I see that walking the cup is a cross stitch weld resting the cup on the metal.

But isn't it best to keep the gun upright to keep good side fusion and a symmetrical profile?

 

Keeping the torch upright has nothing to do with symmetrical welds. Miller's website reccomends a 70 degree angle of the torch...without mention of walking the cup.

In fact, some angling towards the direction of travel helps to preheat material a bit. It also makes a slightly oblong puddle that can help keep you welding in a striaght line.

 

according to my text book, the torch angle should be between 15-30 degrees from up right. With you filler wire around 15 degrees off of you work piece.

 

You'll read some of everything, but in the "real world" you will find that people will walk the cup with an angle closer to 45 degrees.

And keep in mind that the guys that write books are seldom the ones that can actually weld. Therefore, you can't believe everything you read in books about welding.

 

The Real World vs books. Nicely stated.

 

Yeah I know your supposed to angle is slightly forward. Just wondering about the side to side bit.

 

very little side to side angle is acceptable.

Here's an article with a little about torch angle in it.
http://www.millerwelds.com/edu...8.pdf