Wow, some good progress.
Most helpful seemed to be to turn the frequency up (200hz or so) and being diligent about keeping the tip of the tungsten as close as possible.
Thanks so much folks, very happy to be able to keep going.....
Chris

SUPER helpful, Oscar - thanks.
When you do those tacks, are you moving the tungsten at all or just keeping stationary?
I don't think I have that function on the Everlast, put perhaps I can cheat it with the pulse settings.

Super, Arno - thanks. Good thoughts. I realize that the precut coupons I picked up are also .06 and the tank material is .05. But the tank metal is all newly formed, etc. Still, your point is well-taken. I've landed on another method that oddly seems to be working: bury the tungsten inside the cup a...

Thanks so much, folks.
I will try both suggestions.
I have no problems getting a puddle going and pushing it along with good penetration.
It's just that one little dab that's getting me at the moment....
Thanks again.

I probably can, like a heavy strip of copper.
Think that will help?

Hello folks. I'm having difficulty getting reliable tacks into fabricated aluminum parts (.05 thick, 3003 H14). When I tack up 2 flat pieces of 6x6 practice sheets, no problem, even with a small gap. I can lay down tacks quite reliably. I'm trying to use minimal heat, so I've switched to 1/16 2% lan...