are you an innie or outy

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The other day a friend and I were talking about tip preference on our welding whips.  I prefer the bernard centerfired with a 5/8 nozzle.  I mostly run .045 hard wire or .045 and .052 dual shield with it.  I have some 1/2 nozzles and 3/8 nozzles for tight spaces but mostly run the 5/8s.My friend on the other hand likes the tweco adjustable slid on nozzles and runs with 1/8 to 1/4 inch exposed tip.  He only runs a 5/8 head.  he runs the same wire as I do.I will throw in to the mix a flush set up just because it is there.What do you prefer and why??
Reply:Ok, I'll bite. I am an innie.I like my tips about 1/16" inside the nozzle for fillet and bevel welds, and 1/8" inside for outside corner welds. I like the tip inside so I don't burn back onto the tip. More an issue for me with alum mig welding as opposed to steel.Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:If a guy reads several different sets of manufacturers docs you'll be left sort of wondering just what the heck is correct. Some say slightly out for short circuit, flush for general purpose and slightly in for spray. One lincoln manual for sure says flush to recessed. Most docs agree that slightly recessed for spray is correct. My magnum gun came with the tip about 1/8th out. It's a screw on nozzle but not really adjustable for distance. Start screwing it out and you'll get some venturi and crappy beads.Be nice to see something definitive and more across the board agreement."The things that will destroy America are prosperity at any price, peace at any price, safety first instead of duty first, the love of soft living and the get rich quick theory of life." -Theodore Roosevelt
Reply:I usually keep mine flush to slightly in.The centerfire tip is a good idea...but it has one downfall, at least for me.The diffuser holes get plugged up quite fast or they burn across when you get a  bridge from spatter when doing overhead work. I like the fact tha the contact tubes don't get stuck/buggered up threads causing the whole diffuser to turn, so I guess it's a trade off.....Mike
Reply:I like a slightly inset tip due to the ring that forms around the opening.  It doesn't have a chance to arc to the tip as quickly.  I try to keep a clear nozzle for best coverage.My friend says he keep the tip exposed to keep the ring from forming.  who knows!  I don't think there is an exact right or wrong.  I do think it  is mostly a personal preference.  I think the contact tip stays cooler when it is recessed but I have no proof.
Reply:It depends. While learning, the innie was better to help us avoid burning the tips up too fast, or shorting them to the work. But when trying to fit into tight spaces where you can't bend your tungsten...   ...an outy has it's advantages.If you are not clearing spatter out of your nozzle as a matter of routine, shame on you.  And put a little nozzle gel in there, not too much. City of L.A. Structural; Manual & Semi-Automatic;"Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place where gold is refined. Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from ore."Job 28:1,2Lincoln, Miller, Victor & ISV BibleDanny
Reply:Flush or recessed is all I have ever used.Lincoln Ranger 250 GXTLN-25Lincoln Magnum SG and ModuleAirco HF BoxMiller 304 XMT CC/CVMiller 60 Series FeederMiller Syncrowave 250O/A SetupIt's a dog eat dog world and i'm wearing milkbone underwear
Reply:i like innies because i keep about a 1/4 in stick out and i have a tendencey to burn the tip when it sticks outWELD TO LIVE LIVE TO RIDEA bad welder blames his equipment, a good weldor can lay a perfect bead on any thing
Reply:With my binzels there is only flush or 1/8" recess, I've shortened a couple of nozzles myself for work similar to a deep "K" joint.I do think an innie helps with outside corners a bit and allows for less gas flow so the ability to slide the nozzle on some Tweecos is nice.Matt
Reply:Depends.I have 2 MIG's, one Hobart, the other Lincoln.The Hobart, the tip is recessed slightly, the Lincoln the tip stands proud of the end.  Both work, if I do my part.  The Lincoln works better in tight corners, cause I can see the puddle easier, but the trade off is a much softer arc.The Hobart I like for heavier metal in the open.  If I don't have my head screwed on just so, I can't see the puddle though.  So, depending on the job, I use either.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