Got my first ticket!!!

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Got the results from my T.S.S.A SMAW 6G and passed with flying colours. I have a question though. As a look around the employment in the area some jobs say I need a CWB but my school doesnt do that because they say the tssa one is better and they will still hire me because it is a better ticket. Is this true or should I find a place to do my CWB, Also what is the CWB test. I have been told it is open root bevel plate. Which we do, we just dont test them.25 years of age.Been welding since Feb 23rd 2009.LU1007 Millwright (A1)
Reply:You don't list where you are from, but seeing as you are asking about CWB, I will assume that you are also "North of the Border".....A proper answer to your question is area specific.For myself, I went through the Alberta Apprenticeship System and have my Journeyman Certification in Welding (as well as Auto Mechanics) and Interprovincial Standards Red Seal endorsements in both.  I have never tested for the CWB weld either.  Yes, I know what it is, and can do it, but that specific weld is not part of the testing for Alberta Apprenticeship.  The CWB's "2GF" is a combination weld designed to certify the weldor in two different joint configurations (Bevel Weld & Butt Weld) using a single test weld for efficiency in time and materials.  Here in Alberta, all of our 1G, 2G, 3G,and 4G are Open Root welds.... 6010 Root, 7018 Hot, Fill and Cap, just like it is done every day in every shop.  Maybe it is industry specific, but I have yet to weld with a backing strip, or even see it done on the shop floor.Here, the whole CWB is really "Hit or Miss" in that most shops do not have, or carry CWB certification as it is not required.... That is more for the shops doing building construction, etc etcFor the most part (Where I am)  Rental companies, Trucking Companies... Heck even INSURANCE companies require that welding be done by proper "Journeyman Welders" and most do not know, or recognize, what  a CWB certification is.Congrats on passing your SMAW 6G as every accomplishment is something to be Proud of.... But that, by itself, will not allow you to weld on one single thing that I weld on here in Alberta.  Here, you have to be indentured in the Welding Trade as either an Apprentice, or as a Journeyman - Individual CWB certs really have no meaning.I can only speak to what I know, in my personal experiences and specific to where I live.....and do not wish that you take MY word for it.  I would suggest that you do a little snooping around in your local area to see what will work best for you.Here is a link to all the Provincial and Territorial Apprenticeship Sites:http://www.ellischart.ca/[email protected]?cid=3Good Luck, and again, Congrats on the SMAW 6G.Last edited by Black Wolf; 07-25-2009 at 10:03 AM.Later,Jason
Reply:I am from Ontario. And thank you for the info. As I said the next test I take is the open root vertical on MIG. That test is happening next friday. THEN I test TIG open root pipe.I want to get all the tickets I can so I have many options what to work and when. My father inlaw is helping me get a job since he is a millwright and has ties to all the union halls. He said the millwright hall want the CWB and the Boilermakers and Pipefitters want the pressure ticket like the one I just got. Again thanks for the Info, if anyone else has any please dont be shy.25 years of age.Been welding since Feb 23rd 2009.LU1007 Millwright (A1)
Reply:You are more than welcome.If you want any pointers on that Open Root GMAW vertical, I am more that happy to walk you through how we do it here.  It is a cake walk.  If you can pass welds with SMAW, then pulling a trigger should be easy.I will dig up info on the 2GF for you, or I will scan some info from my books.Gimme a few.Later,Jason
Reply:As mentioned The Canadian Welding bureau code was exclusively based on welding standards for structural steel.  Today the code covers many areas but still concentrates on structures.  Almost all shops that fabricate for buildings have their certification under CWB.  That means the welders have done the applicable tests and the shop and supervisors have been audited by a CWB inspector.  It is next to impossible to bid on a job without your shop being certified.  Testing for CWB is normally done at the premises.  You can work in a CWB shop without your certification as long as you have proven to the supervisors that you have the ability to pass.  The next time the inspector drops by you would be expected to do the test.  Any welding supervisor that sees your pipe qualification would simply ask you to run a few beads for him and be satisfied that you will be able to do the job.  Your CWB ticket is good for two years before retest is required.  A CWB ticket is property of the welding bureau and is not limited to the shop you are in.  If you get laid off you can apply to work at another CWB certified shop and they would recognize your ticket.  All they do is a simple phone call to CWB and they know your qualifications.  Most structural shops are looking for CWB welders who are qualified on wire feed processes unless the work is in the field.  A pipe welder who is qualified with stick only  would not be as attractive for hire.
Reply:Okay, I got lazy and just copied the first combination weld I came across - This one happend to be in the 2G position.  This same weld is also done in the 1G postion, but I cannot remember which one is the CWB "Test weld"This info will give you the general joint configuration and preparation that is used for both. Attached ImagesLater,Jason
Reply:Yes that is the CWB format.  There is a little catch though.  When you do the first weld bead you will be asked to weld the fillet in the corner 2/3 along the joint.  You then have to weld the second bead tying in the backing bar and beveled edge for 1/3 the length.  Now the inspector visually insects your first beads.  If there are any flaws then you are out of the game.  Technically they are faults not flaws.  LOL  The inspector stamps the stop start locations with his special CWB ID stamp and then you finish it up.  You are expected to restart your beads and continue to the end of the plate.  Root bend test strips will be taken at those locations to see if you made a sound restart on your fillet weld and your groove weld.    The fill welding part of this test is really mickey mouse.  What trips people up is the start stops at the root.  if you get slight porosity or cold lap at the restart it will open up on the bend test.  This exercise visually  tests:  Can you do a proper fillet weld?                                             Can you do a proper groove weld?                                               And finally can you do a proper stop start on a weld bead?
Reply:Bigger pictures so I will make 2 posts.I should identify this Test Weld Properly by CSA Standard and Code:This is subject to CSA Standard W47.01-03 (R1998) Certification of Companies for the Fusion Welding of Steel Structures, and CSA Standard W59-03 (R1998) Welded Steel Construction (Metal Arc Welding) both are copyrighted by CSA International. Attached ImagesLast edited by Black Wolf; 07-25-2009 at 11:33 AM.Later,Jason
Reply:Post Number 2 for the 1GF Test Weld: Attached ImagesLast edited by Black Wolf; 07-25-2009 at 11:44 AM.Later,Jason
Reply:Keep in mind that your break test is a school procedure.  In real life there will be three  strips taken and two root bends will be done. The third piece will be a face bend. The alternative manner to test is radiographic. ( X-ray) The method used as shown will not be a reliable test since so much will depend on the shape of the face bead or beads.  I laugh at the 1/8th electrode required.  Don't be surprised when you are asked to do the whole thing with 5/32 diameter.  Some even are miserable enough to ask you to do it all positions 5/32.  The industry attitude is " I ain't paying you to make sparks.  I am paying you to lay down metal!"
Reply:WOW thanks for the info. We never practiced with a backing plate. Also when they tested my piece they take 4 strips bend 2 up and 2 down to test the face and the root. I know the stick ticket is only good for a small number of jobs, But I will be taking my mig and tig and stainless tickets within the next month. I hope to one day get my CWB and hopefully sooner then later just to open up more possibilites.25 years of age.Been welding since Feb 23rd 2009.LU1007 Millwright (A1)
Reply:Anyone who has mastered open root vee butts does not have much problem adapting to the CWB and AWS backing bar fillet groove test.  The stop start is the only little glitch.  The test is aimed at those of us who never encounter open roots and do structural primarily.
Reply:sweet well I have mastered the bevel plate all position without backing plate. And stop and starts...whats that? haha well you would ask yourself that looking at my piece. I had to run start and stops infront of the instructor because he didnt believe me when i was telling him where they were.25 years of age.Been welding since Feb 23rd 2009.LU1007 Millwright (A1)
Reply:A word of caution young man....Confidence can be both your greatest asset, AND your worst liability.I can assure you that I have been welding many, many, more years than yourself, and I have yet to "Master" anything. I still try to learn something new everyday.I know your post was intended with humour, and no, I am NOT busting your chops.... Just reigning in your enthusiasm a little, as passing on some words that a friend, and mentor, passed on to me.You are the next generation, the ones that will pick up the stingers and carry on when my generation is done....and I would like to see you hold this trade in the same high regard that I do... I hope that to the end of your career,  you will conduct yourself in Professional, and Respectable manner, and Honour all that have paved the way in this trade before you.This trade requires skill, it requires discipline, it requires commitment....  Yes, "Any Monkey can burn a rod....." BUT, a True Professional holds himself/herself to the highest standards, and understands that this trade is about so much more....Best of Luck in your Career.Last edited by Black Wolf; 07-25-2009 at 10:39 PM.Later,Jason
Reply:Cwb are peanuts, most people in the first month or two of welding can pass them. The only ones I have seen fail them over and over are people who don't give a 5h!t and people who have 20+ years experience, who are to stubborn to change the settings on their welders because "this is how Ive always done it."  Ya, we have a couple of each on our line, sad to say. But you won't have a problem. Good luck in your welding.
Reply:Black wolf, yes I was just joking around. Compared to the other students in my class the my roots are great. Ill try and find some of my coupons and snap some pictures. I love this trade and cant wait to get a welder at home so i can play all day lol.25 years of age.Been welding since Feb 23rd 2009.LU1007 Millwright (A1)