New To Mig Welding

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I have a lincoln mig that will run off with gas or no gas. I currently have it set up to run without the gas since I am still experimenting. What exactly does the gas do? I never really got a straight answer from anyone on that.I am practicing on 18 guage mild steel. The weld holds, but it splatters all over the place. What is the cause of this? I am wanting to weld in some 18 guage body panels, but I can't be having that, since besides looking pretty bad, I bet it looses a lot of strength doing that as well.Is there a decent reference on these welders? There are some settings that I don't really understand what they do, and the book doesn't mention anything regarding settings.And my last question, where can I find a reference that lists what size rod/amps/etc for the stick welder is recommended for certain guage metal? I am getting fairly good at the stick, but anything that takes some of the guess work out of it is always better.Thanks
Reply:Just a real quick generalized answer here Brad.Theres the flux (coating) on the outside of rods (sticks) and the flux inside the flux 'core' wire you've got on your machine. When these fluxes get very hot, among a few other things, they form a cloud around the arc and immediate puddle. This cloud shields the weld from the negative effects of the oxygen in the air.  Using gas does just that without all the smoke and fumes. Cleaner form of shielding and welding overall. That's the one minute quicky. There should be a ton of info available from lincoln including some tutorials that can be purchased. Well worth the dime.Go to dubya dubya dubya lincolnelectric dot com  .... Lot of freebie info as well. The've got the rods, wire and info.
Reply:Besides, you should be using gas if you welding body panels. Bit cooler, less warpage + with the correct mix virtually no spatter.
Reply:you will also have to change polarity, when using flux core wire the ground should be positive.good luck: