Not being able to weld with one hand make you a bad welder?

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so does not being able to weld with one hand make you a bad welder? at the muffler shop i work at we have to use the hand held mask b/c the helmet just wont work under a car. for one, i dont really think welding exhaust pipes takes any real skill compared to other welding work but its where im at right now. I've taken a year's worth of welding courses at community college and I think I'm pretty decent at stick mig and tig. trying to weld with one hand is like learning from the beginning so I felt pretty offended when he said its obvious that i can't weld and I lied to him at the interview.
Reply:I weld exhaust with a regular and auto hoods under cars, trucks, semi's all the time. Everything takes skill and practice. Some things more than others. If you gotta go one handed rest the edge of the nozzle on the pipe to steady yourself.
Reply:hmm. ok ill have to practice with my regular hood. thanks.
Reply:you weld with one hand when you TIG don't ya? Kinda hard to feed filler and hold the torch with both hands. Just practice it
Reply:you're welding under a car that is not on any jack, ramp or lift?  There are soft shell hoods available.so look, you're not a very experienced weldor, but have a decent foundation. When I was in your shoes - and believe me I was - and the bossman is now talking **** and maybe threatening to run you off......the only answer is to practice your *** off. Figure out a way to practice at home. Figure out how to wear the hood so you can figure out a system. practice practice practice and dont get fired.Weldanpower 225 G7Ironworkers Local #24
Reply:what 10 pins said then shove a hot electrode up his azz. Sounds like cheap skate is tryin to get you to work for less cause "he has to train you", or is just a bully.Get good then make the azz pay large somehow.Miller thunderbolt 250Decastar 135ERecovering tool-o-holic ESAB OAI have been interested or involved in Electrical, Fire Alarm, Auto, Marine, Welding, Electronics ETC to name a just a few. So YES you can own too many tools.
Reply:I don't understand why your hood won't work under a car.  Maybe we can figure that out and life will be easier for you.What exactly is holding you up?  Can't see?  Stays dark?  Won't fit?What hood do you have?Is the car on a lift?  Jack stands?  Ground?
Reply:I'd also like to know why you need a hand-held shield.But I've done lots of "hold 3 different things and weld" type exhaust work too. It helps to have the tip of the welder recessed in the nozzle just a bit (or even flush), and rest the nozzle on one pipe and make your weld at about a 45 degree angle. It works especially nice on lap joints where you can point directly into the joint. Welding in a tough spot can be a PITA and very frustrating, especially if you're new to it. Just keep your cool and remember to try different settings, positions, etc.
Reply:I practiced a lot today on some old pipe. we put the cars on the lift. i use my cheap HF auto dark up there. I refuse to bring my good miller since I heard customer's will steal ur tools. I did what you said bluearc and carlh and it helped a lot. resting the nozzle on the pipe makes a huge difference. As for the hand held, the first day I started I brought my helmet but he was like "you're not gonna need that. You'll see why we don't use the helmet, b/c its easier w/ the mask". u are right, he is cheap. There's budgeting and saving company money then there's down right cheap. u should see the oil and fluids he makes us put in the customers cars lol.
Reply:Glad to hear that helped. Exhaust pipe can be very annoying, especially if you're rigging up old/new pipes, different sizes, etc.As for him telling you to use a handheld shield, **** that. You're the welder, use what you want.