MIG, need tips on vertical welding

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I just got a Lincoln HD3200 MIG welder, it can go up to 3/16" thick steel.I need some tips on doing vertical welds.  Which is preferable, up or down?  I understand you want a motion that allows the puddle to cool without dripping down.  Is this accomplished with a U-shaped motion (spending time on the sides, to let the center cool off)?Thanks for any help/advice.
Reply:i would run vert up, 3/16 is stout plate and up provides a better and stronger weld.here comes a shotgun blast. i use a triangle and count off a cadence in my head. the tip of my triangle allows for slight preheating. on the job, we are required to pass a vert up test yearly. it all has to laid in with stringers. turn up the wire speed and burn away. but listen to what everyone has to say, try them out and then decide. if you go to your local vo-tech school, they will let take a weld test for 25$ or so. good way to test your welding is the bend test. remeber on the heavier steels you want spacing and tack them up good before you burn in. a gap aprroximately half the thickness of the steel. this will allow for 100% penetration.from lincolnVertical-up And Overhead WeldingThe problem, when welding vertical-up, is to put themolten metal where it is wanted and make it staythere. If too much molten metal is deposited, gravitywill pull it downwards and make it “drip”. Therefore, acertain technique has to be followed.When welding out-of-position, run stringer beads.Don’t whip, break the arc, move out of the puddle, ormove too fast in any direction. Use Wire Feed Speed(WFS) in the low portion of the range.Generally, keep the electrode nearly perpendicular tothe joint as illustrated. The maximum angle above perpendicularmay be required if porosity becomes aproblem.Vertical-down WeldingVertical-down welds are appliedat a fast pace. These welds are therefore shallow andnarrow and, as such, are excellent for sheet metal.Vertical-down welds may be applied to 5/32” (3.9 mm)and lighter material.Use stringer beads and tip the gun in the direction oftravel so the arc force helps hold the molten metal inthe joint. Move as fast as possible consistent withdesired bead shape.The important thing is to continue lowering the entirearm as the weld is made so the angle of the gun doesnot change. Move the electrode wire fast enough thatthe slag does not catch up with the arc. Vertical-downwelding gives thin, shallow welds. It should not beused on heavy material where large welds arerequired.Last edited by backuproller; 07-18-2006 at 10:36 PM."Retreat hell, were just fighting in the other direction"Miller Trailblazer 302, Extreme 12 VS, Dimension 400, Spectrum 375, HF 251D-1, Milermatic 251 w/ spoolgun  Hypertherm 1000Lincoln sp 1702000 F-450 to haul it
Reply:Here is a video that shows ONE of many techniques for an uphill bead. Nothing fancy but may get you started. http://www.weldinginspectionsvcs.com...GMAWUphill.htmHave a nice dayhttp://www.weldingdata.com/
Reply:If the heat is good, you can go either way. Down tends to be a better looking weld. When you are already twisted and upside down, you use the direction that you can do the best job with. I like the triangle style uphill mig welding, too. It makes for a decent looking strong weld. For downhill, pour in the heat, and just go straight down the seam.