Questions on becoming a pipeliner

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Hey guys, I searched and couldn't really find what I was looking for so I thought I would just ask in the general questions section. If this is in the wrong section please move it to the appropriate spot. Ok here is my deal.... I am currently a welder for a manufacturing company and mainly do mig (flux) and tig. I have been doing arc since I was a sixteen (im 25 now) and am comfortable with passing a xray test. I have a miller bobcat welder, torch's, lead reals, etc all set up on a skid to go on my flat bed. One of my questions is will a miller bobcat hold up in the field. I have been looking for a good old sa200 but have not found a good deal on one yet. Second question is how do I get my foot in the door without starting out as a welders helper and not having any pipeline experience. My unlce gave me the number to a buddy of his at mid america pipeline co and im going to call him tomorrow but I wanted to be prepared before a potential interview. Any pointers or tips would be appreciated. Thanks guys.Colt
Reply:I am not a pipeline welder. Until someone else chimes in I will say I have read many post of people stateing the smaller 2 cylinder welder generators arent good for pipelining. I think it is mainly due to the use and abuse put on the smaller engine.
Reply:Originally Posted by ColtHey guys, I searched and couldn't really find what I was looking for so I thought I would just ask in the general questions section. If this is in the wrong section please move it to the appropriate spot. Ok here is my deal.... I am currently a welder for a manufacturing company and mainly do mig (flux) and tig. I have been doing arc since I was a sixteen (im 25 now) and am comfortable with passing a xray test. I have a miller bobcat welder, torch's, lead reals, etc all set up on a skid to go on my flat bed. One of my questions is will a miller bobcat hold up in the field. I have been looking for a good old sa200 but have not found a good deal on one yet. Second question is how do I get my foot in the door without starting out as a welders helper and not having any pipeline experience. My unlce gave me the number to a buddy of his at mid america pipeline co and im going to call him tomorrow but I wanted to be prepared before a potential interview. Any pointers or tips would be appreciated. Thanks guys.Colt
Reply:I am a pipeline mechanic and in all honesty, if your running a Bobcat your not gonna pass x-ray because they probably wont let you even test.  Bobcats are extremely inconsistent and unreliable.  I personally am a Miller fan and if you can find a good used Trailblazer you will be light years ahead of your Bobcat, but for pure stick welding its hard to beat an old Lincoln.  There I said it.  In my line of work I air arc and use a suitcase wire feed alot and you wouldn't catch me dead with a Lincoln for that.  Local 798 is the pipeliners union so that who you would really need to talk to about getting in the game.  Good luck to ya.