Burning Through At Lowest Power

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Finally getting started on projects!  Having bought my MM252 a few months ago, I'm just getting started on the big project for which I bought it: my smoker.  Right now, I'm framing out my firebox.  The frame is a cube built of 1" x 16ga square tubing.  As I weld, I'm burning through the tubing fairly quickly.  I've turned the machine down as far as I can go (14.0V, and about 130 IPM), but it just cooks on through.  I'm using .035" Lincoln Innershield NR-211 with no gas because it's what I have.  I suspect the issue is that I'm at the very bottom of the chart on the size: the book has settings for 14ga, and does not recommend 18ga with flux core.  The 14ga recommendation is 20.0V, 235 IPM.  I tried starting at 18.0V, 180 IPM, and it burned through in a hurry.Any thoughts?  Do I just need to pick up a spool or ER70S-6 and be done with it (I already have a bottle of C25)?
Reply:get some gas (75/25) and solid wire.  No more than .030 wire.  The .035 wire is too big & carrying too much power.  You will burn through with that.  .023 wire would be better, then you can adjust your power up a little bit.Then make your travel speed about double what you are doing now and short sections about 1" long.  Space em out so the metal doesn't get too hot in one area.MarkI haven't always been a nurse........Craftsman 12"x36" LatheEnco G-30B MillHobart Handler 175Lincoln WeldandPower 225 AC/DC G-7 CV/CCAdd a Foot Pedal to a Harbor Freight Chicago Electric 165A DC TIG PapaLion's Gate Build
Reply:Are you running the correct polarity? Electrode negative
Reply:Dave, Definitely get some solid wire .030 The MM 252 will run like butter for you on the 16gEd Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Update:I finally got around to trying the .030 solid w/ C25.  Wow, what a difference:Hobart cutting/welding torch.MM252, and nothing else.  My first welder.  Buy once, cry once....but I really would like a nice 50/60A circuit to run it at full strength.A bunch of ideas, and not enough time and money to bring them to life.
Reply:Did you change the polarity or just add gas and go?
Reply:Changed polarity, added gas, changed the drive rollers and the contact tip.Yes, it was set up correctly before.  I was even able to weld successfully on thicker stuff; 16ga was just too thin for me.Hobart cutting/welding torch.MM252, and nothing else.  My first welder.  Buy once, cry once....but I really would like a nice 50/60A circuit to run it at full strength.A bunch of ideas, and not enough time and money to bring them to life.
Reply:You can save yourself a bit of grinding if you move across your workpiece a little faster. Otherwise, looks like a good clean weld. Can't wait to see the finished project."If you can't find the time to do it right, how will you find the find the time to do it over?"Lincoln 225 A/C "Buzz Box"Millermatic 200Trailblazer 325
Reply:For the record, that's P3 (Airgas house brand, made by Radnor) ER70S-6, .030," on C25 @ 25 CFH, running at 16.3V/115IPM (the MM252 recommended settings for 18ga).Hobart cutting/welding torch.MM252, and nothing else.  My first welder.  Buy once, cry once....but I really would like a nice 50/60A circuit to run it at full strength.A bunch of ideas, and not enough time and money to bring them to life.