learning exotic processes?

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I guess this is just a general question.Thing is, I have some extra money that I have been saving for personal use. Thing is, I have the opportunity to go and attend training in some truly exotic processes, like laser or electron beam.Thing is, though, while the small local weld shop I work for doesn't do that kind of stuff, could paying out of pocket to learn either one benefit me, such as a better paycheck, or even something that could be what puts me above another welder applying for a better job at a shop dealing in more exotic items and processes?Or is that money better spent buying a new standard process welder to replace my old behemoth, or perhaps on something else?With some of those new lasers, they can weld inch thick joints is seconds with no beveling and in one pass only. Even the smallest ones have some pretty impressive abilities, and being trained in that could mean more work, better productivity, more money, etc.What do you guys suggest? Is spending out of pocket for training in a truly exotic process worth it in the long run?Always assume every project you take on will take twice as long and cost three times as much as you estimate.
Reply:It can't hurt. Even in another field "laser beam welding" won't look bad on a résumé. What's extra money?HammerFile Big Hammer------------------------------Here, let me Google that for you...
Reply:Since your shop doesnt have that type of equipment does that mean you are looking for a new job? Is your current welding ability good or something that should be worked on prior to learning exotic processes? Always good to get a foot up on your competition, but it would seem best/easiest to make your current skill set superb before learning new ones. Always room for top notch welders in most locations, but you may be limited if you choose a process that very few shops are capable of. If you were a top notch pipe welder you could go anywhere in the world, but maybe being the best electron beam welder could  be like being the best bullfighter in Alaska.....a great title with not much else to go with it. "Anybody can talk $h!t behind a monitor, I let the quality of my work speak for itself"Lincoln Square Wave 255 and 355 Tig Lincoln 255 Power-Mig w/ spool gun Koike 5 x 10 CNC plasma Hyd-Mech DM-10 bandsaw Ineco QB-76 NC tube bender
Reply:Thing is, these machines cost many thousands if not hundreds of thousands of dollars.Thing is, processes that cost so much to buy into have limited number of operators required.Thing is, why pay for training for employment with such limited positions available?Thins is....a hand with out a body.
Reply:Bah...I saw the title of this thread and thought i was in for some learnin' of something exotic, then my missus told me i got mixed up with erotic.
Reply:Say DISCOMAN, where would you go to learn Laser or Electron Beam stuf?  I live about an hour away from NV city. There is a COHERENT laser company not far from you in Auburn, CA but  Im not familiar with schools close to you. You would be looking at a physics degree and a likely a career different than welding. Also, wont your present employer pay for classes? That way the xtra money could be used for welding gear. As far as the electron beam stuf, I think thats more of a proprietary on the job training. No school for it unles you go for a physics degree. Try to get in at COHERENT, they pay for schooling, they make lasers and use electron beam guns. The keystone to learn is HiVac. To me , HiVac is the root of all technology. Learn the pumps they use; ROOTS Blowers, Diffusion pumps, Turbo molecular pumps and so on. I know the hot rod builders are familiar with ROOTS Blowers but have you ever seen one five foot tall?Now about these lasers that weld 1 inch steel. Are you sure it wasnt an electron beam gun or possibly a particle beam xcelerator?  Ive been outa touch with lasers for some time now but I dont know of a laser that welds 1 inch but Im not abreast. You would need something like Lawrence Livermore labs. On the other hand, you tube shows how to make a Blue Ray laser into BIC lighter that actually lights cigs. The Blue ray works the way an OA torch is adjusted for a nuetral blue flame. There is more energy in the blue than in the orange/red part of the flame. Quantum physics; higher energy is contained in higher frequencies but more energy is needed to obtain higher frequencies or something like that.
Reply:I will admit to having asked about EB welding as an alternative merely to have another option. It is my understanding that EBW is falling out of popularity in the face of newer processes, such as laser, mainly due to the fact a laser doesn't require a massive vacuum chamber nor does it produce high intensity x-rays.I hadn't heard about the Coherent location. I did have notice of a Rofin-Sinar place that did training.My thoughts were that seeing as some of these things are starting to become more popular that knowing how to do them would be that little thing on a presume that looks good or opens up some new job opportunities. Which knowing something a bit more exotic could also then bring in a better paycheck.And in response to coupebuilder I am acceptably good. I can weld an inspection passing standard welds. I'm not good with round pipe, but I never encounter it. I've seen some of those crazy skilled people, and I can say I am not that good.Always assume every project you take on will take twice as long and cost three times as much as you estimate.
Reply:just having the class on a resume, even if the job doesn't require it is a good thing. It shows you're willingness to learn and improve your own abilities. This alone will open up new doors, and put you in line for better income, even if you don't use that perticular skill. The more skills you can claim proficiencies in the better pay you can demand.There are no problems. There are only solutions. It's your duty to determine the right one.Hobart Handler 210Airco 225 Amp MSM Stinger