I have to agree with Chuck. Particularly in respect to knife plates in brace connections. In my research from my last post on this same subject, of immediate concern for weld termination and allowable undercut depth is the designation of the part in question. A simple shear clip that knifes thru a column could/would still be concidered as a primary member and subject to the demands of 7(B) in table 6.1., D1.1. Knife plates for brace tubes and any main piece of that structure, i.e back to base plate connection welds and yield point stiffeners are only allowed the minimum of undercut, .01",and wrapping the ends, while optional, is desireable. The tube to knife plate connections are designed with a specific weld length. Generally, the length of tube that swallows the knife plate, say, 12", and the minimum weld length specified is 1/2"x12", then you have to run the full length, you can't be short. On the other hand, Weld washers, filler plates ect., , can have the max. allowable for undercut.
i would think that the contractor would understand that the inspector (special or not) has no authority to direct work. also, that they are responsible for the fabricated product. i don't think that inspectors need to watch what they say. i think contractors need to know what they are doing. not relying on the inspector as a fabrication aid.
inspectors are the eyes and ears of the engineer, not the mouth.