I've got to learn how to weld - AGAIN!

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I started out with a cheapo 110 welder and became reasonably competent.  I then upgraded to a 175 Lincoln and after a couple of years, I was able to weld just about anything.  I had that welder dialed in from sheetmetal to 3/8" multi pass.  With my Lincoln I built a number of tractor implements and never had a weld failure.  My welding isn't that professional, I just tend to overbuild with gussets, stiffeners etc.I upgraded again to a HTP 2400 and it seems like I have never welded before.  Oh, I've laid down some great beads, but this thing has too many settings.  Twentyfour heat settings, and a host of things that I don't know what to do with.I know that practice, practice, practice will get me to where I used to be...  but it's frustrating right now.
Reply:I'm not familiar with the HTP 2400 but just like any other new machine with gobs of features, the key is to stick to the basics to get used the general performance of the unit and then start playing with all the knobs (one at a time of course) to see how it changes things and go from there.It's not that you have to learn how to weld all over again, you just need to learn the characteristics and performance of your new rig.  Being familiar with what all the 'new' controls are intended to do is also key so if you have to, read, read, read right along with all that practice, practice, practice to learn them then do so.Congrats on the new toy.MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:crack open some books and learn what all those fancy knobs are. Chances are they aren't needed, or are "short cuts" instead of users setting up the machine properly. I don't know what heat settings your talking about nor am I familiar with that machine. I setup machines constantly and I say even on complex welding we don't use very many of those bells and whistles.
Reply:you can go here  http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/index.html  or youtube and see some great videos on inverter type welders.
Reply:I'm all for more welders, but here is some good books "Mig Welding Handbook by Union Carbide;Linde" if you can find it and "Welding Principles and Practices; Sacks and Bonhart Mcgraw Hill" a bit thick but has a good chapter on joint design.This Htp has loads of knobs, burnback should be set and left alone, what are all the other knobs for? Is it a power source for other equipment, tig, smaw?