2nd day at new job

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2nd day with my 1st real welding job (18 yrs old), loving it, working for ingram barge company as a welder trainnee (what all welders hire in at) but i have to say its different welding here. Not clean metal, nasty dirty rusty barges its completely a different animal but all i have to say is if someone wants to get into welding and have a challenge barge welding is nasty, hot, demanding work so go for it.   Try to have pics up tonnight
Reply:I tried to stay out of the ship yards when I was coming up.  Glad you are diggin it. You should learn a lot working with nasty metal, and what makes a weld work out of a perfect welding environment.
Reply:Try having to crawl into the foward transom and sticking two electrodes together to  weld something that a young welder forgot, when working for Bergeron Barge Co and when you have to weld something you cant reach, with a mirror you have to do it backwards.Good luck with the new job.wbolden
Reply:Originally Posted by wboldenTry having to crawl into the foward transom and sticking two electrodes together to  weld something that a young welder forgot, when working for Bergeron Barge Co and when you have to weld something you cant reach, with a mirror you have to do it backwards.
Reply:Don't know the guys you work with, but I'll share some experiences I've had with various coworkers over the years. First, the grumpy old bastards will really open up if you pay attention when they talk and aren't afraid to ask questions, If you show a willingness to learn (and by being on the board here you obviously do) and a good work ethic I've found that gruff attitude becomes a lot more friendly. You want this, they have an amazing amount of knowledge and that will really help you progress faster. You would be amazed at what showing up on time and not calling in sick unless you really, really need to will do for you. You not being at work costs your employer money.I worked at a truck equipment manufacturer, and it took me a while to learn that cutting and grinding out something that wasn't properly fit takes way longer than doing it right the first time. Don't be afraid to ask if there is a better way, there probably is. And if you do mess up, the boss might give you a hard time, but really, they know that you're young. They've probably made the same mistake before. The key is to learn and not repeat the mistake, they become less understanding then. Good luck with your new job!
Reply:Congrat's on the new job and good luck!One thing I wish they'd spend some time teaching at welding schools is welding under the conditions you describe. It's all good when in class and welding nice clean plate with the right rod/wire. But often not reality. Would sure help if you got a couple weeks at the end of "make-due" welding. Rust, galvanized, paint, powder coat ........chairs that have been in the local drunk dive pub and have seen all manner of fluid spilled on them....bodily and otherwise.......200amp Air Liquide MIG, Hypertherm Plasma, Harris torches, Optrel helmet, Makita angle grinders, Pre-China Delta chop saw and belt sander, Miller leathers, shop made jigs etc, North- welders backpack.