Rant: Had to pick between a 3/8-inch and 1/2-inch bevel for a 1-inch thick plate weld last week
The print called for a 1/2-inch but the fit-up was tight, so I went with the 3/8-inch after checking with the lead... passed the UT test fine, but I'm still thinking about it. What's your rule of thumb on adjusting bevel size when the fit isn't perfect?
Glad it passed UT, but changing the bevel size from the print is a bigger deal than just fit-up. The bevel design is part of the weld strength calculation. You really need an engineer to sign off on that change, not just the lead. Getting a deviation approved first is the only safe rule of thumb.
Hold up, is it always that big of a deal? Sometimes the print has a generic bevel and the lead knows what actually works for the weld process. If it passed UT, the joint is clearly sound. Not every tiny change needs a full engineering review, that just bogs everything down for no real gain.