This was a very inspirational video. I worked in a ship yard non union for 9 years. I joined a union and went out as a helper on some smaller jobs. Then went to help on a distribution job. Told the soup I could weld. I went in and busted. Then I had 6 months before I could test again. Lost my job. 2 months later I get a phone call from that supervisor asking if I would be willing to fuse pipe. I said he'll yeah. I passed and went to work. 2 weeks before I was eligible to take my weld test again he had me in the back forty of the office/ yard welding pipe. Another main line welder said my welds looked good and I took my test and passed. Through this time of 5 years I wasn't the smartest with my money or time. I'm not a journeyman through the hall and I want to be. I'm going to study up and do whatever it takes to pass the written and get more comfortable burning rod so I can truly break out. I just want to give a shout out to all the wives that stick around raising our kids while we our on the road and stay true to us and don't bounce. But again. This video lit a fire under my ass to pursue it with 110%.
everyone has to get in there own way / didnt know shit when i started got run off 3 jobs cause bad looking welds but got a ton of experience on every one //take it as it comes and get back up if you fall//youll love welding it gets in your blood//and eventually youll work on all kinds of projects//best of all youll love your job
I appreciate you taking the time to explain your journey to become a pipeline. thank you for your service as well, im trying to convince my brother to weld with me when he's out of the service.
I’ve seen many videos… your probably the best. My brothers and I all weld mainline. And our youngest brother is in high school and it’s hard to get it through his head. The drive… so he’s been glued to your videos for about 4 days now. Thanks buddy.
Our stories are so similar it’s spooky. Just substitute farming for military and our careers sound very similar. 422/597 building trades hand turned almost ten years pipelining in Chicago. Keep up the videos!
Good video reminds of how I started in the electrical union here in Texas early on went through there apprenticeship program never looked back I am retired now my son is now in the union and very proud not necessarily cause it’s union but because how hard he has worked
I’m enjoying these. Just recently got my weld inspection license and my coating as well. Graduated from college with a mechanical engineering degree, but love this industry and type of work I get to do way more. Maybe we’ll work together one day. I work east coast typically wv, pa, va, areas.
A rreally interesting history and not overly rambling The last part can pertain to many buisnesses and skilled trades to know someone. I think you knew "sombody" by your hard work. You knew that plumbing contractor that saw you liked what he saw offered you a job that got you to the union and you met the other guys and it snow balled but it aint just you knew somebody. It aint that you knew somebody that you werent run off , but totally get your point .. I never welded started out plumbing non union stuff and after around 15 years wound up going union did that plumbing for 10 then went to pipefitting and liked that best I was building trades we generaly have no helpers apprentices and journeyman pipefitters and welder pipefitters basicaly a pipefitter that can weld and has certs usually the same pay. really liked the pipefitting but never got much into welding now Im retired I just kinda timed out befor I got into that kinda wished I did but a lot of hours on the clock leaving it to you youngers! Thanks for your service!!
I really appreciate you taking the time to tell us your story. I was wondering how do you find distribution contractors, I’ve never heard of this side of pipeline until now.
You’re very welcome. Distribution is typically the liver pressure gas lines that run through towns. Every gas company in the country has contractors working for them in some capacity replacing or upgrading the system. Look for big rolls of yellow plastic pipe!
i’m 20 years old and looking for a career that pays good, how would you recommend getting into it for my best shot in making good money? i’m a pretty quick learner, and very hard working!
Where do you mostly work out of? I’m from PA always had the itch to kind of get into the pipeline but I’d love to just come hangout for a week with you and do a job shadow for free just to learn the basics from you!
Where are you finding SA200s for 2500? Does it just depend on the region? I don’t know where to look but everything I see is crazy expensive even for older machines
In my opinion…. A lot of guys have these 15-18k welding machines… and most of us run 200’s. Yeah you’ll work on your 200 a lot… but once your 17k machine breaks down? You have to leave work and get it repaired and tear the thing apart… but a 200??? Kick it a couple times and get back to weldin. I’ve seen a buddy pour Gatorade in the radiator when the coolant froze in -65 degrees up in Montana. 🤣🤣
@@DownhillWelder300 im currently in welding school. My goal is to be a pipeline rigwelder and men like you are an inspiration. Especially your background in the military. So Thank you
This was a very inspirational video. I worked in a ship yard non union for 9 years. I joined a union and went out as a helper on some smaller jobs. Then went to help on a distribution job. Told the soup I could weld. I went in and busted. Then I had 6 months before I could test again. Lost my job. 2 months later I get a phone call from that supervisor asking if I would be willing to fuse pipe. I said he'll yeah. I passed and went to work. 2 weeks before I was eligible to take my weld test again he had me in the back forty of the office/ yard welding pipe. Another main line welder said my welds looked good and I took my test and passed. Through this time of 5 years I wasn't the smartest with my money or time. I'm not a journeyman through the hall and I want to be. I'm going to study up and do whatever it takes to pass the written and get more comfortable burning rod so I can truly break out. I just want to give a shout out to all the wives that stick around raising our kids while we our on the road and stay true to us and don't bounce. But again. This video lit a fire under my ass to pursue it with 110%.
everyone has to get in there own way / didnt know shit when i started got run off 3 jobs cause bad looking welds but got a ton of experience on every one //take it as it comes and get back up if you fall//youll love welding it gets in your blood//and eventually youll work on all kinds of projects//best of all youll love your job
I appreciate you taking the time to explain your journey to become a pipeline. thank you for your service as well, im trying to convince my brother to weld with me when he's out of the service.
Thanks for the comment! It’s an honest living!
You are amazing, a great role model.
Lot of amazing advice, surprising story. I grew up plumbing and i'm a journeyman in texas, fouth genoration.
I’ve seen many videos… your probably the best. My brothers and I all weld mainline. And our youngest brother is in high school and it’s hard to get it through his head. The drive… so he’s been glued to your videos for about 4 days now. Thanks buddy.
Awesome video! Great advice!Thank you for your service!
There's the video I was waiting for, thank you for sharing this bud. 👌
Thanks for being patient!
Our stories are so similar it’s spooky. Just substitute farming for military and our careers sound very similar. 422/597 building trades hand turned almost ten years pipelining in Chicago. Keep up the videos!
Nice! I’m in 597. I’ve welded for peoples, Nicore and Nipsco up there. I try to stay in the southern part of the state. lol
Thank you brotha really pointed me in the right direction
Thank you for your service
You’re very welcome. Thanks for the support!
Your a hell of a guy man. Thanks.
Thanks for the support!
Cool story! 😂 that first truck was famous! Happy for you buddy. Keep hammering 👍
Thanks a lot HA!! Wouldn’t be here without you!
Good video reminds of how I started in the electrical union here in Texas early on went through there apprenticeship program never looked back I am retired now my son is now in the union and very proud not necessarily cause it’s union but because how hard he has worked
Hard work is always something to be proud of!
I like you taking time to make this. Good knowledge for younger generation looking at field. Thank you
Thanks for the support. Just trying to give a little back.
Appreciated sharing your story. Story how hard work pays off. Enjoy your channel.
Great! I’m glad you’re enjoying the content. Thanks for your support!
I’m enjoying these. Just recently got my weld inspection license and my coating as well. Graduated from college with a mechanical engineering degree, but love this industry and type of work I get to do way more. Maybe we’ll work together one day. I work east coast typically wv, pa, va, areas.
Thanks a lot! It’s a small world working pipeline. We could most certainly cross paths someday.
Thanks for making this one I’m very lost on where to start lol
You’re welcome. Hopefully it helps!
A rreally interesting history and not overly rambling The last part can pertain to many buisnesses and skilled trades to know someone. I think you knew "sombody" by your hard work. You knew that plumbing contractor that saw you liked what he saw offered you a job that got you to the union and you met the other guys and it snow balled but it aint just you knew somebody. It aint that you knew somebody that you werent run off , but totally get your point ..
I never welded started out plumbing non union stuff and after around 15 years wound up going union did that plumbing for 10 then went to pipefitting and liked that best I was building trades we generaly have no helpers apprentices and journeyman pipefitters and welder pipefitters basicaly a pipefitter that can weld and has certs usually the same pay. really liked the pipefitting but never got much into welding now Im retired I just kinda timed out befor I got into that kinda wished I did but a lot of hours on the clock leaving it to you youngers!
Thanks for your service!!
Great video, love your channel.
Thanks a lot! I appreciate that!
I am a welder too. I was in the Alabama National Guard Det 1 CO C 711TH Sig Bn retired now. OIF in 04 and 05
Thanks for your service!
Thank you too
Need more vids brother hope all is well out there
I really appreciate you taking the time to tell us your story. I was wondering how do you find distribution contractors, I’ve never heard of this side of pipeline until now.
You’re very welcome. Distribution is typically the liver pressure gas lines that run through towns. Every gas company in the country has contractors working for them in some capacity replacing or upgrading the system. Look for big rolls of yellow plastic pipe!
Awesome story 👍🏻
Thanks!
I thought you did a good job with this video keep them coming
Thank you. I appreciate that!
Come on man we need more content from you please
i’m 20 years old and looking for a career that pays good, how would you recommend getting into it for my best shot in making good money? i’m a pretty quick learner, and very hard working!
Where do you mostly work out of? I’m from PA always had the itch to kind of get into the pipeline but I’d love to just come hangout for a week with you and do a job shadow for free just to learn the basics from you!
I do my best to stay in Illinois and a little in Indiana.
@@DownhillWelder300 LU553?
Im in Pennsylvania welding pipe in shop. how can i get in back on the road?
How long were you a helper until you broke out on your own? love the videos!
Thanks for the comment! I helped for about 6 months before i broke out.
Good video brother, what are you recording on? Phone or go pro?
Thanks a lot! iPhone for now. Will probably be getting a GoPro or two soon.
So do you set your own rate or you get jman scale?
Hey that ram u have does it have a built transmission
Where are you finding SA200s for 2500? Does it just depend on the region? I don’t know where to look but everything I see is crazy expensive even for older machines
In my opinion…. A lot of guys have these 15-18k welding machines… and most of us run 200’s. Yeah you’ll work on your 200 a lot… but once your 17k machine breaks down? You have to leave work and get it repaired and tear the thing apart… but a 200??? Kick it a couple times and get back to weldin. I’ve seen a buddy pour Gatorade in the radiator when the coolant froze in -65 degrees up in Montana. 🤣🤣
man i wanna put a flat bed on my ford 7.3 1999... its got the 8 foot bed.... any good flat beds you recommend ?
Yeah, it was an 8’ bed. Martin truck bodies is about the only manufactured bed i would buy.
@@DownhillWelder300 thank you
What is a distribution contractor
my question exactly lmao. google told me thing lol
I’ll take it your a bldg trades local member but rig weld ?? ….. I am, but work through 798 on a lot of gas compressor station jobs
How old were you when you broke out welding on the pipeline?
I started pipeline welding when I was 29 years old.
First @ 2:20 in the morning 😂
Thanks!!
1:30 am here in California
I live in hellinois 😂 work in St. Louis
Not far from you then. I’m an hour east of St. Louis.
I understand your military analogy but not everyone who applies will qualify for the military. Not to mention the military isn’t for everyone
Start out as a helper, keep your mouth closed, and pay attention to the journeyman welder and learn
Hey man I dm’d you on insta. Had a question but your rig is badass man stay safe out there
I messaged you on instagram last week if you get a second to read it that would be awesome man if not I know you are busy love all of the content man
I replied to it. Good hearing from you!
@@DownhillWelder300 thanks man
Thank you for your service
Thank you!
@@DownhillWelder300 im currently in welding school. My goal is to be a pipeline rigwelder and men like you are an inspiration. Especially your background in the military. So Thank you