How Do You Avoid BBs ?

[zoama]

Please list your tips to avoid making BBs and get the best possible MIG weld on steel.

[DaveO]

BBs have a couple of possible causes:
~ voltage too high
~ wire feed too fast
~ too much stickout

Additionally I found this at the Bernard site:
http://www.bernardwelds.com/articles/article26.htm

"Like porosity, insufficient shielding gas and/or dirty base materials can cause spatter. As necessary, increase the shielding gas flow at the regulator and minimize drafts near the welding arc, clean and dry the welding wire, and remove all grease, dirt and other contaminants from the base metal.

Other factors that can cause spatter are: the wrong size contact tip, a worn contact tip or the wrong tip to nozzle recess. Be certain you have the right contact tips, nozzles and recess parameters for the application."

[performance]

Use the arc force control to manage this. Additionally, check you gas flow rate. I use a higher content of argon, which reduces the amount of spatter greatly. I use a C18. Much smoother, and cleaner welds.