A MIG welder is the easiest type of welder and hence is perfect for beginners. Although the process is quite simple, the weld can be shoddy both structurally and cosmetically if certain techniques are not followed.
Even before you start welding, you will have to prepare the welding surface, especially if the surface is painted or rusted. The best course of action in such a case is to use a use an angle grinder. If there is an excessive amount of rust than one should use a grinding disk.
The next step is tune the MIG welding machine to the type of material which is being used. The two most common settings which you will most likely change are wire speed and heat. Your MIG welder should be have the information with it which can use to tune the MIG welding machine to the type and the thickness of the metal that you are trying to weld. It is a very good idea to try it out on a small crap first to fine tune the machine. Keep in mind that the welding wire should consist of the same metal as that with which you are welding.
After you have completed these two steps, you are ready to start using the MIG welder to start welding. Make sure that you are wearing leather gloves, a helmet and other appropriate clothes before you start welding. Once you are properly outfitted, clamp the ground to the surface and place the MIG welder with a quarter of an inch of wire sticking out, then you can pull the trigger to start welding.
