I got my welder now what?

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Ok. I got my DVI2 mig welder. Now what? I never welded MIG before.I want to learn everything I can.Please help. I know that mig uses a wire and uses argon/CO2 mixture and I believe is basically pull the trigger and weld.So what else do I need to know? I wnat to know everything.
Reply:Have you already read the manual?I would also buy the Haynes manual for welding, it's got good stuff in it.Reading the projects section of the forum is very informative.Once you read the manual, understand the machine, have all the safety gear.... most of your questions will come while you are doing stuff.... so get started (after reading the manual and understanding the safety requirements).Post pictures of your first welds and ask questions.Good luck, enjoy!I'm excited to see your first works (sticking two pieces of angle iron together, etc.).***************************************Lincoln AC225 stick welderLincoln HD100 WeldPak flux core wire feed welderThree of the cheapest grinders money can buy
Reply:If you go to www.htpweld.com, you can order their mig welding instructional video that explains basic mig welding procedure and shows mig welds being performed, as viewed through the welder's helmet lens.  I watched this video when I bought my first mig welder, an HTP MIG200, some 15 years ago.   The video was helpful to me at that time.  As far as I know, the video they sell now is the same one from back then.Also, your new welder comes with a chart that describes the basic setup parameters for welding various thicknesses of steel with different wire diameters, as well as other set up info for adjusting the wire drive and spool tensions.  Follow these guidelines and you will have an easier time learning your welding.In addition, grind off all rust, paint and mill scale from your metal before practicing, so you start with clean metal and your welds will be easier to perform and come out looking nicer.  When you set up your weld joint, for material 1/8" and thicker, tack them with a small gap between them, or grind a bevel on the edges, so you get good penetration into the joint and a strong weld.  Tack on both ends of the joint so the pieces stay in place as you are welding.When first learning mig,  common problems are- moving the torch too fast, not paying attention to the puddle, holding the torch too far away from the work and not pointing the torch equally at both pieces being welded.   Just relax, think about what you're doing, concentrate on these issues and your welds will come out better.Have fun with your new machine!  MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op