choosing a career in welding?

admin

So im a welding student and everyone talks about what they want to do i have acquaintance who wants to be a mig welder in a shop and says the money is in mig welding alot of people want to have a welding truck etc we all know the stories of which type of welding pays more or is better etc but what area should i choose? I've already ruled out structural steel seeing as I don't like heights. Can you all tell me your industry of welding and what you like and dislike about it and your opinions.
Reply:What type of welding do you like?The welding we mostly do is pipe, either stick, or tig. Whether it be carbon,stainless,alum,etc, 90% is pipe. I enjoy pipe welding, I'd find it soothing and relaxing, yes it can be a pain in some of the positions, but for the most part, it's not to bad.. I also do structural as well, and some fan stuff here and there..I'm not a fan of mig or flux core, I found it boring and it didn't satisfy me. I can weld both processes, but not a big fan of them personally.. As for the money end, I made some serious cash pipe welding, as well as structural. If you're not a fan of heights, then you may need to find a shop to weld at, be because pipe and structural sometimes require one to egret in a lift and be a few stories up to weld.. So again, what do you like to weld?
Reply:Originally Posted by ShortbusWelderSo again, what do you like to weld?
Reply:i dont mind heights every now and then but not daily and i like welding with stick,mig,flux,and brazing i love the heck outta torches and plasma cutters also i dont mind welding in close quarters once in awhile but i prefer more open spaces. I havent said anything about tig because ive only tried it twice never really cared for it but thats do to lack of time on it
Reply:If I was in your shoes I don't think I would be looking at long term career just yet. Check out the weld shops around you, fill out some applications and see what you can land. Even if it's not your dream job it will teach you a lot and give you a much better idea of where you want to go.Lincoln precision TIG 275Millermatic 140 MIG
Reply:useful Thread
Reply:first id like to try more pipe welding and compare and see which one i like more pipe welding or plate then look into careers that do more welding i like anyone else have any ideas?
Reply:What king of pipe welding do u want to do or try?
Reply:Originally Posted by ShortbusWelderWhat king of pipe welding do u want to do or try?
Reply:i meant steam,gas,water,process,sanitary,etc piping.  well, grab some pipe, and start practicing. fitup is key, so try to have good fitups for your practice pieces..  pics will help us, help you..