Mig flux core tip spacing

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OK so I use a mig with mix gas and today at a friends I tried his flux core.  1st thing I noticed is with the machine set the same for both of us I had much hotter welds and had to stop and go or overheat the metal.  Then I noticed he was holding the tip much farther off.  We only messed around with it for a few and I should have tried lower amps, but it was late and he thought my penetration wouldn't be good.  My welds got better when I turned his speed up tho, but I still couldn't run continuous like him.1/8" steel set at about 50% of the 180something HobartSo my questions are.....   With flux core is spacing not as crucial?  Was he just using too much juice for a big gap?  Am I just running too close?  It looked like he had the nozzle about 3/4" off and I run with mine about 1/8" so the electrode is more like 1/2.  Also he was more straight on and I am about 45deg.Sometimes just asking the question helps me realize the answer.175 mig
Reply:Flux core wire needs a preheat that the longer stick out generates.
Reply:Run SELF shielding flux core with too much stickout, and the wire melts off before it hits the metal.  You want it in there pretty tight, about maybe 3/8 inch.  Tighter you run, the better it runs.  Measure stickout from the tip, not the end of the gas nozzle.  Actually, you should just remove the gas nozzle when running self shielding flux core, it lets you get in there real tight if need be.Anyhoo, that's how I run my NR-211 or equivalent"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:3/8-inch stick out works fine for most T-11 wires. But just won't cut it for T-8 wires. 3/4 + -inch stick out is about the norm for T-8 wire.Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400