Questions about D1.1 for a business

admin

I originally posted this on the AWS site but I think they are all too busy to reply. Back in July I broke out on my own after working single hand for 9 years.  My question is that at my previous company I qualified AWS D1.1 on 1" but now that I have quit that company is that certification null and void?  I have my own LLC and insurance and looking to continue to build my company.  I have been running my rig for 6 months solid but it slowed down and we had a baby so I want to make myself more marketable locally as there is a steady supply of work.  Do I have to test at an accredited AWS center or can I have a 3rd party do it like MISTRAS or another testing company?  I had test plates made up just need to know where to test or who to test with.  Thanks for your input.  Also would ASME section 9 qualification be worth my time to work with plumbers or mechanical contractors?
Reply:I have been working on my own for 8 years and only asked for my cert a couple of times.  Those times I expected it.   The blue prints said to be inspected by a CWI.  I only have a 3G unlimited with .045 bare wire and Co2.. Its been accepted every time even when I was doing 3F with 8018.    The CWI asks to see it, not my customer.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Thanks for the reply. That has been my experience when I worked single hand that when the blueprints or inspector asked to see it.  I want to be prepared because currently have worked with two contractors that do a lot of structural.   When you qualified did you test somewhere or just turn your test plate into a inspection company.
Reply:If you want to be listed online with the AWS, you need to have the D1.1 done at an accredited test facility.  Other testers can test you to the same code though for less money.I'm going to take my D1.1 at an accredited test facility strictly for marketing reasons.  Before I went on my own, I have taken employer-done "certifications" before which involved nothing more than a couple of guys watching me weld and then slapping me on the back.  No destructive testing, etc.  I "passed", for whatever that was worth.  Those same companies then advertised me as a "certified" welder.Some of these are the companies that I'm now competing with for work.  I try to find every way to set myself apart from them, and this is one key area that I can use to do so.
Reply:Great replies.  I wanted to know the distinction between a test facility or having an inspection company do the bends.
Reply:Originally Posted by empireweldingGreat replies.  I wanted to know the distinction between a test facility or having an inspection company do the bends.
Reply:I took my test in my shop.  I had just finished a job that was 164 feet of vertical up 3F bare wire with Co2.    I used many 33 lb rolls of .045.    I called the inspector.  He came to my place, witnessed the welds, had the plate tested and mailed me a cert for only $150.00.  That was quite a few years ago.   I don't say much but if asked I say yes I have a cert  3g unlimited with bare wire and Co2.  Most people don't even know what all that means.No cert needed for this job, just a reputation.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:When you left the company that you certified with did you keep the card for the certification or did the company keep it ? On the card it may have a space that says employer if it is filled in with their name they possibly have rights to the card, if it is blank or says self employed its yours.All the test that I have taken I made agreements that the card was mine. I was lucky the company I worked for before going on my own we had a agreement that if I passed they paid the fees if I failed I paid.As it turns out the company I left is my best customer go figure!
Reply:Originally Posted by tbone550...Before I went on my own, I have taken employer-done "certifications" before which involved nothing more than a couple of guys watching me weld and then slapping me on the back.  No destructive testing, etc.  I "passed", for whatever that was worth.  Those same companies then advertised me as a "certified" welder.
Reply:Originally Posted by FegenbushIt is possible to pass a D1.1 test with no destructive testing.  RT is commonly used in many places since they may be shooting other things at the same time.