Pipeline welding???

admin

Hi there,I recently got started on a C&G Level 1 MIG Course and I'm hooked! I want to one day work as a welder on pipelines and eventually as a weld inspector (my home town is Dubai, UAE). My question is in 2 parts, firstly; Is MIG the right process to learn for pipeline welding? Or is TIG or MMA more suitable?and secondly;Is there a distinct and steep learning curve between MIG and MMA welding processes?As I said, I'm still very new to welding but I know its a field I want to build a career in, so any help will be greatly appreciated.Thanks.
Reply:Most pipe is usually stick and or tig, though wire is gaining acceptance in some areas.As far as the learning curve, that depends. You have a lot more control with tig, so there is a lot more you have to do. From zero experience, I find it takes longer for tig students to learn the basics compared to the average mig student. Stick falls some where in between. That said I've seen several good mig welders who pick tig up fairly quickly once they get the eye hand coordination  and hand movements down. They already know and understand how to see the puddle and manipulate it, so that speeds up the learning curve for them. Once they understand what is needed to do to manipulate the puddle, they can move forward at an accelerated rate..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Originally Posted by GregTHi there,As I said, I'm still very new to welding but I know its a field I want to build a career in, so any help will be greatly appreciated.Thanks.
Reply:I don't know about UAE, but most pipelines in the US are welded with SMAW, 6010 and 8010 rods. Some are done with automatic processes.First time I've ever seen MMA process, I just googled it and it's the same as SMAW.
Reply:Man! Tell me about it, some of those inspectors over there are some serious wannabe eggheads.
Reply:Up in Alaska pipe welding is primarily welded with either 6010 or 8010 root, hot pass and fill with either 7018 or 6010 cap. some welding on the north slope is root and hot pass tig welded with stick fill and cap.