Welding Tips and Tricks

Howdy all, just joined the forum so taking the time to say hello
I'm a novice pipe welder who has just finished pipe welding school and im now trying to claw my way into the trade and a few good jobs, might have some fun along the way too,

Pleased to meet ya all in advance

Welcome on!

I don't suppose it matters what side of the pond you're on, the hardest part is translating your training into a real "pay the bills" job. A high-quality school can help with placement, and the friends you made in class are another great resource.

Don't be discouraged to take a "bottom rung" position for a year or so to pad your resume' a bit, and show you're willing to hold even a shitty job. I worked my way up through more shitty jobs than I can count, but the last 10 years have been a blessing of jobs I've enjoyed (and really learned something from besides how to burn wire/rod), and now wild horses couldn't pry me away from what I do.

Welcome to a rewarding trade!

Steve S

Welcome to the forum.

Thanks for the welcome fellas.

Welcome to the forum! Steve (otto) just about said it all! Remember, no matter what kind of job you take, you skill grows like a balloon expands; it does not grow in columns. If you get a job welding TIG, you will find that all of your skills in the other processes will increase as well. The more you arc, the more you build, the more you read blueprints and do layout, your overall skill will increase. Just being on the job and running a grinder for a few weeks will make you a better welder, because you are around the pros and you see how they think, act and behave.

Good luck, and keep us posted!

Boomer63 wrote:Welcome to the forum! Steve (otto) just about said it all! Remember, no matter what kind of job you take, you skill grows like a balloon expands; it does not grow in columns. If you get a job welding TIG, you will find that all of your skills in the other processes will increase as well. The more you arc, the more you build, the more you read blueprints and do layout, your overall skill will increase. Just being on the job and running a grinder for a few weeks will make you a better welder, because you are around the pros and you see how they think, act and behave.

Good luck, and keep us posted!

Thanks a for the welcome pal,
I've been seeing what you mean this week all right, been keeping an eye on the other welder and already my hand positioning etc is changing+ finding it easier to up the amps, guess in college i was stuck in the welding booth all day and rarely actually got to see anyone else weld let alone fit up or do any work around the shop. been a big eyeopener already

I had a department head at University explain it to me nicely.

"We're not here to teach you a job. We're here to teach you to learn a job."

That applies in any school. You're not going to come out at the top of the craft, but you'll know how to get there.

Steve S

Welcome to the forum. Man, I'd love to get to go to Ireland some day! Are you in the states or in a school in Ireland? Glad to meet you.

jroark wrote:Welcome to the forum. Man, I'd love to get to go to Ireland some day! Are you in the states or in a school in Ireland? Glad to meet you.

Hi Jroark, thanks for the welcome pal. I have just finished up pipe school in Ireland, just cutting my teeth in my first pipe job now in a fab shop doing carbon and a little stainless, hope you get over here to Ireland some day, its a nice old place, apart from the weather ,
I'm hoping to get over to the states myself at some stage in the next few years just for a visit

Irishapprentice wrote:I'm hoping to get over to the states myself at some stage in the next few years just for a visit

I'm sure you'll have no trouble finding proper hospitality, if you make the journey!

I, too, would love to make a trip to the U.K. I couldn't stop with Ireland, as my mum's side is Clan Keith from Scotland.

Steve S

If you do get over here, I met a guy from Scotland and he said he'd rather live in Scotland or North Carolina at Han anywhere in the world. No offense to anyone in any other state.

I'm hoping to get over to the states myself at some stage in the next few years just for a visit[/quote]


Keep after your welding skills, and come on over and work! That is a great way to visit a county! Meet a few of the locals, get invited to dinner and parties ... impress and meet the local women!

Keep in mind that it really takes seven to ten years to get really, really good at something - like welding!
Gary

Sry for the late reply fellas,
been a busy few weeks, got my times a lot better and welds are looking good.
Thanks for all the advice and welcomes, will be working hard on my skills, look forward to getting some Travel/work in in the next couple of years,
maybe in the future ill be able to offer up help here on the form and return the goodwill and help

Thanks a bunch