solid or staggered and rest or no rest for the weary?

When making a coupon for a 4g test should the backer plate be welded solid or a series of staggered tacs? I've read that either is okay but I want to be sure.

Is it okay to use a jig that allows you to rest your elbows on a platform while making your passes?

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I usually tack the ends only because the strap is easier to remove in the even I cut it off myself.

As to whether a platform is allowed to rest elbows on, I would recommend something like a c clamp that you might get away with in a real test shop environment at a job site.

Its not something you will be able to duplicate every where you go, but a c clamp might be.