newbie can't see!!!

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hello all.......i'm new to this forum and new to welding.  i have a hobart180  mig welder. i have used up all of the flux wire and now have a gasbottle and going to go to solid wire.  what diameter wire should i use.i doubt that i will weld much 1/4 in stuff.   small shop, hobby farm stuff. should i go with .024 or .030 or .035         alsoi have a very hard time seeing where i need to be, can't see my puddleor where i'm suposed to be going.......the only helment i have is the one that came with the welder. would an auto-darkning hood help.....if so whichone should i buy and what setting do you set the hood for?    thanks forthe help      jay    (rjs)
Reply:I suggest you go with .024 wire it is well suited for the machine and the material you will be working with.In my opinion an auto darkening helmet will make a big difference.  You can get one for as little as $50.  They aren't as good as the more expensive models but they work.  Also, I use a set of portable halogen lights to be able to see when I weld inside the shop.  It makes a it a lot easier to see what I am working on and can be bought at any big box store for around $30.
Reply:Its really up to you.  As you may know the larger wire the thicker metal.  30 is a good all around for most things. 1/8 and up are great.  Around the farm I'd say youprobably never need the 23.  Buy some 35 and keep it for for the thicker stuff. 1/4 and up. Experiment with the diff sizes. weld it like you own it
Reply:Welcome, and congrats!Yes!  An auto hood is going to make a difference for us newbs.  Mad a WORLD of difference for me while learning SMAW.  At least now I CAN use an older hood, but wont.  I'd look for 10/11 or better yet get one that has a range (ie:8-11 +grind mode).  Though MIG might need a lighter lense than TIG so I'd check on that.  Gotta say though, its been worth every penny I spent for my Optrel.If its smoke thats giving you problems...vent!ThermalArc 185MillerMatic 180 w/ AutosetVictor Cutskill Oxy/AcetyleneThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38and spite!
Reply:You will be able to see more once going with the gas wire (GMAW) versus what you're used to using with the new welder - FCAW (flux core). It will be MUCH easier to see, you'll never want to use FCAW again...unless you absolutely have to.John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com