I can pick or pull on this. I do not have any problem, if my clients(s)do not, accepting another companies papers if they are current for the process. I do make it clear to the welder the first welds made will be radiographed. Also during the visuals, if I have any craftsmanship issues, its off to the test booth. It is getting worse and there are welders I have seen from a certain company who have full test papers with destructive who cannot weld. When I see a welder struggling with the cap on 8 inch 7018, and I have test papers that sayes the welder has passed a 6G test, I know this is bogus. There is a school in the NE part of OK that turns out welders who seem to have problems with the SMAW process. If I see the welder is a true craftsman and makes an effort to do quality work, I back off a little. An inspector needs to get to know the companies in its geographic area There are some companies who are really tough on their craftsman, and others who do not know come here from sic-em about welding except they pay too much and wonder why their welders turn out garbage. If the client I am working for expects, demands and pays for quality work they usually do not have a problem accepting others papers, IF the welder is closely inspected.
My $0.02 worth.
BABRT's
dbigkahunna, u r correct in saying that it is necessary to x-ray the welders first few joints to show that he can do quality work, produce sound welds, that is required of him. Even though the welder shows he has certs, it his very important that the hiring agent try and read that individual as to what he can do. We must keep in mind, a new hired welder is nervous at first, so we must take all things into consideration. Very seldom, have i seen a welder that is not nervous doing his first test or x-ray. I myself have been welding over 30 yrs., if i had to do a test that depended on me getting a job, i think i would be a little nervous. Welders need to have quality work that is also inline with quantity. Any qualified welding supervisor should be able to assess a welder after a least 3 practice welds and say, "continue or pack it in".