Welding in my future?

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I am 17 in grade 11. i took a robotics and manufacturing course where i learned how to opperate metal milling machines, lathes grinders and so on as well as how to weld. i really like what i do in class and i was wondering if it is possible to make a career out of it. is there a job where you can be using mills lathes and welding all together?id say if i hade to choose one it would be welding. but what sort of career could you make of it? fitter welding?some suggestiosn would be very much appreciated because im in quite a bind as to what i should apprentice as.mattM Fed
Reply:I do all of the things you listed on a weekly basis.  To answer your question you can make a fine career in the welding field.  I own my business, but the best advice i can offer is to hire on somewhere that will be willing to train you and take some time and learn before you dive in.  Take your time.  You are young, and have plenty of time to decide which field suits you best.  Good luck, ~JacksonI'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......
Reply:Most small to mid sized welding/machine shops need people skilled in many areas of metalworking. Larger factory maintence shops also need people who can handle just about anythig.
Reply:The more things you can do the  better off and more marketable you are is I see it. Depending where you want to live, their are several shops that would love to hire someone with training in all thoughs fields. Also this would be a great asset in case you ever want to start your own shop someday in the future. As Hammack said, don't rush to much but learn all you can. You may need to pick a main trade but keep learning the others to. Good LuckMiller DVI2Lincoln Precision Tig 225Thermodynamics Cutmaster 38Everything else needed.
Reply:so specificaly, what would be my best bet? apprentice as a fitter welder?M Fed
Reply:machine shop?Not as many of those around as when I was a kid...Tim
Reply:Originally Posted by eyeshurt i was wondering if it is possible to make a career out of it. is there a job where you can be using mills lathes and welding all together?matt
Reply:I've worked in shops that did nothing but welding, others did both welding and machine work and at one I did both. It depends on what you really want to do. The best advice I can give you is that if you learn to weld, learn to fit. I've had to work in the past with welders who couldn't which meant mostly all I did was fit. I had been at this about 30 years before I found out that fitting is actually considered a trade. Now I own the company and will not hire a welder that can't fit and do it well. I have to have machine work done by someone else. I don't have the equipment for it yet but plan to down the road. Now Zap can tell you something about this because what you are asking about is what he does. He seems to really enjoy it.The difference between art and craft is the quality of the workmanship. I am an artist.
Reply:fitting is measuring and cutting of material before its ready to weld?M Fed
Reply:Sounds like you at least know what you want to do in life! I'd suggest keeping up on your robotics too, because robotic operators are needed too... (at least where I'm from) i did robotics also, and a lot of the shops will have a robot. seems's like they are everywhere i've seen now a days. 2 shops i've worked at had a robot and no one to operate it, until i worked there. Keep you options open, and it will boost your resume at least. Just a thought.Certified Welding Inspector at your service...Level II Nuclear Welding InspectorLevel II Nuclear Electrical InspectorLevel II Nuclear Civil InspectorLevel II Ultrasonic Thickness Testing TechnicianCertified Smartass,and Wise Acre
Reply:Originally Posted by eyeshurtfitting is measuring and cutting of material before its ready to weld?
Reply:Eyeshut:  Do a google on Red Seal qualifications in Canada.  A red seal trades ticket is the interprovincial qualification.  I am a red seal fabricator ( fitter)  We are the guys who read the print layout,  cut, fit and tack weld it together.  In smaller operations you also do the welding.  Look around for some preapprenticeship training after high school.  If you are strong in math then look for a fabricators apprenticeship or maybe machinist.  If you don't like math then concentrate on welding.  You can ask for help from your high school career counsellor but keep in mind most have never got their hands dirty other than on Sunday afternoon in the garden.
Reply:eyeshurt has a while to go before he can think about writing his Red Seal(6000 hrs work experience, plus all position SMAW groove tickets from CWB or TSSA here in Ontario) for welding.I love welding myself.  I look at it as a science that when done well becomes an art.  So, I get to release the artist within me.There are many paths to travel with a welding career as well.  I teach now and wrote my CWB supervisor certificate exams in February.  Level 1 inspector is next for me.  I think if you are motivated then there's potential to keep on growing and learning and make more money the longer you stick with it.good luckTalent is a flame. Genius is a fire.- Bern Williams
Reply:Maybe someone can add to this, but even in factories with high tech robotic welders....they require a person with extensive knowledge of welding processes to set up and monitor and make corrections.  Meaning a robot only knows what you tell it and as conditions, the process itself, or other parameters that are dynamic change, corrections need to be made.  And, not by a computer geek, but a human that can look at, analyze and make the necessary changes so the process is occuring correctly.  And, that takes a person with knowledge of the actual process, how it really works and if it not going right, how to recognize  it and correct it, so it does get the desired result.  Good luck on your future.  Not me, but the others who are professionals are on this site,  are available to help you have practical, real-world experience and that is very hard to come by.  They are an invaluable source to have.
Reply:Originally Posted by TxDocMaybe someone can add to this, but even in factories with high tech robotic welders....they require a person with extensive knowledge of welding processes to set up and monitor and make corrections.  Meaning a robot only knows what you tell it and as conditions, the process itself, or other parameters that are dynamic change, corrections need to be made.  And, not by a computer geek, but a human that can look at, analyze and make the necessary changes so the process is occuring correctly.  And, that takes a person with knowledge of the actual process, how it really works and if it not going right, how to recognize  it and correct it, so it does get the desired result.  Good luck on your future.  Not me, but the others who are professionals are on this site,  are available to help you have practical, real-world experience and that is very hard to come by.  They are an invaluable source to have.
Reply:thanks, its given me a lot to think about. all i know is i love welding and machining and i want to make a career out of it but i also want to keep my options wide open. btw this thread is the best resource that i have ever come by. high school couselers couldnt begin to touch what i have just learnedM Fed