Best wire size and shielding gas for welding thicker steel with an MM-175?

[Manny]

I'm just ready to fullfill a long time want by purchasing an MM175 for use in my home shop. I'm not looking to do sheet metal work with it, mainly looking to work with 1/8" to 1/4" mild steel with perhaps an occasional 1/2" piece, and want to know how I should set up the machine in terms of wire diameter and shielding gas to achieve the best possible penetration and strongest welds. I was thinking .035 wire might be the ticket, but I don't really know a whole lot about Migs as my main welding experiance is with stick, over 20 years ago during high school and shortly after. I did a pretty good job welding then, but to say I'm rusty would be kind. Figure the ease of use of the mig will help compensate for some of my "rustiness", but I want to ensure I end up with strong, safe welds. From what I've read it seems the 175 should be more than adequate for what I have in mind, but I sure would be more comfortabe with advice from those more experianced. Any help you can furnish will be greatly appreciated.
Manny

P.S.: Just in case some ones thinking of suggesting I go to an MM210 which seems to be a crowd favorite from reviewing the posts, it can't/won't happen. I'm stretching the budget as far as I can to get to the MM175, just ain't enough stretch to go bigger and no way I could begin to justify it.

[Paul Seaman]

Manny:
Its a good machine, you'll enjoy it greatly. The flux core I ran in my red wire feed was .035 and in multiple passes it would do 1/2". I don't think your going to get there in a single pass with the 175 since that is above the rated for even the 210. Prep and practice are the rule and getting the slag out real well before each successive pass, just like stick. I run 75/25 mix but I think straight co2 will push a little hotter in mig opening up for thicker but will make thin sheet more tricky. If you talk to your gas rep they might let you try it out with either one at their shop and see what you like best, or try one cylinder then refil with the other to compare. Good luck, and happy welding!!!

[timw]

If you haven't used mig before, I like to compare it to using a caulking gun. You just pull the trigger and fill in the hole. The first time I tried it (1971) it took me 15 min to get the hang of it. Setting the machine is the most important step. And that's not that hard. As for the 210 I have one and I love it! But I know the wallet will make a lot of choices for us. Just remember if you ever decide to move up just put the word out on your 175 and you will have a lot of takers. Used Blue holds it's value, the problem will be you will get attached to it and won't want to sell it!

[Paul Seaman]

Manny:
Tim and I both love our 210's but I give the nod to portability. The 210 weighs 200 lbs a little more than a handfull. Some times I miss the red wire feed but the big blue one kills it in all catagories except protability. I almost bought the 175 but wanted to do Aluminum so the 210 was a better choice for me. I hope you enjoy the new equipment and we are always here to help, If we can!