[Shop-talk] Welding question

[Bob Spidell]

I have an old, underpowered MIG setup that I use for sheetmetal work 
and, occasionally, heavier stuff.  I've got it loaded with 0.024" solid 
wire, but I need to do some heavier work (1/16"-1/8") with a right-angle 
butt weld.  The 0.024 works OK, but I have to keep a pretty high wire 
speed to keep the bead going.  Plus, I can only extend less than a 
quarter-inch without losing spark.   I'm wondering if I load up 0.030" 
wire will I a) get more/better penetration with less filler buildup, and 
b) be able to extend the wire another 1/8" or so and keep an arc going, 
so I can get into the corner of the weld?

TIA,

Bob