Which welding method is often used to align components temporarily before finishing?

The method that is often used to align components temporarily before finishing is tack welding. Tack welds are small, preliminary welds made at strategic points to hold components in place during the assembly process. This technique allows for precise alignment and positioning of parts before the final welding is performed, ensuring that the overall structure is accurate and meets specifications. Tack welding is advantageous because it requires less time and effort compared to a complete weld, and it can be easily removed or modified if adjustments are necessary.

Continuous welding refers to a welding process where a weld is made without interruption, creating a solid and permanent joint. While it provides strength, it is not used for temporary alignment. Stitch or skip welding involves creating intermittent welds along the joint, which can be useful in certain applications, but it does not serve the same temporary holding purpose as tack welding. Dowel alignment refers to the use of dowels or pins to align components, but it is a mechanical fastening method rather than a welding technique. Thus, tack welding is specifically suited for the temporary alignment purpose as outlined in the question.