pipeline work

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i want to know how to get on with a pipeline crew. I have been welding for 5 years. Got my own welding rig/ equipment. I also have x- ray 6G certs. in both stick and tig (stainless and mild). I own my own welding company but work is slow. Is there a way to test in to pipeline companies or is there only apprentaships programs. If you would email me at [email protected] if you have any information. thanksLast edited by norriswelding; 11-03-2010 at 08:29 PM.
Reply:Your location would help.
Reply:sorry i live in georgia but will go anywhere
Reply:You ever weld downhill pipe with 10 wire?  Thats the first step.  I have 6g x-ray cert as well but I damn sure cant pass a 10" downhill test or a 12x12.Have we all gone mad?
Reply:I have a Down hill plate cert open root with fluxcore 70 series wire size .068 but have never done it on pipe. i know the trick to down hill plate is alot of heat. By heat i mean like if you normally run 18v you should be pushing about 28-29 volts. When you run so hot it is like runing a 6010 rod . it burns out everything like the slag and gives you a smother penetrating weld. dont know if it helps but you could try.
Reply:My best recommendation for you is to try and hire out to a pipeline company on a job as a welders helper.  To do this you must first find a job thats working and one that is hiring helpers to get on.  It'll take a visit to their warehouse and an actual ask for a job to the welder foreman.  Catch him at the right time and you might just get the job.Keep your mouth shoot about having your welding experience and also about having your own rig and company.  If you push that fact it might not help (only a guess lol)Once you're on a job and helping an actual pipeline welder you will not only learn what you must be able to do to be a welder on a job such as that but also if thats what you want to do in general, and if you have the actual ability to do that kind of work.  You will also get to see actual pipeline welding rigs at work and understand why they are like they are, and why they must be that way.Starting as a helper is the best way to get in to this business and I can only recommend you go in that way.  Trying to find a job as a new welder is very hard.  Not only does no one know you but you are asking a company to take a chance on your unknown ability.  Cause a bunch of cutouts and the company could be hurting for $$ real quick.  Get the picture?If you get hired out then walk to work or whatever, just don't drive that rig.  Watch and learn and try to become a good helper.   One day your opportunity will come up and will give you the chance to test.  That day you need to be ready.  That day you drive your rig and that day you've been practicing for and that day you become a pipeline welder.  That day all the people you have been working with knows you and you now have a reputation.  A welder with a good reputation is a welder most companies will want to hire.  They know you'll make them some money, and not cost them some. lolGood luck manLaterLast edited by slowhand; 11-05-2010 at 06:30 PM.
Reply:thanks for the help that is more info than what i have found in a while if that is the best way then that is what i will look for. do you know of any company names that i could look up or try to find?  im really greatfull  for the help.