Hello rig weldr6g, every one of the test that you hear of regarding pipe, or anything else for that matter, will be used to test for a very specific and sometimes narrow set of skills and applications. Forgive me if you already know this, from the tone of your post I am thinking that you are somewhat new to the trade, if that isn't the case please forgive me. Welding in general is a very broad field and because of that there are many different skills and requirements of welders involved in this trade. You will likely find that your interest in the trade will drive the type of tests that you will be required to become proficient in. A pipeliner will have a different type of skills set than a maintenance welder in a refinery, even though they are both welding on pipe. That is just one example, there are tons of others. As you look to decide where your interest are regarding welding of any kind or process you will need to do some research and ask some questions and possibly even get some additional training. Once you have determined the specific area of your interest then you will need to learn the proper joint set-ups, configurations, rod selections and sizes, techniques, machine settings, rod manipulations, and any number of other nuisances that apply. Keep asking questions and learn all you can to be successful with your endeavors. Best regards, aevald
aevald, not that new to the trade, been on my own for 9yrs now and have graduated from tech school with welding degree, and have welded a lot of different stuff, 99% off my rig. From pontoons in Aug to skidders in Feb, just not a lot of pipe, welded bunch of steam line 2"-10"-12" all w/6010 up root, and 7018 up ofr the rest. didn't really know the right way, the boiler guys said do it like this and it should look like this when done, and it did, i must of done something right cause none of my joints leak. I was just trying to get a feel for this branch test, and if a guy can weld and can fit, is it that hard. the hardest test i've taken was all pos. unlimited thickness structural w/7018(I learned mostly on structural, and heavy equip.) so any help would be greatly app. thanks rig welder6
Hello rig welder6g, as I said, apologize for any offense if you weren't a newbie. Even though you're not a newbie, in a sense you are one, if you're out of your element. You will be challenged in a whole new way if you are working towards fitting and being successful at welding the branch weld pipe test. It is a whole new breed of cat, even if you have done a considerable amount of pipe up to this point.
Before you get upset with me over saying that this is possibly different than the pipe you have welded up to now consider this, most pipe fits that require butts, elbows, reducers, tees, etc. can be fit without nearly the difficulty that is associated with a branch type fit. I would agree with you that if the fit can be accomplished properly then the welding will be somewhat similar to what you have experienced up to now. If you have made welds with the types of fits involving a branch then you can tell me to go take a flying leap and go about taking the test without any reservations. I do know that there are enough different challenges out in the welding world that even though I have more than 30 years in the trade I will always have something to learn and there will always be those challenges that I might not be able to conquer in a timely manner. You are certainly on the right track by inquiring about this process and everything that it entails. Keep on asking questions and if possible try to make arrangements to get with some folks that can show you how it's done. The real thing is definitely worth more than a thousand words when it comes to something like this. I am not out to offend you or to tell that you can't accomplish this, I just tend to stress to never underestimate the task that might lie ahead. Good luck and regards, aevald
aevald. thanks for the input, 1 thing my old man told me was that you might think that you are a great welder, or may have been told you are a great welder but there is always some one out there that knows more or is better than you and that is who you learn from. saying that i would really like to find someone who could show me wats up with this sort of pipe, here in N WI but i don't think I'm gonna find them, so i'll just keep asking ?'s and try on my own. is there any other test that u can take to get a rig job in CO, or WY? just asking, still trying. thanks again for the input, its in the memory bank. thanks rig welder6
Hello rig welder6g, I got to thinking here the other day that you had mentioned living in Northern Wisconsin. Is that close to Appleton at all(forgive my ignorance for being geographically challenged)? The reason for asking is that Miller Electric Mfg. is of course located there. The other reason for inquiring has to do with the fact that Miller has a rather substantial R&D department, when I was there I didn't get to meet their pipe welding crew, but I did meet with one of their welding machine program engineers. It is possible that you could make arrangements to get a tour and possibly during the tour you might be able to pick their brains in regards to your pipe questions. A bit of a shot in the dark, but you never know till you try. Best regards, Allan
Hi Aevald!
As always, an excellent suggestion!!! Those folks out there in Appleton are very helpful and sure are devoted in giving their customers more than 100% on a regular basis, and are most hospitable!!! :) :) :)
I've been there a few times myself, and they sure know how to make you feel comfortable & welcome. ;)
Respectfully,
Henry
you are very knowledgable, thanks for your insight on pipe. it has been a big help. thanks darin
The branch test is a pipeline test. You can get a rigwelding job in a refinery and take a Tig/Stick 6G, or Tig stainless or whatever it is they need, but you won't have to take a branch test.