Welding

[Bubbles]

Tonight was the first time I have ever even touched a welder..........and I loved it.

I sucked for the most part, like most beginners.

I enjoyed it although I can see myself getting burnt out having to do it constantly, and on that note....

Tomorrow morning I am getting interviewed for a temporary welding position in which I would make more money than I ever have.(even though it's far from baller status)

[ASIA]

Why are you applying for a welding job when you're a beginner?

[Bubbles]

They will actually pay me to train.

Pretty much everyone they are hiring has no experience and will be trained.

[ASIA]

Damn, that's a sweet gig! The class I took at my school sucked. The entire semester was spent running beads using a oxyfuel welder. Didn't even use filler until the last few weeks of class and didn't get to weld joints until the last few days of class. Only got to mess around on the MIG welder for one day. I did learn a lot though. I'm considering taking the second class for some MIG and TIG welding action.

So what were you using? Gas, MIG, TIG, or stick?

[Jung918]

^ I took a welding class this last summer and the instructor started everyone off with oxyacetylene. His reasoning was that the people that start with oxyacetylene first tend to pick up the other type of welding faster.

To the op- take safety seriously. Take care of your eyes and lungs. Use the proper hardness on your shield. Try not to weld galvanized if you can. If you have to, make sure it is well ventilated area.

[Bubbles]

I thought it was only an interview but they had us warm up, practice, and then weld some basic things.

It was tested and there were a couple people who actually failed.

After you pass, then you go to the interview.


This was honestly my first real job interview. Every other job I have worked at is less corporate and I got on by knowing the workers or the actual boss.

[Bubbles]

So what were you using? Gas, MIG, TIG, or stick?

It was a MIG. My uncle was trying to explain TIG to me and it sounds much more difficult.


To the op- take safety seriously. Take care of your eyes and lungs. Use the proper hardness on your shield. Try not to weld galvanized if you can. If you have to, make sure it is well ventilated area.

Everything I have used has been provided by the company, I own absolutely nothing.

Strange as it may sound, one of the first things I am going to buy is my own equipment.

Whether I get hired or not I am buying my own welder so I can practice for a different job or just do my own stuff at home, car related for the most part.

[shmiddy]

dude thats great!!! congradulations!! mad props, i was thinking about taking a welding class but dont have the time gl tho

[Bubbles]

They said I'll hear in a couple of days whether I am actually hired or not.

Even if I don't get hired I am still glad I applied because it's fueling the fire to really learn how to weld and possibly take it further.


Kind of off topic and kind of not:

A Corolla hatch just went up for sale in a nearby town. I used to drive past it when I would head to the city. I almost asked him if he would be willing to sell it but I figured he knew what he had and was intent on keeping it.

Now it's for sale and it's cheap.

For those people in Cali or other places where you see decent cars regularly, you don't see a lot of Corollas around here. The last one I saw for sale was 2 maybe 3 years ago and I bought it.

If I don't get this job I can't buy it. If I don't buy it I will regret it.

[IStop4NoMan]

Tig is difficult depending on the material that you use. mild steel is pretty easy, i can lay down a decent bead with it. but as far as stainless and aluminum, i say screw it! i always run too hot and mess up the materials. its been a while since i welded but it is quite interesting. mig is pretty easy, setup the machine, point and click.

[ByeByeSti]

lucky mannn i just started welding like two weeks ago. make sure you have a perfectly clean surface before you start or else the welds will turn out like shit and pop everywhere then have wire all over the place. oh def wear gloves and a long sleave cuz flash burn and slag burns really suckk.. keep it up though in no time youll be pro

[Bubbles]

Holy Hell Update!

I was wrong and right about some things.

The reason they tested the applicants because the want you to have some basic welding skill already. Ha ha. I guess that two hours I had was enough.

Right now I am hired although I am still in weld training. If I fail I will no longer work for them.

I have not seen my supervisor, work area, or anything. Just the welding class.


So basically I am being trained from the ground up and they are paying me as if I was working.

This isn't some generic slack off class either, it is a Hobart certified program, the same things that a ton of people will use.


Cliffs:
They pay me to train,which is valid many places and then I start regular work for them in a skill based profession.

Also, as long as I am there a month my steel toe boots don't cost me anything.

[ByeByeSti]

thats sick! congrats on getting that far, just dont mess up. keep a steady hand and dont rush and the weld should come out decent hopefully if the speed is turned down and what not. wish i could get into something like this!

[Bubbles]

Yeah, I am pretty psyched as of right now.

I actually weld too fast if anything right now.


We had to weld some thinner stuff today and some of the better welders actually screwed up a few times and my second one was probably the best looking in the class, it was also bend tested.

[atutt]

/\ Was it X-ray'd as well?

[Jung918]

Before you start welding, make sure you are comfortable and relaxed.

[Tops*]

Wait until you weld aluminum, it's butter.