This article challenges the common assumption that reducing amperage and electrode diameter lessens welding distortion. It explains that lowering amperage also decreases deposition rate, forcing slower travel speeds which can negate heat input reduction or even increase total heat input due to the inverse relationship between travel speed and heat input. The surprising solution often involves increasing amperage and travel speed to reduce overall heat input, though the most significant factor in minimizing distortion remains maintaining the smallest possible weld size.