Uphill Welding / Pipefitting Test Question

Welding against gravity.

Vertical Uphill Welding Technique

Uphill welding works way better for both MIG and MMA welding.

My own theory, and I don't know if the experts would bear this out, is that it preheats the weld area as the heat rises, and with MMA welding it seems to keep the flux out of the weld much better.

It is also easier to build something on top of the small ledge being formed, rather than trying to attach material above it.

It also depends a lot on the material and the process. If you are doing thin wall material with TIG especially with a good pulser, it doesn't really make a difference.

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If the process involves spraying metal or there is a large pool created, downhill might be very different than uphill.

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Some people prefer in many situations to run stainless MIG downhill rather than uphill...but that is the only example of the preference being reversed that I can think of.

thanks for the excellent opinions. Now, considering I spent most of my time since then actually selling and managing instead of "ingraining" so much, I loved your idea of talking my way into something. I'm here in North Dakota, and it seems like the employers are more than desperate for good workers. Notice I said good workers, NOT qualified workers. assuming I am a good worker, and even nearly qualified, at which point would you suppose I should start talking? Before I even show up for a scheduled test or right then and there, before the test or even after coming close, but failing? I am used to working with home owners for so long I don't really know what to expect from a grizzled old inspector or whoever does tests these days. Is there any such thing as on the job training on non critical parts like we did in the old days? I just passed 50 yrs...

I think you should talk early and often. Be genuine.

Don't be afraid to expose vulnerability, but avoid being down on yourself or your prospects. I think a good approach would be mostly accentuating your strengths with occasional indication that you are realistic that it will take some time to regain former skills.

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Let me be clear here. I am not suggesting you try to find someone who takes pity or wants to make you their pet project.

You want them to see you as inherently valuable. You want them to be looking for ways to hire you even if the test doesn't go well. You want your experience, perhaps in things like building and leveraging relationships in sales and management, to give them confidence that hiring you will be seen as a great business decision.

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...Anyone could hire strictly based on the outcome of tests, but look at what this hiring manager found that anyone strictly reviewing the tests would have missed....

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One thing you might have learned in sales is propositions tend to go over better if you present them as:

'Great news! I have a solution to ______(the problem that they weren't aware of until this call) This is how we are going to proceed.'

rather than,

'We have a problem, can you help me out with ______ by doing _____.'

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Set expectations from the beginning and go the extra mile to impress them.

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Okay last bit of advice (you did ask for it)....

one way to get a job is to be there regularly. It you can regularly show up to ask to work for the company, even after they have said 'no' (which many places don't exactly say... they say might say something like, 'not at this time', but usually not 'not now or ever').

Show up to ask if you can take the test again, show up to ask if they have reconsidered, show up to show that you are determined and persistent.....early morning will probably be more effective.

Even if they hire you because they are sick of seeing your smiling face and hiring you means they can send you to work somewhere they don't have to see you ....they still will have hired you.

Thank you much for the good ideas. I especially like your ideas to give them a reason to hire me even if I am not quite ideal yet. It sounds like even welders have a human side, just like the sales trainers telll us. I've been self employed so long, the guys don't quite trust me or ???. Are there some positions un advertised which a beginener could even fill while practicing after work? Is it possible that there is only professional and no laborers? Even WalMart pays $18/hour to start here, so the money is not really an issue if I can get my foot in the door. Thanks again for the encouragement. I have been recoverying from shoulder surgery this winter and geting out next week.

This is just like being self employed and competing for business....except you have just one customer and one supplier (and those are the same entity).

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In the time you have, lay out an crash course to re/familiarize yourself with various processes, technology, terminology, and other big concepts related to welding, and specifically to the business this company is in.

Then talk with someone about what you have learned and ask them to take notes and ask you about what you told them the following day.

Also, visit a couple welding supply stores. Go in pick up tools and ask the person there what they call the various tools, and then ask them a question using that name in a sentence. Ask them about the latest technology, just to get them talking and become more familiar with the lingo. Finally, ask them what they know about the company you are interviewing with.

Being conversant in a meaningful way (not just empty buzzwords) can convey that despite your skills not being current, you have no problem understanding standard working language....i.e. you won't need an interpreter.

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Remove that perspective from your head of 'being self employed for so long' being a negative. Re-frame your experience for exactly what it is.... experience. Make a list of all the advantages that come with hiring someone who knows what you do (don't limit yourself to things you might think are applicable to welding).

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As far as what possible job are available, who knows. But I don' t think you should worry about that. Go in there for the job you want. Don't talk to them about the possibility of other jobs unless they bring it up first, or unless they have told you no at least once for the job you came in for.

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It may help to put you in the right frame of mind if you think of this as you are interviewing them for potentially working together, instead of the other way around. What can they providing for the value you are offering as compensation (your work).

I especially like you idea to go to the welding supply! A safe neutral zone and lot's of trucks with phone numbers on them outside I bet. I do bounce back and forth between confidence obtained from experience and "the outsider" amongst lifelong company guys. I remember "arc welding" with the spray nozzle of the garden hose age 9...and being from California, it's been so long since I made any real money in construction I am going to be happy just to be making money again. I have been on youtube watching videos for some hours already and enjoy that. So with some honesty, talking to the welding supply guys and maybe some workers, going to the office more than once until hired...and the five hours at the training center here I got paid for by unemployment office I am feeling unstoppable now. Thank you so much for the good ideas!

A 6G would cover that.