Basics & process choice
Why do my welds look bad?
Quick answer
Bad-looking welds trace to five causes: wrong amps for thickness, inconsistent travel speed, wrong arc length or stick-out, poor torch angle, or dirty metal. Diagnose in that order on scrap, one variable at a time — the bead tells you which.
Read your bead
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Tall, narrow, sitting on top | too cold |
| Flat, wide, undercut edges | too hot |
| Uneven width | travel speed inconsistent |
| Porosity | shielding — gas, wind, or dirt |
| Spatter everywhere | voltage/wire mismatch or polarity |
Spot an error? Report it — corrections carry a dated note on our verification ledger.