Struggling with mig.

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Right now I am in a mig welding class and seem to be struggling when it comes to finding and perfecting a technique that I feel comfortable with.Our teacher has us pushing the gun although the book says to pull, and it's easier for me to see the wire penetrating the metal when I push anyway. My welds seem to be too convex, and I know they lack uniformity since I am still trying to find a technique that is comfortable to me.I think I may also not be going fast enough. I don't have a camera so I can't get any pictures, but we are using the lincoln powermig setup with 98% CO2 and 2% Argon on 3/16" steel and the machine is setup to 160 amps and 16 volts with .035 wire.What would you suggest working on as far as technique goes if I want strong, pleasing looking mig welds?
Reply:You can push or pull the weld with mig (solid wire and shielding gas), whichever you prefer.  Pushing the weld makes a wider, flatter bead with less penetration.  Pulling makes a narrower, taller bead with deeper penetration.  I agree there is more visibility pushing rather than pulling.  On flux core wire, only pull the weld, or you risk slag inclusion from pushing it, except for vertical up, which uses a slight push angle with either process.Moving the torch too slowly can result in over filling the joint, which may be what is happening to you, from your description.   Try it a little faster and focus on pointing the wire right into the root, moving in a straight line and keeping the wire at the front of the puddle.  If you find the puddle running ahead of the wire, speed up a bit.  If you find the puddle not keeping up with the wire and alot of spatter going on, slow down a bit.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Originally Posted by DesertRider33You can push or pull the weld with mig (solid wire and shielding gas), whichever you prefer.  Pushing the weld makes a wider, flatter bead with less penetration.  Pulling makes a narrower, taller bead with deeper penetration.  I agree there is more visibility pushing rather than pulling.  On flux core wire, only pull the weld, or you risk slag inclusion from pushing it, except for vertical up, which uses a slight push angle with either process.Moving the torch too slowly can result in over filling the joint, which may be what is happening to you, from your description.   Try it a little faster and focus on pointing the wire right into the root, moving in a straight line and keeping the wire at the front of the puddle.  If you find the puddle running ahead of the wire, speed up a bit.  If you find the puddle not keeping up with the wire and alot of spatter going on, slow down a bit.