Welding Tips and Tricks

Hey all new to welding and thinking about going to college to learn the trade. Or is there a better way to get into the custom metal fab trade also what are any of your opinions on Lincoln college of technology or do you know of any better welding schools in or near colorado
thanks for any input and hope to learn from all of you as i progress in the trade

welcome to the forum.
I'm sure there will be many informative
answers to follow.
craig

Welcome, diesel! What are you thinking of when you say 'custom metal fab'? It can cover a lot of ground. For example, 'custom metal fab' means one thing to me, another thing to a pipe liner and something completely different to one of the race car guys who inhabit the forum.

Again, welcome!
Gary

Welcome to the forum.

Boomer63 wrote:Welcome, diesel! What are you thinking of when you say 'custom metal fab'? It can cover a lot of ground. For example, 'custom metal fab' means one thing to me, another thing to a pipe liner and something completely different to one of the race car guys who inhabit the forum.

Again, welcome!
Gary

I guess I'm just hoping to get on with a shop that does repair welding, custom bracket making, and general 1 off custom metal builds everything from handrails, gates, tanks, water features etc. But i don't know if thats to ambitious to think someone will hire me directly out of school into a shop like that?

diesletech0593 wrote:

Boomer63 wrote:Welcome, diesel! What are you thinking of when you say 'custom metal fab'? It can cover a lot of ground. For example, 'custom metal fab' means one thing to me, another thing to a pipe liner and something completely different to one of the race car guys who inhabit the forum.

Again, welcome!
Gary

I guess I'm just hoping to get on with a shop that does repair welding, custom bracket making, and general 1 off custom metal builds everything from handrails, gates, tanks, water features etc. But i don't know if thats to ambitious to think someone will hire me directly out of school into a shop like that?

Not so ambitious, if you have other things in your background that fit. Good grades in math and geometry will help. Summer jobs doing carpentry are a plus, as it proves you can read a tape measure, do math with fractions, use a square, and mark a cut accurately. Summer jobs of any kind show a work ethic. If you're older, and considering a career change, your entire work history will help.

I've never had any formal training in welding (I saw it as back-up work, rather than a career path), had a few jobs like you describe along the way, and now work in the top third of the industry. Lots of small shops will give you a chance to show what you can do and learn, if you're sincere and have a good work ethic.

Steve S

diesletech0593 wrote:

Boomer63 wrote:Welcome, diesel! What are you thinking of when you say 'custom metal fab'? It can cover a lot of ground. For example, 'custom metal fab' means one thing to me, another thing to a pipe liner and something completely different to one of the race car guys who inhabit the forum.

Again, welcome!
Gary

I guess I'm just hoping to get on with a shop that does repair welding, custom bracket making, and general 1 off custom metal builds everything from handrails, gates, tanks, water features etc. But i don't know if thats to ambitious to think someone will hire me directly out of school into a shop like that?

I had my start at a place like that when I was still in high school. Mainly, they did ornamental iron; stairs, handrails, fences, window guards. They happened to be looking for someone and I was fortunate to get the job. Steve has (as always) great comments and advice. To add to that, I would suggest that you show up for interviews and to look for a job ready for work. Bring any welding gear that you have. Be ready to start that day. This is 'old school', and it always worked out well for me. Do whatever they tell you, keep a good attitude. Obviously, don't show up hung over or late. Be the first one in and the last one out. No matter how hot or cold it is, DON'T COMPLAIN! No one wants to hear how hot, thirsty and tired you are. Shut up, do your job or go home and take classes in hair dressing. Keep us posted on how this all works out!
Gary

Boomer63 wrote:...Shut up, do your job or go home and take classes in hair dressing...
Gary

Nobody wants to listen to that guy bitch about his day, either!



Actually, that's an excellent point about attitude. When you have ten+ years of experience, you can afford to be an ass now and then (not all the time!) but when starting out, employers will have little tolerance for anything they deem "uncooperative".

It took me a surprisingly long time to learn this, myself, as I didn't develop a real work ethic until I was 30. (Long story.) The standing rule is, "Leave your troubles at the gate. They'll be waiting right where you left them when the day is done." Show up with work on your mind and respect on your tongue, and you'll be treated with respect in kind. (And if you're not treated with respect, you're working in the wrong shop.)

Steve S