Well, I had about had it!!! After futzing around in the garage all summer trying to weld with sloppy results, I was about to quit and call a pro. I figured my lack of experience coupled with 'only' a 110 machine must be the cause of my terrible work. The beads were huge with poor penetration. This ment a multitude of grinding operations only to be left with a poorly welded panel full of pin holes...AGHRAAAASmater, not harder....
Last night I decided to look at variables other than feed and voltage.
I tightened the tension on the roller that feeds the wire and EUREKA!
All of a sudden, I'm welding with ease! Beads are perfect with the kind of penetration that would make the ladies swoon(sorry, couldn't resist). Now this stuff is fun again instead of just another long swear session! I can't wait to work on it again.
Anyway, just needed to vent.