MIG welding
Push or pull: which technique for mig welding?
Quick answer
Push (torch angled 5–15° toward travel) for better visibility and a flatter bead on thin material; pull for deeper penetration on thicker steel. Gasless flux-core is the exception — always drag it, like stick, so slag forms behind the pool.
Why the angle matters
Angle directs the arc force and the shield. Pushing pre-heats the path and gives a wider, flatter bead; dragging focuses heat into the metal for penetration but risks slag trapping on fluxed processes. Pick per process and stay consistent — wandering angles make wandering beads.