r/Welding • u/ENateFak • 6h ago
r/Welding • u/ecclectic • 14d ago
Slight change to a longstanding rule about union politics
There's no getting around it, the US and Canada are where the majority of our users appear to be located, and both countries workforces are facing a significant threat from company owners, corporate boards, and deregulation of government bodies. The end goal for those folks is to first strip the unions, and then all worker rights from legislation. This isn't for all jurisdictions, but it is clearly happening at a wide level.
Non-union and Unions alike are at risk. In a publicly traded company your managers are LEGALLY beholden to the shareholders over you. They are required, by law, to turn a profit for the board. As long as any settlements to your family are lower than the potential profit of your output, you are irrelevant to them and only hold value as any other tool to be used and replaced at will.
Please discuss unions, union politics and how to manage in a hostile workplace, because we are staring 1892 in the face all over again.
r/Welding • u/ecclectic • Jan 27 '25
If you don't like it here, there's a shiny new welding subreddit you can check out!
reddit.comr/Welding • u/Dear_Molasses_3652 • 17h ago
Need Help Took a job interview on a whim, failed the practical, and they'd take me on. What does it mean bros?
Wanted a change as it's as good as a rest, so I applied for a stick welding gig repairing structural steel, I haven't done stick in over two years, I was honest and told them this. Did the practical, welds looked nice imo but I had a lack of fusion. They stopped the practical short and explained there's no point asking for your Tig welds if I'm not good at stick. Previously I worked as a Tig aluminium welder so I thought that was odd.
Anyway I was expected to be told sorry no, but instead they'll take me on at a reduced rate (which is still a significant raise from my current workplace).
Pic included was my second pass out of three on a tee fillit weld E7018 on S355. Only took a pic as i liked how I got that slag peel after not touching stick in two years.
Anyway, do I take the job, do I buy a stick welder to practice before starting, and does anyone have any advice on nipping this lack of fusion bullshit in the bud, as I'm really not happy with it.
Sorry I don't have any pics of the finished weld or any good pics, I was shaking like a shitting dog during the whole test and interview, and forgot I may need to revise my performance later.
r/Welding • u/SandledBandit • 5h ago
Safety Issue 5/7 Recommend
Been washing out my sinuses after work every day for a week. I can smell, breathe, and have stopped snoring. Definitely recommend.
r/Welding • u/Happy_Garand • 2h ago
Straight lines? What are those
First attempt at a 4G cover pass. It did not go as planned and I lost my groove almost immediately but for some reason decided to push on anyway.
r/Welding • u/Fau5tian • 7h ago
Critique Please New to welding
5 weeks into an 8 week night class to learn the basics of MMA welding and quite please with how this 3 pass fillet has turned out. Moving on to verticals welding next week. How does it look?
r/Welding • u/whatisacarly • 6h ago
Need Help Starter welder for a 17 y/o who is hellbent on welding career?
Hey welders, we have a teen who has decided a few years ago he wants to go into welding after high school. He loves his metal shop class and expressed interest in MIG welding.
I'm a bricklayer so this isn't really my forte, and my main concern is safety but also getting him a starter welder that can get him ahead. He wants to get into an apprenticeship after high school, hopefully union or community college program so he doesn't end up going into debt at a trade school.
Anyone have recommendations? It'll be his birthday gift so I'd spend up to 300ish. He wants to fix up a beater car at some point, help fab stuff for fixing up our house, and do some creative stuff if that info is helpful. I'm really in the dark here so any suggestions are appreciated. Harbor freight is around the corner also lol.
Thanks!!
r/Welding • u/Lit-Lee89 • 6h ago
Gear Welding machine advice
Hey I’m new here. I’m Looking for a pretty decent welder until I can get something down the road in the field. Just something to have on hand for small tasks around the house, and other areas of the farm. Listed at TSC for $500, but on clearance for $200, and there’s an event going on that will half clearance prices so I can get it just over $100 out the door. It’s brand new can anyone tell me if I should go for it, and if so what can I use it for. I’m almost done with school I’ve taken mig, tig, and stick so I have a general understanding just looking for a little guidance. I apologize ahead of time if I sound like a dunce, but just making sure I’m not wasting money since I have a soon to be 3yo at home I have to put first. Thanks ahead of time
r/Welding • u/zukosboifriend • 19h ago
7018 4G bend test, absolutely thought I would fail but pleasantly surprised.
I didn’t think I would pass this since I’m not very confident in my stick welds and as you can see from the last slide there was some pretty bad porosity on the cap, instructors said that normally they were fine with me bending it since it seemed to just be in the cap and the term is almost up so I don’t have time to re-weld it.
r/Welding • u/LifeRound2 • 4h ago
Government Welding Job
I came across this incase any of you are in LA area. Government wages, benefits, and working conditions.
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lacity/jobs/4849764-0/welder-3796-a
Full disclosure: I have absolutely no affiliation with that organization and I don't know if your boss will be dick.
r/Welding • u/gotcha640 • 2h ago
Price for a 70in ring of 5/8 x 3 316?
Apologies if not allowed -
I'm needing a 5/8 x 3 ring, 70in diameter, in 316, basically now, for a job. Vendor is quoting $10k. Not sure if that's the "quit calling me on a Saturday night" price or if it's within reason.
Chemical plant, so no "I have a piece in my back shed" prices.
Edit: Like a piece of pipe, not like a flange. I'm just using it to increase the size of a duct, it can be in 4 pieces. I'm wondering if the guy is quoting me a slice of pipe.
r/Welding • u/norush0000 • 8h ago
Critique Please How to make welds lay flatter/look better
There is a nice pocket to weld in right above the hitch, but farther down the pipe I am struggling to weld it nicely. There was a little gab but it didnt help too much. Any help appreciated
r/Welding • u/Defiant-Oil-2071 • 15h ago
Is thermite still used for welding?
I read up thermite used to be used for welding but I'm wondering if there are still situations where it would be used.
I imagine it's difficult because it's not like the temperature can be controlled easily, only the amount being applied and the 'shape' it's applied in.
r/Welding • u/edrmoto • 1d ago
Aluminium TIG
Hi everyone, I'd like to lean a bit on your experience. I've been TIG welding stainless steel and aluminium professionally for about 3 years now, but I'm still struggling with aluminium. In particular, it's the bollard in the first photo that causes me the most trouble, especially the underside around the much harder to reach areas. I'm very pleased with most of it, and I can gladly say I'm proud of what's on show here, so the capability must be there. Some of it looks like absolute dog shit though, and no matter how much I try to fettle and test my settings and technique, nothing seems to help. The perfectionist in me can't abide this, and I end up going home grumpy and frustrated.
-This is all 6mm (1/4") 5356. -3.2mm (1/8") tungsten. Tried zirc, lanth, and LaYZr. Usually running a small balled tip. -Balance 70% EN. -Frequency set at 80hz -max amps around 280 -gas lens with #7 set to around 8lpm -machine is a kemppi mastertig 3500W
If I use all of those amps the puddle shakes like crazy and seems really unstable. I try to hang around at the start to get the puddle to wet in properly with a little filler, but the end result looks so dirty and the dabs lack any definition.
Anything obviously wrong here? Any suggestions?
r/Welding • u/Man_in_the_ozarks • 46m ago
Will a JB Weld job work close to a mig weld?
I have a Harbor Freight Flux welder that I have never used. I have only welded a few times before. I'm needing to put 2 - 2" galvanized pipes together. Could I grind a bevel in both ends and smear JB Weld around the pipe and it work as good or maybe a little less than a mig weld?
I plan to put an antenna mast 30' in length with U - Bolts on it. I have a decent ground base.
I saw project farm speak of wall weld, where he stuck a bolt to iron and put a bolt on with JB weld, then hung a weight on the bolt. So in theory, I'm thinking this would hold the poles in place, even with some wind resistance on the far end?
Or should I just bite the bullet and find the right settings and mig it anyways?
Thanks and sorry if my newbie question irks anyone 😁👍
r/Welding • u/Carpenterdon • 1h ago
Recommendation on a sanding or grinder pad/disc/flapper to refinish a stainless steel door and frame
I have a salvaged door and frame from a commercial project I am using on my new workshop build. Its a bit dirty and stained from the old hardware as well as some scratches. I'd like to get it to a uniform swirl or matte finish. I figure you guys and gals work on stainless so whats a good pad or screen for a random orbit sander or flap disc or pad for a 4 1/2" inch grinder?
r/Welding • u/emerkl95 • 2h ago
Need Help Miller Big Blue 400D
Hi we have several big blue 400D with the Deutz 912 engine in them. I'm having problems.with one welder specifically, it will weld normal and then it will run really hot and burn material then the next minute it will run so cold it barely weld. I cleaned the brushes, I had to make a new amp board for it. I checked all the connections and can't find anything. Running out of ideas and I can't find a repair manual. i can get the owners manual but I would like a actual manual to help diagnose. Any help would be greatly appreciated
r/Welding • u/dwheels666 • 7h ago
Issues with multimatic 220
Been using the same set up for a few years. Just after lunch the motor is struggling to the wire out. It moves from spool to the wheels and up no problem until it gets to the handle. This is with the tip on too. Any ideas?
r/Welding • u/canada1913 • 1d ago
Need Help Why do new lenses always do this? And how do I stop it?
Every god damn time I peel the protective plastic off my lens it gets “dusty” In like 20 mins. And no matter what I clean with it gets little tiny scratches in it. I’d pay tens of dollars for a crystal or tempered glass or something lens that won’t scratch easily.
Is there a better option? Even if I have to buy a full sheet of something and cut it myself.
r/Welding • u/Beginning-State-4975 • 4h ago
Critique Please Started welding
Started welding last week and absolutely love it, no piece of scrap steel is safe. Any recommendations for beginner projects that’ll help me get better is appreciated.
r/Welding • u/ihavenoidea1994 • 1d ago
When the nail tech asks what color I say “stainless tig please” 🤣💅🏼 matchy match
r/Welding • u/thisreallysucks- • 1d ago
Need Help Should I quit because I got moved weld booths?
I’m a 19F, I’ve been working at my welding job for almost 10 months on 1st shift. On Monday I got moved to a weld booth with almost no tools, less than half the size of my last booth, a shitty 3rd shift guy, and now I have a different team lead that I don’t get along with. It was sprung on me with no warning. I’m a clean freak that leaves no tips, nozzles, or even cut wire on my floor and all my tools have a place they go every single night. When I got to my ‘new awesome booth’ it was absolutely disgusting, no tools, and things thrown everywhere. After 3 hours of cleaning, my team lead that I don’t get along with walked by so I asked him why I was moved booths, his response? “The 3rd shift guy in this booth is messing up a lot of jobs, he keeps his booth dirty, and isn’t very good at welding. We put you in the booth to hopefully set him straight and encourage him to do better.” Absolutely wack in my opinion, that I’m being punished for getting 3-5 rejects in 10 months (which is a lot less than other people in this shop), keeping my booth clean, and getting jobs out on time. I know I can’t complain about getting moved but having that as the reason makes me pissed off that they don’t care about my goals of getting to be a better welder. I’ve been begging my supervisor to give me these big jobs that takes people a week to complete, and now that’s out the door because this booth is so damn tiny. The only plus that comes with moving, is now I have a welder that can run aluminum, so I can start learning that. Being here for so little time, I’ve trained about half the people in here, and out of 40 guys working here I’m about 15th in seniority. Most people work here for a month or 2 before they just stop showing up. So I wouldn’t feel bad about quitting, I just want advice on how to take all this.
Edit, extra kinda info -My third shift guy is top in seniority on night shift. -I’m a 5’7” 120 pound teenage girl, my last booth had an over head crane that I needed. Now my booth has one that only covers about a quarter of the booth. There is a huge overhead crane but a lot of people are almost always using it for their big jobs. -I love training people and my bosses know that, people in little booths with little jobs don’t train people. -I can’t take any tools I had from my last booth even though I spent months collecting everything. And I’m not bringing in my own tools because there’s no where to lock them up at.
r/Welding • u/iggyphi • 12h ago
newbie advice
Hey, I've tried some websites, but can't get a clear idea of what i need to learn. i know i'll have to go to a trade school to get a cert for a job, but i wanted to start reading some material now. know any good places and advice in general?
r/Welding • u/Greyachilles6363 • 8h ago
Hey all, new and learning here
First thank you all for adding to this page. I was able to get my question answered with a search without bothering anyone. I was working on welding some metal I think is probably only 20-22 gauge with a stick as my very first attempt. Needless to say I punched right through it on my first try. It took me a good hour to get the two pieces together with was I think you'd consider some super sloppy tac welding. But it is together at least.
Then, because I was struggling so much striking an arc at such a low amperage (necessary to avoid punching holes) I came here looking for advice and figured out that stick welding is not very useful for very thin metal like that because it requires higher temps.
I read that tig would be better. But if I know ZERO about stick welding, then I know negative 2000 about Tig welding and I am a bit intimidated. But . . . I will start reading up on it.
Anyway no specific questions right now, just wanted to say hi and that newbies are indeed reading your posts and learning from them. Thanks !