In another thread, someone suggested Elza's "Aircraft Welding" as a good read. I got it from Lindsey Publications and am finding it very helpful. There is a section in the back devoted to step-by-step exercises in learning different OA procedures/welds. The book was apparently designed for students in the Wichita school system who were headed for welding jobs at the Boeing plant (1942).
One thing he says is counter to the 'dab the filler into the molten steel puddle" school: "The puddle is started as in the preceding exercise, and, after it has been established, the end of the rod is applied to the front edge of the puddle. ... The molten end should at all times be in contact with the front edge of the puddle. In other words, the metal from the rod should be continually flowing into the puddle rather than being added in drops."
Pros/cons/comments? This method is certainly easier than dab,dab,dab. - Mike