I haven't had much time to look at the forums. I still havent fixed the rear end in the elky :( I got job working 7am to 3:30pm then straight to school and get out at 10pm. I finaly got on the list for the union Local 104 Boilermakers. I got a job through my dad at a ship repair working on military ships. Almost have my Flux Core cert.

Hope to get time to came and read up again. Thank you to everyone for the help I've gotten. I hope I helped some people too. :)

Hope you are free to attn some shows this summer in greater Tacoma

Kettbo

I still have to weld the floor pans for Alex (the shoe guy) He gave use the ring gear and carrige for our elky. I will try to make it to some shows if I can. I don't think I work weekends. I still owe the union $450 in dues.

Glad all is going well for you.

Just curious, since this is the BS section I'll ask. What enticed you to become a Boilermaker?

My brother has been one for many years. He's 44 now and tells me he has always used proper safety equipment. Most of his hair is gone from wearing welding helmets, his eyes are shot, his lower back is bad, and his knees are bad. He told me his doctor said he has the body of a 65 year old.

Welding is obviously a great skill. I just know that being a Boilermaker is a tough career. Just curious.

Take care.

Good question Bowtie.

I never did all that well in school. I passed only math and art in high school. I like building things. What was the greatest selling point of welding is I can actully work in the marine industry. My great grandfather, grandfather, father, uncles, and cousins were/are commercial fishermen. My fathers father started one other largest most profitable boat building company and invented most the winches used today on the boats. My brother is the top dog on tug boats and is the head or oil transfer on and offloading on the barges. So boats is what makes our family money. I own and use my PPE my helmet is a darker shade then most peoples (#12) I will also be able to retire alot earlier(50). I found out insteed of 6000 hours to be journeyman doesnt apply to me they credited me 3000 of 7000+ hours of welding in school. I will soon make $22 an hour.

Gunnar

Funny thing Gunnar. You say you only passed math and art, yet you write mucho better than many, if not most, of the folks who graduated high school. We could easily have an entire forum on public schools - or the failure thereof.

I understand the pull of the family heritage. Heck, I've still got kin working in coal mines who won't even consider any other career field. Yep, I think it's not a smart decision.

I have great respect for the BM's. Some of those guys are true craftsman and take welding to an art-form. Most welders can't imagine what it's like welding in a reactor or refinery with all their welds being x-rayed for flaws. No doubt you will build a long collection of stories to tell your kids and grandkids in addition to your skills. It's just that those knees, and some other parts, may hurt a little.

Take care.

P.S. One of my degrees is from Purdue University whose team is called the Boilermakers. They got that name because they once illegally recruited welders to play on their football team. They won too!

I don't have the best grammar or spelling. I do my best though the dyslexia gets the best of me sometimes. I actully passed English 101 with an A+. I laugh at the public schools. They say I read "around a 5th grade level" yet all the testing suggests otherwise. In 5th grade a word comprehension level equivalent of a college student. I remember the first word was "affidavit". Nailed that with no problem.

Well I was laid off and the company broke the CBA (colletive Bargain Agreement) because there is a lay-off pay-off rule and they wont pay me for a week so I get credited 4 hours aday it takes them to pay me. I also didnt get my vac payout. I also learned that the reason for my lay-off was preformed incorrectly so I have filed a greivene with the union over the company. The foreman threatened me with bodly harm. You have to kick and scream to expose currupt buss. practices. I luckly have a copy of the CBA, writened and signed statements from other workers and wittnesses. I may be an A-hole raising hell but I'm just fighting for mine and others rights.