What tools do I need for my new job??

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So, I am a welding student. I've worked in some shops doing mig and flux core before. I just got a job as a structural welder for a construction company doing work for the DOT. I have to go into the office and fill out my paper work monday, then I am starting right afterward. I'm trying to figure out what I should show up with at the job site. Obviously I should have my hood, gloves, leather etc. I don't own a tool belt or a grinder yet. Am I going to need that starting out, or just my rod bag? I know I will have a helper coming behind me chipping and painting. Am I going to need a tape, a square, hammer, that kind of stuff, or should I just be running beads all day after someone else fits things up? I know this sounds like a stupid question, but I'm pretty poor until I start getting paid, so I don't want to drop money on things I won't need right away, or lug stuff around that I don't need in the hot sun all day. Thanks in advance for any advice!
Reply:Originally Posted by jeffwheat13So, I am a welding student. I've worked in some shops doing mig and flux core before. I just got a job as a structural welder for a construction company doing work for the DOT. I have to go into the office and fill out my paper work monday, then I am starting right afterward. I'm trying to figure out what I should show up with at the job site. Obviously I should have my hood, gloves, leather etc. I don't own a tool belt or a grinder yet. Am I going to need that starting out, or just my rod bag? I know I will have a helper coming behind me chipping and painting. Am I going to need a tape, a square, hammer, that kind of stuff, or should I just be running beads all day after someone else fits things up? I know this sounds like a stupid question, but I'm pretty poor until I start getting paid, so I don't want to drop money on things I won't need right away, or lug stuff around that I don't need in the hot sun all day. Thanks in advance for any advice!
Reply:Well, that seems like the logical solution. But today is Friday, I start Monday, so I won't see the boss until I show up for work. Just trying to see what is common. I know what to expect out of a shop environment, but less so with field work.
Reply:Take everything you think you could possibly need.  Leave it in your car/truck and send the helper to grab anything you end up needing.Be like a boy scout, always prepared.
Reply:Originally Posted by AxisTake everything you think you could possibly need.  Leave it in your car/truck and send the helper to grab anything you end up needing.Be like a boy scout, always prepared.
Reply:"Every company will have a slightly different expectation of what you should show up with."This is the truth. Don't be embarrassed to tell the foreman that you might need to borrow a grinder or something if you need it. You can pick up tools on Craigslist pretty cheap when you're able to buy them.
Reply:you cant build ANYTHING without a tape measure. get that at least!I wouldn't worry about bags/grinders, but to me, your not working if you don't own and know how to use a tape measure!I don't know about the rest of the world, but the company I work for expects you to have basic tools: tape, hood, spuds, wrenches, clamps, etc. they supply anything that plugs in: grinders, lights, welders, stands etcbosses stuff:trailblazer 325maxstar 200my stuff:sa 200fronius transpocket 180100 amp Lincoln w/f97 f350 DITKevin
Reply:Hammer and adjustable wrench a must .Power tools on them PPE on them too by OSHA. Shield and first pair of gloves on you . Cover lenses on them. Put em in a 5 gallon pail with a seat lid you are good to go!
Reply:First off I'd get a bucket I use a 10 gallon. I would think they have grinders you can use, but go ahead and get your own. Are they SMAW welding there or is just mig/fluxcore? You will need a tape measure for sure, I'd invest in a job box just to store stuff you might need. Start hunting at flea markets and on craigslist for "Cheap" quality tools. Grinder, torpedo level, any size level you can get your hands on, adjustable wrenches, framing squares, stingers. Get all the tools you can, and learn how to fit things together, if you are not the one fitting be sure to ask questions about fitting, at one time or another you will have to fit something yourself on a job site and if you move up to working on construction sites being a welder/fitter as a structural welder is almost required. I'm still really young so I'm trying to figure this whole construction site welding stuff out myself as well. I'm trying to expand my knowledge in construction site welding/ ship welding. Oh I'll say it again, learn as much as you can about fitting. First job site I went on I was signed on as a Combo welder, I'm young and they were short on fitters though so I spent most of my time looking like a deer in headlights beveling and fitting pipe together. Fake it til you make it, ask questions but not to many, if you ask to many questions they will send you after the pipe stretcher, some arc starter, and maybe ask you to collect spark samples. Good luck!
Reply:I take it as this is a non-union job? Otherwise you would get a list of tools required, and a list of tools that you're prohibited from bringing on the job. Here is what I would carry at the minimum. Plus a belt with bolt bags. Attached ImagesDon’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:if i'm an employee and not a partner in the company the employer supply's everything. that said i like working with my own hand tools and shield so i carry my own. except for five items and the tarp it's identical to cep's.i.u.o.e. # 15queens, ny and sunny fla
Reply:Originally Posted by docwelderexcept for five items and the tarp it's identical to cep's.
Reply:i didn't travel with 2' square,spring loaded chipping hammer,bridge clamp,trammel and protractor. otherwise i carried the same stuff. even have identical ab belt,scabbards with wrenches and bull pin. the two foot square was in the tool dravo along with small clamps.i.u.o.e. # 15queens, ny and sunny fla
Reply:I gave up on the spring handle chipping hammers years ago. Went to the tomahawk chipping hammers. I laid all those tools out for Lanse a few years ago when he was asking what he would need to work as a welder.Last edited by CEP; 06-28-2014 at 05:09 PM.Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:cep; when i worked in a fab shop another welder had a spring hammer and when the boss saw it and asked to see it he flung it over the fence and gave him a real (wooden tomahawk) one. although i never had to bring anything but my lunch to the job through the years i whittled down my tool requirements and ended up with what you pictured above. i figured if you work like a professional they'll treat you like one. funny how similar they are.i.u.o.e. # 15queens, ny and sunny fla
Reply:I always carried more tools than was required. Once in a while the union BA would get on me. But we had a running battle for years. I could never convince him he worked for me. For some reason he believed I worked for him! Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Do yourself a favor and buy a QUALITY tape measure.  Actually all of your tools need to be good quality, but there is probably not much that is more aggrevating than the second time you use your new 12' tape measure, and pull out 10', then the damn thing won't roll back up.  I prefer the Stanley Fat Max myself, but there are other quality ones as well.-------------------------Chemetron AC/DC 300 HFSnap-On MM300L Lincoln SP140 Lincoln AC/DC 225g Lincoln SA200 Lincoln SA200 Miller Bobcat 225GVictor torchesH&M and Mathey beveling machinesMcElroy Plastic pipe fusion
Reply:I work in a small fab shop and they provide everything except a welding helmet. I always buy my own helmets because most companies won't spend money for a good AD helmet, they will get you a fix shade helmet.Lincoln pro core 125 14''chop saw7 inch grinder,2-4.5 inch grinders,electric die grinder.Half inch drillAnd alot of hand tools
Reply:Layout tools!  Attached ImagesDon’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Originally Posted by flux core joeI work in a small fab shop and they provide everything except a welding helmet. I always buy my own helmets because most companies won't spend money for a good AD helmet, they will get you a fix shade helmet.
Reply:Duct tapeEverlast PowerARC 300
Reply:jeffwheat13Asking 'work specific' questions is good - asking your furtureemployer what tools you need is bad.  It like asking, 'may I go to the bathroom?' - somethings you just need to figure out for yourself, or via other avenues.A list of 'Personal Tool' is as varied as metal-working is broad.This tool list is specific for a welder [rod burner] in a heavy Black Iron fab shop.  In years past, the following tool-list was marketed as a  package-kit in tool stores -  complete with tool box.  All of the tools were industrial-top-quality.With the exception of the framing square, everything will fit in large shoebox sized tool box.Your inquiry > You are an employee, not a contract welder.  Personal Tools: are the most elemental - allow for individual preference - and serveto keep pilferage, and loss to a minimum.Personal Tools are to keep you productive.  Their range allows you to service/trouble-shoot: a torch, a wire feed, do basic lay-out,knock dingleberries . . .The employer will/should provide: the big, unique, and specifictools to perform their industrial speciality.Journeyman Welders are expected to solve a plethora of problemsbeyond burning-rod.  This combination of tools allow this without going to the tool-room/downtime.Welders Tool KitHood Cutting gogglesGlovesLeathers3# hammerCenter punchChisels – tiny to medium Chipping hammerWire brushes – Wood handle, normal & smallBastard file – pre-ground end to knock dingle-berries, also sharpens soap stone.Allen wrenches – UNC and Metric16’ Tape – Stanley is my fav.50' tapeCombination square - w/protractor is a plusBevel squareFraming squareOx-Acet tools  -  Old School, may not be as important today.10” cresent wrench  -  will fit everything on an OA rig.Tip cleaners StrickerScrew drivers:  Straight blade & Phillips – small & large of each.Neddle nose pliers with cutter - for wire.Side-cutters [Dykes] for stick.Markers:Scribes - get twoSoap-stone, silver pencel with pocket sharpener,  Sharpies: Sliverand Black fine-point, plus Blue broad-point = portable Dyken Blue.This list includes a few updated extras.Used tool are fine  - ‘it looks like you’ve been around a while’.This tool-box will get you in the door.  In your first-days, survey what everyone has that you don't.  Be patient, you don't have to have everything now.  When you fill a tool voids - buy the best. Opusps  -  I did 3.827 years with the DOT.
Reply:I tried out one of those 35 ft silver deWalt tape measures and loved it. It wasnt mine but I went to get one and for $50 no thanks. I did find them at HomieDepot for $35 but they had a special a couple weeks ago for the yellow deWalts. $16 for a 25 and 16 footer. I should have bought two sets. The deal may still be going on. The dewalt is the best tape I ever used. I used to use craftsman and liked em but my buddies laughed. Ive used Starret(more show than go) Lufkin, Stanley but these dewalts are the best. The tang can grab from four sides and top. They dont debur them and it bit me twice and left blood blisters both times. I deburred it. The difference in the yellow compared to silver DeWalt that I noticed was the clear tape on the silver at the first two inches. I put clear tape on the first two inches of my yellow tapes.I would think an iron worker would be better suited with a 35 footer but I never done that. Im just a sheetrocker that does metal framing and grid/T bar ceilings and sheetrock is only 12 feet. Demising walls go up to 35 feet but the last time I did one I used a HILTI laser range finder. The HILTI was bought to do take off estimates and has paid for itself just for that reason.The DeWalt 25 footers are about $16 at HomieDepot. They are worth it.Last edited by Insaneride; 06-28-2014 at 11:31 PM.
Reply:How about a calculator ?
Reply:I like the Construction Master calculators. Then I loved them when metric blueprints started coming out. WalMart sells a cheaper version, but I don't think they have the conversion option. Attached ImagesDon’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400The company I work at, HR hands new employees a list of expected basic tools suitable for the job they are hired for.I agree with what you guys collected up for the new guys. Without a paycheck, this guy needs to show up with what he will scrounge over the weekend.Do your best and ask if necessary!
Reply:Originally Posted by 12V71Wearing somebody else's helmet is like wearing their underwear. I wont do that. I do know cheapskates that will. UGH.
Reply:I spit in my glass lenses to keep fogging down and it is like underware. I do have a guest hood that I dont spit on the lenses.Doc, that TB only works if they never had it.  What if someone said, " thats ok Doc, I already have TB" and uses it anyways?
Reply:Good luck tomarrow morning. Starting a new job is stressful.  Keep your head on straight and think safety then quality then work on getting faster and you will do fine!
Reply:We are a United Steelworkers of America shop we supply everything.  OSHA requires employer to supply free all safety gear. Union Iron Workers bring a spud for 3/4 & 7/8 bolts .adjustable and tape measure. Belts gloves safety by employer. Rod busters need tape, tie pliers Klein only ,lumber crayon holder thats it.