You are correct, they would be considered longitudinal welds running the lenght of the pipe. The code states a maximum amount not to be exceeded. There are three thickness ranges and the maximum reinforcement depending on the range for the longitudinal (vert) welds are 3/32, 1/8, 3/16". So in this case, it is important that I can be precise to the 1/32. The thing is, in our industry we build many different diameter weldments, so it is not feasable to make go, no go, gages. We also disc plates to different degrees and weld both sides, so on one side I am dealing with the plate sloping upwards from the weld and on the other downward from the weld.