Flux core welding

[Dessieb2022]

Evening all,
I recently bought a Static Arc flux core welder and have been getting to grips with it over the past few weeks.
My query is about wire stick out, I thought 12-15mm was the ideal length but in the welder manual it states 'cut the wire 6mm from contact tip.' I do find when welding that the arc is a lot smoother looking and sounding when keeping a short stickout. When I keep a longer distance I struggle to find a setting that allows for a nice smooth arc.
So do I listen to the manual or should I keep searching for settings that allow for a smooth arc at 12-15mm stick out?

 

[leadpig]

Use what gives best welds
You also don't need shroud when using fluxcore

 

[Dessieb2022]

I was of the opinion that the flux wire needed a longer stick out to heat up and cover the weld bead with gas, but it definitely sounds better and has a consistent arc with about 6-7mm stick out. But again, not sure if this is because I'm running the wrong settings.

Yeah it's a dedicated flux core welder so I took the shroud off straight away, gives a lot better view.

 

[leadpig]

Are you getting confused with dual shield which uses fluxcored wire and gas.
Normal fluxcore Shields the weld with the fux inside the wire giving a slag protective coating like stick welding and no gas needed

 

[Dessieb2022]

No I'm not getting it confused, I mean the flux in the wire turns into a gas to protect the weld.
There's enough for me to learn without getting started on dual shield