Pipefitters and Ironworkers

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I was just curious on what the major differences between ironworkers and piepfitters are?  I googled it and found some answers but i would like to hear from people themselves on what they do on a daily basis and how intense of a specialization these are?  I am considering going into pipefitting or ironworking in the distant future and am trying to get as much information as possible.Thanks a bunch guys!EDIT: Sorry, i should have also added that im also interested in hearing from someone who is a steamfitter?Last edited by alext-09; 07-22-2012 at 06:06 PM.
Reply:pipefitters do just about everything that has to do with pipe. for example: fabricate spools, change worn gaskets, change out bolts, install pipe in the rack,.....ect.  ironworkers mostly erect steel. for example: installing supports, fabricating supports, installing grating, maybe installing guides, ect...the work done by both of these might depend on the company you are working for, but the examples i just wrote are just to give you and idea of what is involved
Reply:Im a liscensed welder, and hold a welder/blacksmith title, but I also work with other guys that hold either welding or blacksmith titles. We are split up between 2 different unions, but we are all considered ironworkers. Our bosses hold SOI titles, supervisor of ironworkers, so it is a loose term depending how you look at it on my end. Ironworker locals would probably tend to differ tho. I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:I am a journeymen pipe fitter out of the plumbers and steamfitters 102 Knoxville Tn, and gto_welder01 has it about right.  it depends a lot on Union or Non union, and also the company you work for.  Iron workers build that bones of the building or structural steel.  pipe fitter, and can run most of the piping systems, in side of the it.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pipefitterhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IronworkerI looked at both and  for the most part right, little difference in district, regions, and companies.  hope this helps.  if you need more detail you can go to the Iron worker union web sites or pipe fitters union web site and it goes in to what each will cover.
Reply:Thanks a bunch guys.  Is the work pretty intense being a pipefitter?
Reply:Ironworkers are better look'n and well endowed!
Reply:Originally Posted by BEYTILLIronworkers are better look'n and well endowed!
Reply:I started out as an Ironworker when I was 18 and stupid, now I am 30 and do thinking work not bull work, I do piping jobs now.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:Originally Posted by BEYTILLIronworkers are better look'n and well endowed!
Reply:Ironworkers get laid more...Beck's Welding and Fabrication, Inc.-Misc. Metals Fabrication & Installation-
Reply:Originally Posted by OldSchoolPSDIronworkers get laid more...
Reply:Originally Posted by OldSchoolPSDIronworkers get laid more...
Reply:any port in a storm my friend hahaBeck's Welding and Fabrication, Inc.-Misc. Metals Fabrication & Installation-
Reply:As an Ironworker, I have done several jobs. From windows and curtain wall to precast parking garages and all kinds of steel jobs. I have worked at Paper mill shut downs the space center and a bunch of high end hotels. Just about every job I've been on the pipefitters were there too.
Reply:Now that you opened a "Can-O-Worms...... why do you ask?Generally, Ironworkers erect the structural steel of, soon to be, buildings (structures).Pipefitters assemble/construct the piping and related hangers,etc for the facility cooling water, glycol water, etc......... welded piping.Steamfitter is another ballgame. Requires further training/license for pressure vessels.All are going to require weldor cert't(s) and some liscense(s).How do you handle "hanging in thin air" ?  If that works for you, Ironworker may be a choice. All require "high" work. Ladders, scaffolding, platforms, etc. Also a sound knowledge of rigging techniques. All are skilled trades requiring doing the task at hand, mostly incorporating hard work and an ability to do problem solving on the fly.Just my 2c worth. Then again, I'm "justa" Millwright/Field Rep....... wadda I know?
Reply:Im jw because im going to be trying for either one of them.  Thanks for all the information everyone i appreciate it!
Reply:I've been looking at getting into the union, my question is can I specialize in just welding or does everyone do everything? Will your training be tailored to one thing or another or just a little of everything?
Reply:The best thing for you to do on the union situation is talk to some older union pipeliners or pipefitters they'll tell you the truth about it. There are pluses and minuses. Definitely see some pretty country and put some dollars in your pocket put you have to think there at 700 guys with books in front of you waiting to go on a job.
Reply:Well I can tell you how it is in the DC area, but I don't know if it will be that way everywhere else.  If all you want to do is burn rod, join the steamfitters.  The guys I have worked with from local 602 are treated like gods.  The steamfitters handle all aspects of heating and air conditioning, and as an apprentice you would be expected to learn all that good stuff.  The kicker is that most of them can't weld.       They act like welding is some kind of magical voodoo that only certain special people can understand, which is good for their welders because they don't get asked to do grunt work.  My experience with the guys out of 602 is that they rarely fit their own joints, drag their own leads, or really do anything other than burn rod.  Its a sweet gig if you can get into it.Now thats in the DC area.  We don't have a boilermakers local and all the pipeline work goes through 602 so I'm sure other places aren't like that.  I can tell you that if you go to the Ironworkers, you will see a lot more variety.  I'd say ironworkers weld abour 30% of the time with the rest split between rigging, connecting, and (in DC anyways) glazing.Beck's Welding and Fabrication, Inc.-Misc. Metals Fabrication & Installation-
Reply:Originally Posted by this guyI've been looking at getting into the union, my question is can I specialize in just welding or does everyone do everything? Will your training be tailored to one thing or another or just a little of everything?
Reply:That makes sense. I checked the UA website and it sounded like you could be just a welder. I don't mind doing other things the more I know the more work I can get. I just wondered if someone who is in the union could shed some light on it for me.
Reply:Originally Posted by this guyThat makes sense. I checked the UA website and it sounded like you could be just a welder. I don't mind doing other things the more I know the more work I can get. I just wondered if someone who is in the union could shed some light on it for me.
Reply:Let's see some welds and we can tell if you can be Just a welder.I'm not a boneified golden arm, but I can hold my own with the best of em, and I still do everything. Weld, rig, and mechanic. Most trades are looking for a well rounded individual.Miller bobcat 225g  - spoolmatic 1Mm250 - 30a spoolMiller spectrum 375Thermal arc 95 Everlast Ex 250As the boiler turns, these are the days of our lives
Reply:I never said thats all I wanted to do. Just trying to get the facts before I jump into something. Welding is only about 20% percent of my current job. I don't mind doing other things that come with the job but I'm very interested in joining the union and wanted to know what the union is all about.
Reply:Originally Posted by this guyThat makes sense. I checked the UA website and it sounded like you could be just a welder. I don't mind doing other things the more I know the more work I can get. I just wondered if someone who is in the union could shed some light on it for me.Originally Posted by OldSchoolPSDIronworkers get laid more...
Reply:Pipe fitters do some lifting and usually have to have some math skills.  Pipe welders just have to weld good.Ranger 225Weld Pac 100Power Mig 180CMagnum 100 Spool GunHobart EZ Tig 165iSurf for cardiovascular exercise.  Saltwater is good for you.
Reply:i live in area there is no union ironwork. most of the building is not real big, but i work for an outfit where ive certified on 2 different cranes, and have nccco card. ive also got welding certs, and cdl A with all the endorsements. boss pays me pretty good and if i need something ive got it. learn as much as you can and get as many qualifications and certifications as you can. it will only help