Matt@RFR... Mr Welder, Sir....

[astroracer]

Thanks Matt, yea the polarity is correct. I had to check though because I wasn't sure. I have only changed it a couple of times and it's been a while since the last time. I had to check last nite to make sure it hadn't been bumped.
I posted this question over on the Hobart forum also and one of the guys mentioned pushing instead of pulling the puddle (insert lewd comment here). I have always pulled it with good results. I was trained on stick welding and never questioned the process with the Mig up until now.
It was also mentioned that, even though the gas is old, it should still do the job. Moving the welder around and running some gas through it should keep the gases mixed well enough.
I am going to run a few more test beads tonite. I will take the tank out of the cart and roll it around a few times to get the gases moving and see what happens.
Thanks for your input and I am still open to suggestions.
Mark