Teach me how to reduce spatter with cheap wire feed mig welder

That is the question. Besides replacing the welder with a better one. I guess my choices are to cover up anything I don't want splatter on or what?

are you using 75/25 argon/co2? Flux core spatters a lot, straight Co2 spatters a good amount, and 75/25 doesn't spatter much.

Don't use flux core wire. Reduce your stick-out distance. Make sure you have a good ground connection. Partly squeeze the trigger to start gas flow for a second or so before squeezing it all the way and striking an arc.

http://www.amazon.com/Forney-37030-Welders-Spatter-16-Ounce/dp/B000TG60BI/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Use the proper settings for the wire. For example if you are using Lincoln L-56, go to the Lincoln web page, http://www.lincolnelectric.com/en-us/Pages/default.aspx?locale=1033 . Then go to the consumables page. Look up mig wire. Click on Super arc L-56. Then go to typical operating procedures. A table of wire size and gas type will give the wire speed, voltage, gas flow range and contact tip to work distance.

Angle of the torch is also critical.

Spray the area not being welded with anti spatter spray.

I should have included more info. Real cheap wire feed mig. I have to use flux core wire with this. No provision for shielding gas. The anti splatter spray looks interesting.

Flux core is very sensitive to torch angle. Lincoln has some good welding guides. I have found them helpful

http://www.lincolnelectric.com/assets/global/Products/Consumable_Flux-CoredWires-Self-Shielded-Innershield-InnershieldNR-211-MP/c32400.pdf

That's a good read Braden. I run a 110v Lincoln on fluxcore and I've found that when I'm getting spattery, crappy welds I usually need to slow down the wire feed a little, decrease tip distance and slow the hell down. A good ground is also vital, the closer the better.

Thanks Clyde. I am in the process of getting American Welding Society certified in flux core wire arc and TIG. I have found the Lincoln guides are great for additional info.

I just figured spatter was par for the course if you were using flux core. I really haven't had any trouble with spatter using C25.

Thank you all. And I downloaded the Lincoln info.

PAM cooking spray works great as anti-spatter spray. Plus, your welded sheet metal smells like french fries when you're done.

This I WILL have to try...