Help with an 11ga. square groove weld

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I've been practicing this for a GTAW test but am having a hard time getting it down.  The weld procedure states that it's 11ga. mild steel square groove with 1/32" to a 1/8" gap.  It's 1/8" filler rod and must be completed in 2 passes.Anyone have any experience running this?  I can get a root to push through with an 1/8" gap however there is no room for another pass.  Suggestions?
Reply:Try holding your torch more perpendicular to the base metal, this will help you punch through easier.  Also add as little filler wire as possible.  Adding to much filler will cool the puddle and reduce penetration, it will also allow you to add the second pass.
Reply:So would dipping the rod be the best way to apply filler?  I have been using using more of a "lay wire" technique.  That may be whats screwing me up.
Reply:I would dip it, it will make it easier to read the puddle from the top and help you determine the penetration you are getting based on the finished penetration.  It won't be long and you'll be able to tell for the top what's happening on the back.  Laying the filler will take longer to figure out, but either way will work.
Reply:Thank you for the advice sir!  I'll be trying this in the morning
Reply:I dont get where you are having the problem, why cant you lay a second pass on? I would set around 1/16 gap and use 3/32 filler, run it nice and hot and get good penetration.  Then on your second pass use less filler and give the bead a good contour.What are your requirements for reinforcement on the root/faceHave we all gone mad?
Reply:Originally Posted by sn0border88I dont get where you are having the problem, why cant you lay a second pass on? I would set around 1/16 gap and use 3/32 filler, run it nice and hot and get good penetration.  Then on your second pass use less filler and give the bead a good contour.What are your requirements for reinforcement on the root/face
Reply:So turn your amps up and add less filler on the root, then you should be able to run the cap like normal.Maybe im having a problem understanding your question.  You can get the root to burn through, but you say there isnt any more room for a second pass. BUT you dont have any specs for reinforcement?  What makes you think then that there is no room for a second pass?Have we all gone mad?
Reply:Originally Posted by sn0border88So turn your amps up and add less filler on the root, then you should be able to run the cap like normal.Maybe im having a problem understanding your question.  You can get the root to burn through, but you say there isnt any more room for a second pass. BUT you dont have any specs for reinforcement?  What makes you think then that there is no room for a second pass?
Reply:I think your making this harder than it is, your looking for a full penetration joint on 1/8 material with 1/8 open root.  Easy, turn your amps up and keep a sharp point on your tung/fairly straight torch angle. Now you say your getting undercut, well thats understandable, but you said you get 2 passes?  First pass take care of your root, get it burnt in good.  Then use the second pass to fill up the undercut.Am I missing something?Have we all gone mad?
Reply:I did everything the way you said and it worked great!  Thank you very much sir, I like to learn something new everyday