Trying to get on PipeLine. Need some answers.

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Okay so I'm trying to get on the Pipeline. I need to know what kind of tests I will be given. Down Hill Stick? Up Hill Tig? Exotic metals or just Carbon Steel/Stainless Steel? Second of all Where would I go to get on the Pipeline? Do I join a Union or do I find a contractor? What Union or Contractor's? What kind of Insurance do I need to have and where would I get it and how much would It cost?  Please help. I don't know where to begin and need guidance.
Reply:Anyone?
Reply:http://www.iuoe.org/Training/Pipelin...1/Default.aspxYou could Google this just like I did...zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:There are a few pipeliners here.  There are more on the AWS forum - I'd suggest you check there also.Also, try the search function here - this question is asked fairly regularly.  Put something in there like "pipeline" and sit back and read.
Reply:To sum it all up for you; pipeline welding is Smaw downhill welding. Each gas company has their own welding procedures and test. More often than not, depending on the diameter of the pipe the job is, on smaller jobs your welding test will be one 12 inch weld, and a 12 on 12 saddle. ( bell hole and branch)  your best bet is to get on as a helper as I haven't seen many "welders" make the transition from plant welding, tig, uphill, 7018 etc and pass a pipeline welding test, not to say they weren't good welders. As far as insurance goes the contractor has that covered. The best thing to do is talk to a pipeline welder in your area. I haven't met one yet that wasn't generally good people or willing to help. As far as union or non union that is your choice. If you don't know anyone don't expect to work much. I'm a rat and still make 2800 a week and don't work weekends. Like I said try to get on as a helper first as there's alot more to it than just welding. If you figure you can hack it go take your test and you will have already made contacts with others in the trade.Junk Iron Welder
Reply:Thanks everyone for your input.
Reply:What state are you in?If you have been welding in the plants under ASME IX then API 1104 is a cake walk. Just practice up on E6010 5P+ root and either E7010-P1 or E8010-P1 or E8010-G. Get some time using 3/16" for capping since on all diameters greater than 6" will use a 3/16" dia. for the cap. Also use a 5/32" for the hotpass......very few use the same diameter for the hotpass as the root.A young green pipe welder asked an old salt one day...How can I make the weld on the bottom of the pipe look like the top.......The old salt replied....Screw up the top......
Reply:Its funny Ive seen lots of guys come from plant jobs all uphanders and think they are going to knock the downhill test out of the park . Ive done both up and downhand welding and I dont care who you are there are learning curves for both . API 1104 is a pretty easy code but you still have to make the test and there is usually a 12 on 12 branch test as well . Lots of welders think downhill is easy tell me how it turns out when you get to the bottom . I havent seen to many plant hands that dont get it but it takes practice . I would find someone who is proficient at it and go watch . Go to rigwelders ,com lots of good advice there but you will have to have a thickskin there kind of rough over there . You would probably think a guy foolish for asking the same kind of question if all he had done was pipeline for a living about going to work in a plant because i know lots that are clueless about uphanding . Good luck though
Reply:I have been welding in gas plants for about 24 yrs and I did as much downhill welding as I did uphill......not all piping in a plant requires Lo-Hi rods......I bet I welded ever bit as much downhill E8010-G, E7010-P1, E7010-A1 and good o'll E6010 5P+ as any pipeliner 798 hands do in a years time......and all of the plant work is done to B31.3 100% x-ray......not 10% API 1104. But, you are right there are learning curves.......its not easy to break out in any field....But before I can help him he must tell me where he is wanting to break out at.....Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas,  I know a few pipeline companies always looking for new welders....outside of there....cant help much. Wanting to work up north better go to school and get 798.....Union.........A young green pipe welder asked an old salt one day...How can I make the weld on the bottom of the pipe look like the top.......The old salt replied....Screw up the top......
Reply:Originally Posted by AwelderiamI have been welding in gas plants for about 24 yrs and I did as much downhill welding as I did uphill......not all piping in a plant requires Lo-Hi rods......I bet I welded ever bit as much downhill E8010-G, E7010-P1, E7010-A1 and good o'll E6010 5P+ as any pipeliner 798 hands do in a years time......and all of the plant work is done to B31.3 100% x-ray......not 10% API 1104. But, you are right there are learning curves.......its not easy to break out in any field....But before I can help him he must tell me where he is wanting to break out at.....Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas,  I know a few pipeline companies always looking for new welders....outside of there....cant help much. Wanting to work up north better go to school and get 798.....Union.........
Reply:Originally Posted by AwelderiamI have been welding in gas plants for about 24 yrs and I did as much downhill welding as I did uphill......not all piping in a plant requires Lo-Hi rods......I bet I welded ever bit as much downhill E8010-G, E7010-P1, E7010-A1 and good o'll E6010 5P+ as any pipeliner 798 hands do in a years time......and all of the plant work is done to B31.3 100% x-ray......not 10% API 1104. But, you are right there are learning curves.......its not easy to break out in any field....But before I can help him he must tell me where he is wanting to break out at.....Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas,  I know a few pipeline companies always looking for new welders....outside of there....cant help much. Wanting to work up north better go to school and get 798.....Union.........