The real problem is those cheap pans aren't even aluminum underneath. They're stamped steel with a thin nonstick coating that can't handle thermal expansion. You heat up the pan and the metal expands at a different rate than the coating. Plus most discount store pans skip the bonding layer that helps the coating stick. I bet if you looked at the packaging it didn't even say "PFOA free" because they use the cheap stuff that degrades faster. Your best bet is a restaurant supply store pan, they're like $15 but made way better and last years.

Are you counting every single weld or just the main passes? Seems like that number would add up fast on a tank job.

Calling it now - the vodka just evaporates and leaves nothing but a dry crust.