Yeah, I can relate to the V.A. thing already, and I've not been on here all that long. I am not by profession a welder, much less a pipeliner. My knowledge and experience is limited; the tricks of the trade and terminology are in a lot of cases new to me. I do some structural, some farm repair and pipe fence building on a part-time basis. I bought my machine (a '67 redface Lincoln) with the intention of learning to weld, more as a challenge to myself than anything else. The amount of welding I do for others is for sure not going to put a crimp in the lifestyle of a professional welder; matter-of-fact, most jobs I take on wouldn't be worthwhile for a full-time rig welder to go out on. Now, here's the burr under my saddle. The few times that I have posted questions, it would seem that the mind-set of the forum members is that if you don't already know everything about welding, have your pipefitters book, own a one-ton diesel truck with the latest and greatest toys, then you are (1) dumber than a car-load of anvils, and/or (2) are a major threat to the livelihood of each and every welder with a Union book if any knowledge is imparted to you. Lighten up, guys. There's some of us that just want to be able to sew two pieces of metal together in a safe, workman-like manner that will be a credit to anyone who has ever run a bead.
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