We gone through this several times in the past. A quick search should locate those discussions.
Figure 4.1 shows the limits of the four positions; flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead. it is not the "tolerance" applied to the positions of the test coupons when qualifying the WPS or the welder.
D1.1 references AWS A3.0 for terms and definitions that are not included in the glossary included in Annex J found in the back of the code. In this case "flat welding position" is included in the glossary.
Personally, I put a spirit level on the test assembly As long as the "bubble" is within the lines, good to go.
To anyone that wants to apply the "tolerances" of Figure 4.1, I say, "knock yourself out, its your reputation that's on the line when you sign your name to the test report. If the inspector's reputation is questioned by other people, he or she might as well find another profession. Your not doing anyone a favor by stretching the "rules"."
That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Al
D1.1:2015 Paragraph 4.15.1.1 states to use Table 4.10 for Welder & Welding Operator Qualitications.
Table 4.10, note a, says to use Figures 4.3 & 4.4
Figure 4.3 & 4.4 refer you to paragraph 4.3.4
Para 4.3.4 Positions of Welds under 'Common Requirements for WPS and Welding Personnel Performance Qualification' says:
All welds shall be classified as flat (F), horizontal (H), vertical (V), or overhead (OH), in conformance with the definitions shown in Figure 4.1, Figure 4.2, and 9.2.1.
* Edited to Add:
D1.5:2015 is less clear than D1.1 on this as it does not have the same references back to those tables in relation to Welding Personnel Qualifications.
It has a more undefined but similarly worded section:
5.8.1 Qualification Requirements. All welds that will be encountered in actual construction shall be classified as (I) flat, (2) horizontal, (3) vertical, or (4) overhead in conformance with the defiuitions of welding positions described in Figures 5.4 and 5.5. Each WPS shall be tested in the position in which welding will be performed in the work.
Now with that said, I would document the s..t out of it, in relation to whatever angles/tolerances you used.