How do you know if your Mig Wire is contaminated?

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Well I have been practicing GMAW with my Lincoln 100sp.on mild steel plate, preped with Wire wheel and acetone.The steel is about 1\8" thick. I am welding at 100amps and awire speed of 3.5 to 4. My argon\co2 flow is 11-12 l/min.I have noticed that after i run a weld there is this brownishglassy looking stuff on the bead. As the metal cools it cracks offand then appears to be glossy black in color.Has anyone seen this? Is it possible that my mig wire is contaminated?I bought the welder last year and just recently started using it.I can get pics of the welds when i get home from work but it mightbe difficult to capure the brownish stuff with the digital camera.Last edited by graphixdezign6; 02-05-2007 at 02:13 PM.
Reply:Based on your description, the glassy brownish stuff is not contamination.  That is silicon that is part of the coating on the wire that helps to lift contaminants out of the metal.  Perfectly normal
Reply:Awesome, Thanks weldrwomn.
Reply:Originally Posted by weldrwomnBased on your description, the glassy brownish stuff is not contamination.  That is silicon that is part of the coating on the wire that helps to lift contaminants out of the metal.  Perfectly normal