Problem welding metal nuts to plate...

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I'm trying to weld several 9/16" nuts to a piece of 1/4" plate.  The nuts are standing up on edge so that a bolt can be threaded through them parallel to the plate.  The problem I'm having is that the bead seems to just be puddling up between the nut and the plate.  I can see minimal penetration on either piece.  I can't figure out if the angle of attack is wrong or what?  I've got it turned up pretty hot to ensure penetration on the 1/4 stuff and am attempting to keep most of the heat there to avoid damaging the nut.  Any suggestions?BTW, its .035 flux core...Thanks!
Reply:That's a little odd. Welding nuts is something I do quite often. I use zinc plated, vanadium plated, anodized and black steel, grade 5 and grade 8. Flux core should eat 'em up. Maybe you're not actually hitting the nut with the wire? I usually have to be carefull not to get into the threads on grade 5.
Reply:Make sure you can see the base of the nut around the gun, start the pool in the plate and quickly whip it up into the base of the nut and back down to the plate.  On a 9/16 nut, you dont want to keep the heat there too long.  Too much and you will have half-a-nut firmly welded to your plate.  You might also want to start hotter than usual or preheat the area.  You might also need to do both sides of the nut to keep the line parallel or even put the bolt in there and clamp to keep it straight.Smithboy...if it ain't broke, you ain't tryin'.
Reply:A trick I use (can't remeber where I found it) is to use a short bolt threaded through the nut I am trying to weld that will soak up all the heat the nut is getting instead of burning the threads. You do have to be careful with this because there has been a few times I got the nut too hot and the nut and bolt fused. Otherwise it works really good.TiggerAaronHTP Invertig 201w/ CK-20 torch and Bernard ChillerHTP MicroCut 300 plasma cutterLincoln R3S-325 w/ TA 17A Wire FeederVictor Super Range II O/A kitClausing/Colchester 13X40 LatheBridgeport 9X42 Mill
Reply:Thanks for all the replies.I will try the starting on the plate and whipping up to the nut and back down this evening.
Reply:Well, starting on the plate and whipping up to the nut worked great.  I spent a little time grinding off the puddled metal and started with a clean slate.  The welds look a lot better and I have much more confidence in them now.Thanks for all the advice!