When welding, how far apart should tack welds be shifted?

The ideal arrangement for tack welds involves positioning them at 90 degrees apart from each other. This method effectively distributes the stress and heat produced during the welding process, helping to minimize distortion of the workpieces being joined. When tack welds are placed at 90 degrees, they create a balanced structure that can better withstand thermal expansion and contraction.

This approach also facilitates alignment, enabling welders to maintain the integrity of the joint throughout the welding process. By ensuring that tack welds are applied on alternate sides of the joint or at right angles to each other, the overall strength of the weld is enhanced, leading to a more reliable final product.

Other options such as 45 degrees, 180 degrees, and 270 degrees might not provide the same level of structural stability or balance, which can result in more significant issues during and after the welding process.