MIG spatter and smoke! Ergh.

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So I just put together a new to me Bernard Q-300 with Centerfire consumables, but I'm having some issues with my welding.Miller MM20060% SpeedHigh 240-50 on the gas flow, 75/25 argon co2 mix..030 wire which is kinda old and dirty, oxidized. I have yet to pull about 5lbs off of it.It sounds OK, but its spitting and smoking as you can see. Grr:New tip, just the tip: I am no professional. I just remembered I swapped out gas tanks not too long ago and haven't had much success since then. I'll have to check that out tomorrow to make sure it's actually an Argon/Co2 mix.Thoughts?Using Tapatalk
Reply:Your wire speed is high or the voltage is low. I don't know what high 2 and 60% stand for but more than likely the voltage (high 2?) is too low. It could also be that you are running straight CO2 which I'm not a fan of. Sometimes it runs ok but unless things are really dialed in a kind of looks like your pictures. I've found that if your voltage is too high/wire speed in the general vicinity of where you need to be you'll get really fine spatter and if your voltage is too low/wire speed in the general vicinity of where you need to be you'll get large spatter like your pictures. Check the inside of your machine, where to put the wire spool in, to see if there is a settings chart. Also, you only need about 30 CFH on your flow.EDIT: If you do happen to have straight CO2 you need to run like 2 volts higher compared to C25.Last edited by burns; 10-28-2015 at 11:44 PM.
Reply:Cut your gas flow in half.   Are you welding inside in a wind free environment.Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:Originally Posted by soutthpawCut your gas flow in half.   Are you welding inside in a wind free environment.
Reply:I've found most door charts recommend too much wire feed speed for a given voltage. I'd just turn the wire speed down a little and the spatter should go away.My "collection":Homemade Stick WelderVictor O/A TorchAC 225Ideal Arc 250HF 90 Amp Flux CoreHF Mig 170Solar 2020 Plasma CutterPower i-Mig 140EHarris O/A torchHF Dual Mig 131140STAlpha Tig 200x
Reply:Looks like flux core wire. Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkMiller 211Hypertherm PM 451961 Lincoln Idealarc 250HTP 221  True Wisdom only comes from Pain.
Reply:[QUOTE=John T;6441361]Looks like flux core wire.Or wrong polarity.Really no reason to run more than 20cfm inside.
Reply:I'm thinking too much gas and too much speed. Wire is old and not flux core and polarity is correct. Gotta find something to weld now.Using Tapatalk
Reply:40-50 on gas flow? Is that standard cubic feet per hour? That's way too much. 15-20 SCFH should be fine. Also, you did say that the wire was old and oxidized. Less gas and some clean new wire and you will have better results.Miller Millermatic 252Miller Syncrowave 200Liincoln AC-DC 225Victor O-A Set
Reply:Are you welding galvanized steel?
Reply:Originally Posted by TimmyTIGAre you welding galvanized steel?
Reply:Whhhhoooosshhhh!*spilled coffee*Be wary of The Numbers: Figures don't lie,. but liars can figure.Welders:2008 Lincoln 140 GMAW&FCAW2012 HF 165 'toy' GTAW&SMAW1970's Cobbled together O/A
Reply:Definitely too much gas. Thought I was still outside or something. I'm still trying to figure out this old MM200 on the high range! POWER!Using Tapatalk
Reply:I also pulled off 1lb of wire and got down to some nice shiny stuff. This gun is awesome!!!!!!! Can't wait to actually use it! Thanks @southpawUsing Tapatalk
Reply:She looks a bit hot still.
Reply:yes. I think this welder only has 20 hours on the high port since 1989 so I was wondering if maybe it was something to do with that, but it has the power. I also didn't feel like switching the lead to low. :-pUsing Tapatalk
Reply:Never seen high gas flow throw buckshot like that.
Reply:Originally Posted by TimmyTIGNever seen high gas flow throw buckshot like that.
Reply:Well I welded some more with different settings and I'm having inconsistent wire feed. This was some 1/4" to 1/2" (High 2, 60%, gas at 20)What is the rootbeer chocolate milk??This was some 14ga (Low 5, 35-40% wire, gas at 20):Running longer: I think I'm going to take my drive rolls out tomorrow and inspect and clean them and get some more clean wire. What is that chocolate milk looking liquid?Using Tapatalk
Reply:That's from the silicon in the weld wire, perfectly normal for 70s6 wire.