C-cup", that implies an arc motion.  Isn't it easier just to do a zig-zag motion?