Welding as a career

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Currently im 30 years old and ive never welded in my life but i want to make a career change.im planning on taking a stick welding course at the community college this sept.its a 3 month course and and i should be certified by years end.are there any tips or advice for a noob on how to bea better welder..earn as much money as possible and what to expect in this trade
Reply:You should buy a welder now, and get after it. Post pictures, there are plenty of guys here that can help you. Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:I agree with CEP. What kind of budget do you have for a home setup? If you keep looking on your local Craigslist a nice old machine can be purchased for almost scrap value. Don't get an import machine because it will provide you with aggravation instead of learningSince it appears your wanting to focus on stick look for something like a Lincoln Idealarc or Invertec and the Miller Dialarc or maxstar machines. If you have the power an old Miller 330 is a nice machine too. Tips to become a better welder,-Read & look at pictures of welds from CEP,ZAPSTER,ZTFAB and others.-Don't play mr know it all because people will be less likely to help someone with that attitude.-Listen to your instructor. This is true 99% of the time.-Do a lot if reading on this forum.-Read & look at pictures of welds from CEP,ZAPSTER,ZTFAB and others.-If you are having trouble with something identify the problem. Don't just keep welding an make the same mistake over and over again because you will have learned nothing.Sent from my SPH-L710 using TapatalkTOO MANY TOOLS & NO MORE SPACE
Reply:I always have things to say in these topics.If you're starting with stick, which btw is a great place to start... don't ever neglect your stick welding skills. I've been doing GTAW since I left school and I still get nervous when I go to a stick test. Well, not nervous, per se. But less comfortable than I am with a tig rig. As for how to make the big bucks... if you have a wife and kids, I hope they don't mind your absence. Making top dollar will require you to travel. ALL OF THE TIME. Granted there are always good opportunities at home.. but the way to make lots of money fast is to hit the road. There's a saying you'll hear a lot in the future.. "If you want loyalty, buy a dog." After your intro to stick welding, find a pipe welding course(s). Learn how to stick and tig pipe. Independently and in combination. Learn how to stick weld on small diameter pipe (1 1/2" - 3"). Learn how to VT your own welds so you don't get laughed off a job site. Learn the general guidelines for a weld (root reinforcement, bead placement, heat input, bead size, cap size, etc.) so you don't give them something over or under-welded. If you want to pay to get certified, go for it, but know that it is not a "very" necessary requirement. Certifications are next to worthless on the road. You will ALWAYS test in to a job regardless of what your cards say you can do. Once you are confident in your ability and knowledge (or once you're done paying for classes), call the contractors and placement agencies. Ameriforce, CTR, KBR, Tradesmen, Trade Team, CB&I, Performance, and tell them what you're looking for. They will get you started, usually with an OSHA 10 class and anything else you need to start work. If you can, get a TWIC card NOW. Uh... there's more.First learn how to weld. And plan on traveling across the mid-west, south, and southwestern states for months at a time. A road dog of mine is out in Arizona for two more weeks on an 8 week job. He'll pull a total of 21,000 for the job less living expenses. Keep in mind he's working six 10 hour days and getting per diem pay for 7 days a week. I think he's coming home for a few months after.And also, if you're a road warrior... remember you may not always find or get that job. You may arrive too late. You may not be as good as the 100 other welders that have shown up. You may not know a guy who knows a guy. So it's not always easy to make money. Traveling is not as "dependable" as a local 21$ hour job. But hey. It takes money to make money.Last edited by akabadnews; 05-22-2014 at 01:29 PM.
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPYou should buy a welder now, and get after it. Post pictures, there are plenty of guys here that can help you.
Reply:"are there any tips or advice for a noob on how to bea better welder"  Yes. Watch, listen. and learn, especially from the old hands. "earn as much money as possible" If you're able and willing to travel and provide your own equipment and liability insurance you may do well on the road but it's very hard and often catastrophic on a relationship. Being an employee can be more stable but usually pays less than a rig owner but you don't have the substantial expense of providing and maintaining a rig or constantly looking for jobs either. Most factory or other local work generally pays the least but is often the most stable and you're usually home every night. Pick your poison!Others have mentioned purchasing a welder to practice with right now. Is there any chance that you know some one that has a machine and that you could try so that you can see how well you like welding before you buy a machine or pay for a class? Also don't forget that unless you purchase an engine drive you will need an appropriate size circuit and a work space. If you live in the city the neighbors will likely get tired of your engine drive running rather quickly. Good luck with your schooling and keep, us posted.
Reply:Don't expect to start at the top. Re read what akabadnews wrote and understand it thoroughly. The part about the 100 other welders waiting to test for the same job that has 4 openings is no fecal matter. Or BS.Arcon Workhorse 300MSPowcon 400SMTPowcon SM400 x 2Powcon SM3001968 SA200 Redface1978 SA250 DieselMiller Super 32P FeederPre 1927 American 14" High Duty LatheK&T Milwaukee 2H Horizontal MillBryan