Welding Tips and Tricks

I understand that, too.

I've driven 1300 miles for a make or break test more than once.

I've failed one, too.

That's a quiet ride home... I don't even want the radio for companionship at that point.

Steve S

So the test was saturday may 7th. I've had some time to think about it now, its been over a week. I'm confident, but a little reluctant to celebrate. I didn't have any major issues while welding. I won't get the results back for couple more weeks, they get sent to the state capitol where they are measured and ex rayed. Just a note to other students out there, work hard and you will see improvement. It may be frustrating at first but it gets better, stick with it.

Havnt followed this thread but just caught up on it. Sounds like you got it. A lot of times when you're frustrated like that you have to take a break and come back. But your mind tells you to try again. Ive only failed 1 cert and that was my stainless pipe 6g. Purge fell out and I couldn't redo it. Auto fail. Worst 3hr drive of my life. If you don't make it, just take a breath and go at it again. I would try to weave as much as I could as it burns hotter and seems to leave less crap in there. But stringers are quick and get the job done too. Just gotta get the smooth motion down. I hope the results then out well in your favor. Good luck

When I fail I blame it on the welding machine, the rod, the position of the moon. It happens, anyone tells you it doesn't they are full of it. Nothing worse than doing a heavy wall 6G and the inspector says "you will not radius the corners on the straps", edges are a crap shoot sometimes.

One thing I can be for sure of, a picture of that Alaskan fellas root pass belongs in a welding text book.

DLewis0289 wrote:When I fail I blame it on the welding machine, the rod, the position of the moon. It happens, anyone tells you it doesn't they are full of it. Nothing worse than doing a heavy wall 6G and the inspector says "you will not radius the corners on the straps", edges are a crap shoot sometimes.

One thing I can be for sure of, a picture of that Alaskan fellas root pass belongs in a welding text book.

I can relate to blaming the moon phase. I can blame a machine, in one case, because of a gas coverage issue, but that's still on me, for not recognizing it at the time.

If by "that Alaskan fella", you mean John, AKWeldshop, you'd be stunned by how young this exceptionally talented fellow is.

Steve S

Yep AKWeldshops root was impressive, nice and flat, toes held perfect, machine perfect, all lined up. You know when someone asks "did you weld that flat" on your vertical up you got it by the ass. Go ahead, make me feel bad about myself, how old is this fella?

He's either 17 or eighteen. I've lost track.

Steve S

They do exist every now and then....."The Natural"

Go back to his pics and looks at the one the slag is peeling off, check out the backdrop in the pic. They can have these damn palm trees and sweat, take that any day.

The uncertainty may cease, I got a phone call today to inform me where I may pick up the certification. I passed!!!! Not that I had a single doubt, actually had several. Thanks to you folks for the time and encouragement, and thanks again to my instructor who put in just as much time as I did. And yes akweldshops root pass is awesome. Maybe sometime he could show us how it looks going in.

Woodbutcher wrote:The uncertainty may cease, I got a phone call today to inform me where I may pick up the certification. I passed!!!! Not that I had a single doubt, actually had several. Thanks to you folks for the time and encouragement, and thanks again to my instructor who put in just as much time as I did. And yes akweldshops root pass is awesome. Maybe sometime he could show us how it looks going in.

Hot Damn, congratulations!

Everyone who's waited more than a day for the results knows how it feels... No matter how good you felt doing it, the doubts creep in more every day you have to wait.

Steve S

Good deal, congrats!

Thanks fellas, ive always strived for quality work, but now it seems I need to hold all tolerances to a higher level. Im sure thats a normal response. Of course as a fairly young man I still have plenty to learn. Thanks again.