i have been welding for 20 years but am no expert! i first learned to use a mig in high school shop. i didn't have one personaly for several years after that. but i used a arc straight for 20 years. i think a mig is pretty simple to use. it produces a good looking weld with less consideration to angle, speed, arc lenth, and out of position welding than a arc. if the machine is set up right and you know basics of penetration and judging a good weld it's pretty easy to get a good weld with one. if you are starting from scratch, a hours worth of pointers from someone could get you going. good luck, hr
