Welding Tips and Tricks

Hey guys,

On a tip from my welding instructor I came over after a few days into school and joined the forum here. Lots of tasty info that may not be covered in welding classes.

Anyway I'm three weeks into a welding course I'm taking at my local trade school and I couldn't be happier. I've always wanted to learn how to weld but never had the opertunity to give it a go.

That being said I wanted to pose a question to you professionals out there. How does the welding job market look like these days? I'm expecting to travel so I'm keeping my mind open in that respect and I'm not afraid to try something new. Basically I'm just curious so I know ahead of time what to expect.

So thanks ahead of time for your comments.

Blackbiird wrote:Hey guys,

On a tip from my welding instructor I came over after a few days into school and joined the forum here. Lots of tasty info that may not be covered in welding classes.

Anyway I'm three weeks into a welding course I'm taking at my local trade school and I couldn't be happier. I've always wanted to learn how to weld but never had the opertunity to give it a go.

That being said I wanted to pose a question to you professionals out there. How does the welding job market look like these days? I'm expecting to travel so I'm keeping my mind open in that respect and I'm not afraid to try something new. Basically I'm just curious so I know ahead of time what to expect.

So thanks ahead of time for your comments.

Hey Blackbird, welcome to the forums, that's a very broad stroke of a question, it would depend on a persons experience and skill set, and the local market, still overall I'd "guess" that a welder can be employed quite easily, however it may be a job you wouldn't like or want to stay with.

Here in Florida the launch facilities at the Kennedy Space Center are being upgraded for the next generation of commercial and gov. space programs. I've see ads asking for welders and the pay is good, and you have to be able to pass a security clearance.

What type of welding do you want to pursue? Where in the country are you located?

I live in South Georgia but I'm willing to travel if need be.

As far as what I want to do, I think I would like to focus on precision welding. After being a custom cabinet maker for so long I'm a little anal about getting things right.
We haven't covered TiG in school yet but I have had the chance to get my hands on a nice machine at work and the welder there was kind enough to give me some pointers and show me how it works before letting me loose on some scrap aluminum. I really like TiG from the little I've done of it so I will probably focus on that.

If I had to pick a " Dream " job I would pick something like fabricating for a machine shop or even messing around with exotic alloys like titanium. Of course I know that comes with years of being in the industry and having experience.

My mind is open to possibilities.

Blackbiird wrote:
My mind is open to possibilities.

Probably the most important part, a couple of proverbs comes to mind...

Fortune does not stand waiting at anyone's door.

Thorough preparation makes its own luck