Hi Chet!
Your request has been granted!!
I am an Engineering Technologist, specialized in machine design, and got a job which I write contracts for building vehicles and equipment. My work "volunteered / told" me to take a welding inspector course through CWB (Canadian Welding Bureau).
My first impression was "what do I need this course for?" I'm not even involved with using welding symbols on my drawings. (Please dont think evil thoughts... it gets better)!!
Anyways, I am partially through my course now - which has covered welding symbols and standards set by A2.4 and W59, and I have had a complete change of heart. Even though I doubt I will use welding symbols in this job, this course has had me gain a huge respect for the guys on the floor doing the work, and I have a better understanding when designing products for the guys to build. Going through this course, I feel that welding and welding designing should be mandatory in all engineering courses.
This course has given me more knowledge on this topic, and after completion, I intend to take some welding courses for an even better understanding.
I have no idea why most detailers are afraid of the welders. In my experience, they have offered the most help - and I believe they are the only ones who can truely understand the art of welding.
Your story has made me laugh - and definitely made me feel better about some of the screwups I have created in this young carreer!!
Cheers,
Vicki
Hi Vicki,
I wasn't ignoring you, I haven't been able to reply 'til now. It sounds like you are on a good track and should do well.
As for detailers being afraid of welders, I think you can chalk that up to pride (and maybe a little fear?). Welders are notorious for "telling it like it is" and combined with the usual colorful language.....well, some people are more sensitive than others. But you hit the nail on the head. The designers and detailers need to remember that the drawings are for the people on the production floor. If the info is confusing the costs go up.
But to be fair to detailers, we all need to remember that it doesn't take much of a keystroke error to make big mistakes. By the time a person has looked all day at the lines and figures, it isn't easy to spot mistakes. And since the detailer is well "upstream" in the production process, they carry a huge responsibility. It doesn't have a prayer of being right if the print is wrong.
(How's that for "schmoosing"?)
Anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed my post.
John,
I can't read your post from this screen, so I don't remember all you said.
I did want to say that I saw an article such as you described in the March/April 2000 issue of The American Welder, titled "Blueprint Bloopers: Common Mistakes with Welding Symbols". I keep my copy of that with my A2.4. That article would be a good one for AWS to do a reprint on.
Chet Guilford
Hi Chet!
The shmoozing was a nice touch!!
As for the course, it seems to be going alright. There is alot to learn, coming from an unexperienced one as myself.... but with lots of studying... I think I will do ok!
I think the largest benefit I will gain from this course, is being able to spend more time with welders (as most of the people taking this course have tickets).
As for higher responsibility.... my honest opinion... that's probably why engineers get paid more. Should leave it at that, and when the job is done, and the day is over... everyone (including the welders) should be able to look at their work, and be proud of the learning and effort put into it.
(If this is too sappy for you, blame it on the estrogen)!!!
Have a good one!!
Vicki,
Chet & Vicki,
Did you see that artical a while back (in the Journal, I think) about all those mis-used weld symbols? I laughed so hard and just had to take a copy of that to our detailing department. See, I can get away without hurting too many feelings over there, as several of my 19 years here at the company were spent detailing. The importance of knowing the symbols sank in a little, I think. The symbol I feel they have the toughest time with is a partial pen. Depth of prep and weld size either gets left off making it a full pen or depth of bevel is more than the thickness of the plate or something along those lines. I don't claim to be an expert in anything, but occasionally I get to show them the correct symbol out of A2.4 for what they are trying to convey. Isn't that what books are for? So, you don't have to memorize all that info and clutter up your hard drive.
John Wright