Just another quick update...

Lanse

Well-known Member
Ya know, I don't always take TIG classes, but when I do, I leave with X-Ray certs on 2" pipe :)

Haha, I picked up another welding certification the other night, and I now hold 4 of them... This one was a lot of work, I got the pipes as clean as I could, ran a laywire technique on the root (@ 105 amps), then wire-brushed the crap out of each pass before the next (just because), and then, hoped for the best...

I found out shortly later that the pipe shot perfectly clean... I was pretty thrilled... And then after it returned from the X-ray lab, we sliced it up and bend tested it...

And these were the results...

This is one cert that I really wanted to get... And its only my second X-ray test, EVER (first one I did, was on titanium)...

I honestly dont think this TIG pipe stuff is very hard, its just a steep learning curve, and it takes practice.

Anyway, I just thought I'd share.

It was on this very forum that I decided to explore my randomly-discovered interest in welding, only a few short years ago. And you all have always been there for me, so I just wanted to thank everyone for giving me a "push" in the right direction.

Things are going well, and school is starting to wind down, I only have one more class left to take. And then, its job-hunt time! Yeehaw!!

Haha, well, thanks again guys. Hope you're all doing well...
photo19_zpse04892e7.jpg
 
Just remember, Lanse: no matter what you do that's good, there'll always be someone there to criticize it.

If you get the training in the field, it'll be because you weren't trained in a school...and if you get trained in school, it'll be because it wasn't under "in-the-field" conditions. When you're first starting out, it'll be because you don't have 20 years of experience...and when you get 20 years of experience, it'll be because you don't have 40 years of experience. And when you get 40 years of experience, it'll be because you haven't gone back to school to learn the latest techniques.

So don't let the negative folks get to you. Always remember that there's always more to learn, and NO man knows it all or has done it all [except maybe buickanddeere].
 
The tests I take are for power companies and they only X-ray. No mechanical bend test. I can tell you would pass the test . I think if they really like bead appearance they do not X-ray . I think they would look at yours and save money on X-ray . It would be " just tell the kid he passed the test his coupons look great" . If you want some good vids on taking tests google Michael Treadway. he has some good pointers and inexpensive DVDs. YOU PASSED YOUR HIRED>.
 
Lanse,

I haven't a clue about anything you said in your post, but I really appreciate that you posted it. I always enjoy your youtubes, and although I'm not a welder, I enjoy seeing what you're doing.

Keep up the good work.

Tom in TN
 
Par for the course, and good progress. The time sure does pass by, its fun to glance back every so often, giving some perspective and reference to where you are and where you are going. Milestones along the way like the above, are measurable strides of success and an investment in ones self for a better future and a stable career built on a solid foundation. It will be interesting to see what the job market offers, and or any entrepreneurial opportunities you may create. Best of luck in completing school and what lies ahead !
 
See if Lyle can hook you up with the oil drillers up in Canada. Good money if the mosquitoes don't carry you off.
 
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! You are doing great, hope you let us know where you land, cause if you use your head - the sky is the limit, dream BIG
 
Some tests you can either have an X-Ray or a bend test, your choice. Some welders prefer the bend test, some prefer the X-ray. Both can be nerve racking waiting for the results. If you want to get into TIG pipe welding, you need to be able to do it equally well with both hands in tight spaces. Then you'll find out it it's not so easy. If it still is, try it with a mirror or sticking the filler rod through the pipe from the backside. LoL

You shouldn't have any trouble signing on as an apprentice! Just need to do it soon while everything you learned is still fresh in your head.
 
Lol. Yep, my brother always says he"s the world"s second best welder since there"s always someone without coveralls on floating around the shop telling him how he could have done it better.
 
Congrats.

I was one of the guys that told you to keep at it and slowly add equipment and learn as much as you can as you go. AND ignore the people that tell you that you cant do something. Those are the people that always gave me the motivation to go try something, and most times after a couple of trys I was successful.

I remember you hot-rodding around a field or something like that in an older Ford Ranger when you first joined.

Before you know it you'll be 43 years old like me, and telling hopefully telling a 16 year old kid to stick with their dreams. Enjoy.

Rick
 
I've never replied to your post but have read them all. You remind me of my son going through his schooling. He landed a job in the worst job market since the great depression. I was mighty proud of him and you too. Don't see a lot of young men go in to that field now.

Don't know if there's a Babcock & Wilcox plant near you but that would be a darn good place to make $$$$$$. You may not want to move though. In Lynchburg they get DOD contracts. AREVA is another, also does some work in Lynchburg.

My son works for a transformer company that builds large transformers. Some have to be built on rail cars to get them out of the building when finished. So if you don't mind moving this is a great area for a good steady job making some good money. You would have no problem getting hired either.
Keep up the good work. It's great and refreshing too.
 
Those are test coupons from a pipe weld. After welding, the pipe is cut in strips, ground flat with slightly rounded corners and then bent 180 deg's. You're generally allowed about 1/8" total allowable flaws adding all the bend tests together. If you grind it too much can fail before they are even bent. If you look close, you'll see that 2 of the bends are bent from the inside (root) of the pipe and the other 2 are from the outside(face) of the pipe. The pipe is all welded from the outside and you need 100% penetration, however if you have too much penetration, it will also fail before being bent. That's why some welders can make the big bucks.
 

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