Troubleshooting
Why is my mig welding distortion / warping?
Quick answer
Distortion / warping in mig welding usually means uneven heat input across the joint. For this process, tack sequence and backstep before touching anything else.
The specific fix
Tack sequence and backstep. The general rule: tack in sequence, backstep weld, clamp to a strongback, allow for shrinkage.
Process checklist
- Stick-out too long — keep 8–10 mm from nozzle to work for a stable arc
- Travel too slow on thin sheet, burning holes instead of building a bead
- Wrong wire size for the job — 0.9 mm covers most hobby work in Australia