I Suc at MIG

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OK, I've been doing AC/DC stick repair welding for years and (while not a pro) usually turn out pretty good work (ladder racks, antenna towers, steel steps & platforms, etc.).I bought a Lincoln MIG welder to be able to address the lighter gauge stuff.  The welder works great, but I suck!  The biggest problem is that I can't see pass the big snake head wire gun.  I'm used to following a grove or narrow gap when welding... looking beyond a thin rod to see where I'm going.  With the two pieces butted right up tight to one another and that big wire gun head in the way, I wonder all over the place and can't get a good view of the puddle.  I'm trying to work with about 3/8" of wire run out on the gun and just can't see s#$t!Does anyone have any tips, or insight?  I'm beginning to think I waste a grand$ on a piece of equipment that I'm never going to use.Last edited by Rosco-p-c; 07-18-2011 at 03:22 PM.
Reply:Get a better helmet, possibly autodark, and a magnifier insert, #2 is my favorite. Keep the inner and outer glass super clean, and have at it. You also might want to experiment with different cover gasses. I adore 90%argon/10%Co2.Then practice alot.Helps to get a pro to dial in your rig too, and watch how it is done.Good Luck!Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:lol I havent used my wirefeed in loke a month, stick is my favorite process, then I got a scratch start tig setup for the stick machine, lol, so you're not the only one Sounds like you just need to see what else works for you. Ive never had a problem positioning the gun so that I could see around it. Maybe you should set up a sample joint and take the dark shade out of your helmet and just try holding the gun different ways (but obviously not welding with it). There should be a way that lets you get a good weld without a problem seeing. Im sure someone will have a picture or something. Good luck [Account Abandoned 8/8/16 Please Do Not Attempt Contact Or Expect A Reply]. See you on YouTube! -ChuckE2009
Reply:"I adore 90%argon/10%Co2."On the advice of one of the veterans here, I run the same gas.I love it as well. Very clean weld, very little spatter/noise.Penetration is a bit less than with C25, but adjusting the welder, and the travel, compensates nicely.[RedneckJazz]Miller Bobcat 225Miller S32p FeederMiller 251D Hi FreqMillermatic 211
Reply:If you can't see the puddle, you need to position yourself so you can. With Mig you usually push the gun rather than drag it like you would with stick. I tend to lean out in front of the gun and look down the bore so to speak. In somepositions like overhead I actually weld almost straight at myself some times so I can see whats going on. It would be easier to show you than explain it. You can't sit behind the gun and see squat..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Well, I put on a pair of 3x magnifying glasses and set my helmet at the lightest filter setting.  It helped a little bit.  The welds are still butt ugly, but they are strong and better centered on the seam.  I’m used to governing my speed by the look of the puddle, but it seems that you have to match your speed to the feed of the machine… to fast and there’s no penetration, too slow and you get chewing gum or burn a hole.I'll try the staring up barrel approach.. makes sense.Thanks for your help.Rosco-p-cLast edited by Rosco-p-c; 07-18-2011 at 06:44 PM.Harris O/A Gas, Lincoln PowerMig 140c, CE A/C 180 stickNC Whisper Deluxe Gas Forge, Centaur Coal ForgeNN Scroll Bender, Karl Hoop BenderJHM Anvil