I move forward, stop, dip, forward, stop, dip. I dont really come to a complete stop tho, just slow down as I'm diping. I dont move in a zig zag unless it is a t joint or large bevel that I'm trying to get good penetration. If its a nice lap joint or butt joint I move straight along the seem, and make the puddle as big as I want with the amount of pedal and filler.
Funny, my latest welds are getting much better. No sugaring (burn through) on the back side and pretty consistent bead size and color. I was talking to my welding instructor and he told me he can get me a job tigging stainless at $18 an hour at my current ability level. Pretty crazy to me since I've only been doing this 3 weeks. I'm just going to keep practicing and get better.
Regards,
Justin