Wish I would've known

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Hi guys. I'm new round these parts, and new to welding. I start pre employment training for a structural welder job at a local shipyard on monday. I'm searching all the info I can on this site and trying to prep as much as possible before the classes start. I have a question for the welding vets on this site. I was wondering if there is anything you wish someone had told you when you first started out? Maybe something about practicing/studying or method/processes. Any help would be much appreciated
Reply:Every piece of metal is sharp & hot.Buy American, or don't whine when you end up on the bread line.
Reply:Lol my last job was with a sheet metal production line, so I know this one all to well. Keep em coming
Reply:The boss isn't always right, but he's always the boss.
Reply:A few observations in general. PPE isn't any good if you don't wear it. Fit and comfort is probably one of the most important things. Top end safety gear is useless if you won't bother to wear it because it doesn't fit well. Gloves are a big one. Probably 90% of the students at the tech school usually show up wearing large gloves, usually the super heavy stick gloves. I wear a size Medium, and I find it amazing sometimes how many students are struggling with gloves that are simply too big or bulky, especially those doing tig. Well fitting boots are probably the #2 problem. Most guys I've met won't spend the money for decent boots. We all chipped in and bought a good set or Redwings for one of our workers one year for Christmas. He was amazed at how much better he felt at the end of the day with decent well fitting boots vs the el chepo's he'd been buying. The new boots lasted way longer than the ones he used to pick up at Wally world and he was much more comfortable in them. He's a convert now and won't even blink at spending $300 for a good set now.As far as welding, you need to learn to see the puddle. Some pick it up quick and some unfortunately never learn. Unless you can see and read the puddle, you won't get much farther than maybe semi decent horizontal welds. Vertical and overhead are almost impossible to do with what I refer to as "timing" patterns. Learn to look "around" the arc and see the puddle. Once you do you'll have an "Ah Ha!" moment and this will all make sense. The only person who can do this is you I'm afraid. It's like trying to explain "red" to a blind person who can suddenly see. They lack any reference to understand this until they learn thru doing on their own..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:Make sure you're comfortable and learn to weld with your opposite hand. You'd be surprised the amount of times that comes in handy....Mike
Reply:Bring extra gloves. Extra safety glasess.Take care of yourself, you are responsible for your saftey, you will not impress anyone working fast if you get hurt.You got a hard job, you are gonna have to work your *** off, don't whine about it. Overconfidence can get you in trouble, don't try to take on more than you can handle.Constant Current Weldor.
Reply:Theory is very good to learn. They don't teach much of it anymore. If you are going after stick/wire, studying the iron-carbon diagram is very good. Learning about martinsitic and austinetic steel is very good also.Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:Take care of your back! I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:Remember the grave yard is full of hero's and your skin is the softest thing around fab work.One more thing, you have two ears and one mouth so listen twice as much as you talk.
Reply:First off, thanks to everyone for all the helpful response. I found this one especially helpful. Originally Posted by DSWAs far as welding, you need to learn to see the puddle. Some pick it up quick and some unfortunately never learn. Unless you can see and read the puddle, you won't get much farther than maybe semi decent horizontal welds. Vertical and overhead are almost impossible to do with what I refer to as "timing" patterns. Learn to look "around" the arc and see the puddle. Once you do you'll have an "Ah Ha!" moment and this will all make sense. The only person who can do this is you I'm afraid. It's like trying to explain "red" to a blind person who can suddenly see. They lack any reference to understand this until they learn thru doing on their own.
Reply:Master all processes of welding, do not classify yourself by one. I also recommend staying away from auto dark helmets, it's good to learn on a fixed shade. And post photos of your work! We'll be able to help you with your technique and progress. Good luck!
Reply:One thing I wish I would've taken more seriosly is hearing protection.At school and at most jobs the main emphasis was on eye protection.Lincoln SA 200Esab Caddy 160Thermal Arc 201TSMiller Dialarc HFI don't like making plans for the day because then the word "premeditated" gets thrown around the courtroom....
Reply:Learn to get along with your mates.  Don't make enemies.  Friends will help, answer questions and solve problems for you.
Reply:Originally Posted by dubl_tOne thing I wish I would've taken more seriosly is hearing protection.At school and at most jobs the main emphasis was on eye protection.
Reply:Originally Posted by lotechmanLearn to get along with your mates.  Don't make enemies.  Friends will help, answer questions and solve problems for you.