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Up Topic Welding Industry / General Welding Discussion / Getting into pipeline work
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- - By OBrien (***) Date 10-20-2008 02:22
I was wondering what it takes to get into pipeline/rig work.  I have been welding pipe for about a year and a half now and have think I would like to try getting into x-country pipeline work.   I have heard that it is tough to get into if your from north of the mason dixon.  I am from maine so that is a little ways north.  What are some basics?  Do I need to start on as a helper or would it be a good idea so I could get some what of an idea of how everything works.  I know that it is downhill welding and thats really about it.  Any information would be appreciated.
Parent - - By vagabond (***) Date 10-20-2008 02:53
First of all I'm not a pipeliner, and I've never claimed to be.  However I am a born and raised Alaskan 20 yrs under the hood and 1 as a newbie CWI, and I know a bunch of pipeliners and I've worked around some short line type stuff at times.  I think if you can weld where your from won't be much of an issue, like anywhere I've been pipeline or not it is a very,  how do  I say it ummmm self policing environment.  If you can't weld FAST and GOOD downhill,  don't go.  If you aren't rigged out,  with a pipeline machine and tools,  don't go.  If you are in the least thin-skinned don't go.  The fact of the matter is these people are specialists at what they do.  Starting as a helper might be the best route for you.  It's like anything I know some Jam F*****g up pipeliners that aren't going to shine at a nuke power plant because that's not what they do.  But you put them on a right of way and there's no one who can keep up with them.  If I was you and looking to do what you say you want to do I would learn to do a 12 X12 branch test with some pipe and I would rent and/or buy a lincoln machine and become very proficient at this test before I even thought about buying a rig.  You need too do it in 4 hrs. preferrably less cut it, prep it, fit it and weld it.  If you don't know what this test is search big kahunas post on this site, he gives in IMHO the best description of this test and many other things on this forum.  Be prepared to work around some different personalities, you say you've been welding for a year and a half. . . .  ok welding where???  PM me if you need to I'm more than happy to help anyone out the fact of the matter is there are a lot of different specialties within our field and this is definitely one of them.  It's not impossible but it requires hard work and dedication.  I see whiney little wannabes all day long who cry about only having two hour to do a 160 wall 2 inch and it makes me want to puke. . . . when I know that it is possible to do a 12" branch in 4 hrs.  Pipeliners are a proud group and rightfully so,  they are without a doubt the best at what they do,  they are somewhat clannish I suppose but I've always thought they judged you more on your skill then where you are from.  I am about as Yankee as you can get being from Alaska and I've never had a problem fitting in. . . . .  but of course like I've said before,  I'm probably one of the best welders in the known universe so that makes it easier.  I've heard about this guy named Sourdough who's also from Alaska and he's supposed to be pretty good but I think it might be a rumor!!!  (Inside joke)  ROFLMAO
Parent - - By OBrien (***) Date 10-20-2008 03:15
Hey man thanks for the quick response.  I will be with out internet for the next few days so if I don't respond im not blowing you off.  I have been doing industrial pipe welding.  The statement about two hours on a 2 inch i understand completely.  But you got to remember that it takes a long time to fill one of those out between going out for a smoke, talking to the guy next to you, and texting on your cell phone.  It really gets me wound up when guys have work in front of them and they ain't doing it.   I don't have the highest production in the world but I like to think I don't drag ass.  If I got a joint that needs welding my hood is only up to switch rod and chip slag.  It makes the day go by a lot faster.

I own an sa200 I just need to put a little work into it and get it running.  I can do downhill 6010 what else is run downhill.  I know that this is probably some really basic questions but I don't know anyone in pipeline work so I figured it wouldn't hurt to ask here.
Parent - By vagabond (***) Date 10-20-2008 04:53
Well if you've got an SA other then the price of gas your a leg up.  You want to get familiar with 6010, 5p+, 8010, cell 80 and even 7010 if you can but mostly the 5p+ and 8010 or cell 80 either/or.  You need to learn downhill and learn it well as I said earlier.  Even though I've only been inspecting for about a year I can usually tell a pipeliner on a boiler job by how long it takes him/her to do a test.  They just don't mess around, they do it fast, do it well and that's it.  I'm not saying they're any better or worse than anybody else however if you've ever been around a pipeline operation vs another type of welding operation you'll know what I'm talking about.  And yeah before you all write in to tell me what the difference is I KNOW.  The fact is it is not rocket science but there is a whole different pace involved,  same with oil patch vs new construction.  I mean I was brought up in an environment that let you know very quickly where you stood and I don't have much patience with the whining mentality I see on a lot of jobs nowadays.  I'm as big of a prima donna as the next person, within reason but hey it's a construction job folks!!  Git er done. . .  I'm looking for hands,  not excuses.  The industry needs people and like I said in the earlier post if your not well versed in the test etc. don't go.  You won't like it . . .  and that's the truth.  Helpers make good coin and it will give you a good look at the industry.  A year and a half in I would not have went pipelining but that's just me personally.  I'm not saying it can't be done,  I'm saying do your homework.  If you can make the test and keep up after that you'll do fine. 
Parent - - By JustinB Date 10-23-2008 02:59
I am glad I am not the only one who gets driven up the wall by whiney cry babys, I think I am going to need to get a xanax perscription to calm me for the next job comming up. Mabey that will keep me from grabing some hack by the throat LOL.
Parent - By sbcmweb (****) Date 10-24-2008 03:01
I would get the Xanax either way..... :-) S.W.
Parent - - By raftergwelding (*****) Date 10-20-2008 03:17
uh-oh
Parent - - By OBrien (***) Date 10-20-2008 03:21
Whats uh-oh? 
Parent - - By raftergwelding (*****) Date 10-20-2008 03:33
inside joke vagabond was picking on sourdough trying to get a rise out of him i'm sure
Parent - - By vagabond (***) Date 10-20-2008 04:36
Who. . . . Me???
Parent - - By raftergwelding (*****) Date 10-20-2008 11:39
ummmm yeah you
Parent - - By vagabond (***) Date 10-20-2008 16:59
Hey speaking of picking on people,  I don't know if your keen eye noticed the fact that I now have 3 stars my friend.  I am like the tortoise when you least expect it I will overtake the pack and take my rightful place at the head of the pack.  You've been warned. . . . . .  ROFLMAO
Parent - By raftergwelding (*****) Date 10-20-2008 17:11
yes i saw but you are still waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay behind me lol
Parent - By mightymoe (**) Date 01-31-2009 15:56
I have one star
Parent - - By sbcmweb (****) Date 10-24-2008 03:05
Check out yer pal's latest.
Parent - - By raftergwelding (*****) Date 10-25-2008 18:11
I saw it
Parent - - By sbcmweb (****) Date 10-25-2008 18:40
I got me a Yugo with a bobcat in the back. Junk hauling junk, I guess I can say. :-)

I'm on my way, Cactus!! S.W.
Parent - - By raftergwelding (*****) Date 10-25-2008 18:57
i'll race ya with my pinto title for title
Parent - - By jrw159 (*****) Date 10-30-2008 16:25
Hey buddy, I found you a new rig, CHEAP. LOL

jrw159 :-)
Parent - By 3.2 Inspector (***) Date 10-30-2008 16:41
I will buy it :)
Cactus, when do I start?

3.2
Parent - - By raftergwelding (*****) Date 10-30-2008 22:55
hell yes now i can get me a hobart champion wooooooooooooooooooooooohooooooooooooooooooo does it have a clear title will they owner finance
Parent - - By jrw159 (*****) Date 10-30-2008 23:41
Financing available WAC. :-)

jrw159
Parent - By raftergwelding (*****) Date 10-31-2008 00:22
i jus ran my credit and my score was 1372 is that good ?
Parent - - By jrw159 (*****) Date 11-07-2008 15:24 Edited 11-07-2008 15:35
Here are three more for you. :-) Financing available WAC. LOL

jrw159
Parent - - By raftergwelding (*****) Date 11-07-2008 17:53
you're nuts the 1st 1 has oil issues the 2nd is a ? looks home made 2 cars welded together to much of a sfaety issue and the 3rd is to high for me i still like the very 1st 1 you put up what kind of intrest are we talking about please keep in mind the tires are bald
Parent - - By jrw159 (*****) Date 11-07-2008 18:09
What????

#1. Oil issue's? It only leaks about a quart and a half a day and only burns two. Whats the issue? :-)

#2. I will do a weld & safety inspection on it personally, and you are getting two for the price of one. Whats the issue? :-)

#3. Too high? That ain't no step for a stepper like yourself, your pretty tall. LOL Whats the issue? :-)

OK I will take the tires off of #1 or any that you pick, and put them on the one from the first post, but that will raise the price. :-)  

You are a hard guy to please, you know that? LOL Picky, picky.

jrw159
Parent - - By raftergwelding (*****) Date 11-07-2008 18:14
take the tires of the 3rd 1 and out them on the very 1st 1 and i'll give you 1,000.00
Parent - - By jrw159 (*****) Date 11-07-2008 18:17
I will consider that, but for that price you don't get the bricks. :-)

jrw159
Parent - - By raftergwelding (*****) Date 11-07-2008 18:37
after i put all my stuff on it i wont need them anyway so you can put them back under your trailer lol
Parent - - By jrw159 (*****) Date 11-07-2008 19:11
I don't need them, I upgraded to cinder blocks. Stylin' and profilin' LOL
Parent - By raftergwelding (*****) Date 11-08-2008 06:02
yes you do need them winter time is comming you can finally put in that fire place you have always wanted i'll sell them back to you 20.00 a brick that seems fair lol
Parent - - By JTMcC (***) Date 10-20-2008 03:37 Edited 10-20-2008 21:35
I'll just add this,

Nobody gives two hoots where you are from or where you have been, it's a field that rewards performance in the here and now.

Like i'm so fond of saying, it's not just another welding job it's a trade in itself, working as a helper gives one a first person look at that world, and lets you see the difficulties welders will innevitably have to deal with. Also you can learn the terminology, watch a qualified P/L welder at work, absorb a ton of practical information that you have to have to work in the environment. People who attempt to enter the field without any PL experience always stick out like a sore thumb and really have a hard to impossible go.

The workload for 2009 is projected to drop back to 2007 levels, which is still pretty busy but nothing like 2008. A drop of 1/3 is what they are saying. That means that most of the marginal beginers that flocked to the boom will likely be out of work. Many, many spreads are funcioning at a lower than normal level right now because they have to live with the slow welders and high repair rates. It most likely won't be that way next year but back to business as usuall.

I see a lot of welders who can sneak past the test, but falter badly in production where the pace can be very fast, and the conditions a lot harsher than at test day.

Just some things to consider.

JTMcC.

I am a pipeliner and speak from personal experience.
Parent - - By JTMcC (***) Date 10-20-2008 21:39
I see you ask about pipeline/rig work.
There is a lot of rig welder work that's not pipeline construction from work on drill rigs to heavy equipment welding.
These will be much easier to enter than the mainline construction field, but will pay less as well.
Keep in mind that 1 1/2 years experience is very, very little.

JTMcC.
Parent - - By Cactusthewelder (*****) Date 10-22-2008 21:17
I would have to disagree in a BIG........VERY BIG way that the pay will be less in Rig Welding in the Drilling Rig industry VS. being on a Pipeline
Parent - - By JTMcC (***) Date 10-24-2008 02:28
Feel free but you don't know your numbers.
I spent way too much time going over this a while back but the bottom line is this:

The company you work for pays (I believe) $55/hour straight contract and no supply, while requiring a sizable liability policy provided by the welder. No fica witheld, no unemployment paid, no workmans comp, ect, 1099 hands responsible for both sides of fica plus self employment tax, ect, ect.
I don't dog on a man for doing the work he's capable of doing and the work he enjoys but $55/hr contract while furnishing is at the low range of what a rig welder can make in America today.
The guys welding on heavy equipment are charging well over $80/hr in the mountain west states.

A Pipeline welder employee, working for a main line contractor makes considerably more than that while furnishing no liability insurance, furnishing no consumables, gasses, ect...making time and a half on all overtime.

For me to employ a PL welder, make his payroll, pay his benefit package,half his fica, state and federal unemployment, cover his work with liability insurance and workmans comp insurance I have to bill that welder out at over $115 per hour straight time and over $146 an hour overtime.

Face it man, if the drill rig yard payed more than PL welding the PL contractors wouldn't have welders lining up to take stringent pre employment tests and face 100% xray in a fast paced environment. They'd all be welding junk iron in a drill rig yard.

JTMcC.
Parent - - By vagabond (***) Date 10-24-2008 02:44
I've got to second this one,  every place I've been you can make more on a PL job than around town doing plant work etc.  I'm sure there are niches here and there but overall I think the pipeline industry pays more.  Of course you've got the typical cut throat outfits in both fields,  where guys have their so-called job security if you will.  So you always have work for some a*****e who won't give you enough money to take a couple of months off every year.  Realistically it's what you like to do because fab yard work and PL work is worlds apart from what I've seen.  Everybody has their likes and dislikes I always like working in breweries/food plants when I had a rig,  some guys hate it.  Besides it's not all about the money is it???  Oh yeah I forgot it is all about the money. . . . .  LOL
Parent - By JTMcC (***) Date 10-24-2008 04:38
Well it's not ALL about the money, but it's fairly important.
I've allways looked for greatest bang for the buck but I produce all of the income for my family, my Wife/Chic is a stay at home Mom with a couple of small ones to take care of.
And, as everybody knows, it takes a lot to raise a family, provide health insurance, keep everybody in a good reliable heap, sock enough away so when you retire the kids don't have to feed us : ) ect. More so on one income.
So I NEED to squeeze the max income I can out of what 've got.
I don't argue with anyone else's take on it, but that's mine, max bang for my welding buck.

JTMcC.
Parent - - By jrw159 (*****) Date 10-24-2008 12:27
LOL, Money is not everything, but money is a part of everything. :-)

jrw159
Parent - By sbcmweb (****) Date 10-24-2008 14:21
John, I can say first hand I know a little about that. I sure have been on both sides of the spectrum.

I've had weeks where I grossed almost ten grand, net around six on machine resales.

Then, I've had weeks where I had $10 in my checking account, with the bills due.

I can say, what's important for me is that I'm home with my family every night, I don't have any credit card debt & owe very few people money. I get to sleep with my wife every night, rather than getting high with 'Captain Jack' & a six pack in a motel room, hundreds of miles from home.

Damn, that money....You gotta have it. :-)

"Captain Jack will get you by tonight....Captain Jack will get you high tonight......" (Captain Jack, Billy Joel, Piano Man LP)
Parent - By vagabond (***) Date 10-24-2008 14:25
Money can't buy you happiness, but it can buy you a yacht big enough to park next to it and join the party!!-David Lee Roth
Parent - - By Cactusthewelder (*****) Date 10-24-2008 12:55 Edited 10-24-2008 12:57
I have a list of 178 welders wanting in my yard. I will show you my 1099 from last year as well as my loss profit statements if you show yours. And you are right. I do not know my numbers but thats why I have a Full Time Accountant as well as a Full time Secretary. THEY know my numbers. Also you need to keep the Geographical area in mind. We are in Texas. $55.00 per hour is NOT on the low range where we are. Also like I said before. I have some of the best welders money can buy. Pipeline or Junk Iron. They weld it all. I will put them on any test, anytime, anywhere. Any one of them can work anywhere they want to. They choose to be here, I also beleive in a good work place. No one here is screaming at you to hurry up. Or on you for bustin a shot. We have fun. Thats worth alot. Face it man, a pipeline is just a round plate. Whats the big deal ? I will invite you to come take our test. It is not 100%x-ray but I do believe it is just as stringent. It must be, I have had about 50 Very good down hill hands bust out on it. As I am righting this it is Friday morning. I just signed tickets for the week. The average ticket is $4500.00 some more, some less. No one here has spent over $150.00 this week on consumables

Cactus
Parent - By BryonLewis (****) Date 10-24-2008 13:23
Damn, $4500/wk!!!!!!!
Parent - By sbcmweb (****) Date 10-24-2008 14:12
BUSTA MOVE CACTUS!

I don't think he knows how to say anything nice to anyone. Well, maybe once in a great while.

What would you expect anyways? S.W.
Parent - - By vagabond (***) Date 10-24-2008 14:45
For the record,  I have never said 55 was on the low range,  I also have never stated anyone did or didn't know their numbers.  I would be forced to agree that 55 in Texas is probably not on the low end.  I stated in my earlier post that I used to like plant and/or yard work whatever myself for a lot of the same reasons you have stated here.  I like the environment better bottom line, doesn't mean I think the money is better.  And you are right there is no big deal about pipelines period, but that being said it is also somewhat of a specialty deal and some folks are very proficient at it.  I don't have a rig at present,  so you'll have to pardon me for not pulling up stakes and coming down to take your test.  Which for what it's worth, I could probably pass left-handed.  I can make as much, or more than I made doing plant work etc. as an inspector so that is what I do.  And with most rod at about 100.00 a can I have to wonder about a guy spending 150 a week on consumables.  For the record I wasn't trying to stir the pot I was just pointing out my viewpoint, which again is supposed to be what these forums are for.  Everyone on here gets all jumped up when we start talking about wages,  I personally find it kind of humorous.  But then again I can get welders all day long and I can certainly get inspectors too,  I do it all the time.  Obviously you can to if you have a list of 178 people wanting to go to work for you.  Everyone I talk to speaks pretty highly of you so I'll trust their opinion,  I PM'd you a while back and asked if you were putting on inspectors if you remember right because I was thinking about coming down if you were.  I'm just trying to clear things up here because I don't think what your paying is low,  I do think on average a person would make more do PL work.    Just my .02
Parent - - By jrw159 (*****) Date 10-24-2008 15:25
Vagabond,
  "I PM'd you a while back and asked if you were putting on inspectors if you remember right because I was thinking about coming down if you were." 

Just curious, did you get any kind of response whatsoever to this question?

jrw159
Parent - - By vagabond (***) Date 10-24-2008 15:29
Stir stick. . . . .  . . . . . I mean that in a nice way of course.  And the answer to your question is no FWIW.  Not suprising though, some people think I have an attitude problem if you can believe that.  It was probably something I said, or in this case typed ROFLMAO.
Parent - By sbcmweb (****) Date 10-24-2008 15:58
You have always been alright to me. :-)
Parent - - By jrw159 (*****) Date 10-24-2008 16:05
LMFAO, thats a good one, but really, no stirring going on. I was just curious if you received the same response that I did, FWIW. :-)
Parent - - By vagabond (***) Date 10-24-2008 16:12
OK not stirring. . . . perhaps purposefully agitating in a semi-circular or circular motion???
Parent - By jrw159 (*****) Date 10-24-2008 16:13
Nope. :-)
Up Topic Welding Industry / General Welding Discussion / Getting into pipeline work
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