I've been welding mostly on the frame tubes to attach some pick up points, motor mounts, and transmission mounts. Now, I'll be mostly welding .120 and .090 for the bird cage and a few other parts.
The welder is the older wire feed type with the 4 settings for amperage instead of the infinite adjustment of the newer machines. I've had to set it to the max setting to get any decent penetration. Where I really have a problem is making vertical welds- they just seem to run like crazy and glob.
I'll try your suggestions and see if it helps. It sure is a lot easier getting into the tight spots with the wirefeed and having continuous feed to weld as opposed to the stick welder.
BTW, I've been using a small quartz halogen work light to illuminate my work area when welding, so you aren't the only old guy around here needing glasses these days. But I'm just spry young'n at 52! LOL
- Bob