I used R4043 rod at 3/32 diameter. The Electrode is a 3/32 2% thoriated. The machine I used is a miller dynasty 200dx. (I don't have my everlast machine yet, soon though.)
I also used pure argon for the shielding gas.
Mike, I wasn't aware there were shears that couldn't cut smaller thicknesses only larger ones. It seems odd, you would think you'd want one that can cut it all, to save space.