A Question for our Welder's/Fabricator's Options

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I've been trying to figure out how you guy's deal with shrinkage. Not for body panels but just general welding. (And no, I did not shrink my car when I installed the Engman Kit) As an example, let's say I'm welding on a 10' piece of pipe that will become a stair rail. Of course it turns 90' on each end and will have flanged ends that screw to the wall. If the 90' elbows are welded on then the length of the rail will shorten "x" inches. Can this be prevented with pre heating. If so, do you apply heat to the entire piece or just where the weld will be? Do you accept that shrinkage will occur and just do not drill any matching holes until after the weld? Is there a formula that adjusts for this shrinkage? Do you bolt it in place then weld to prevent shrinkage? Also, I don't remember this being a problem with gas welding but that was years ago. My imagination or not? TIA, Kent (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)