3 answers
Enrique
Student
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
3
Questions
Updated
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What does your usual day consist of?
What does a welders day to day look like, How much time do you usually spend on one project?
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3 answers
John Eppler
Material Maintenance Chief Warrant Officer
9
Answers
Colchester, Connecticut
Updated
John’s Answer
Hi! What the day looks like really depends on where you're working and what that shop does. My experience is all military so your mileage may vary. This is a quick run down and isn't going into a lot of detail. Typical day starts around 6-630 in the morning, maybe later if the job requires it. Start with setting up where you're going to work for what it is you're going to do, if it's out of the shop on a job we load the truck up with what we might need. If it's in the shop you can just start getting things set up. Once your set up you can prep the work and start welding. Take water and lunch breaks as needed and as the job allows. When the day is done you pack up, put things away, clean up, make sure nothing is going to catch on fire over night, and go home. Some days that's at normal quitting time, some days your day won't end until the job is done. I've spent more than a few nights welding until it was very late because something needed to be repaired for operational reasons.
The amount of time spent on a project really depends on the project. I've worked on a project for weeks and I've done quick little projects that take an hour or two. Hope this helps, good luck.
The amount of time spent on a project really depends on the project. I've worked on a project for weeks and I've done quick little projects that take an hour or two. Hope this helps, good luck.
Joel Sprague
Welding/materials engineer
11
Answers
East Bernard, Texas
Updated
Joel’s Answer
Enhanced Text:
Question 1: The hustle and bustle of construction sites and shops typically kick off early, so brace yourself to rise and shine between 6 - 7 am. After a safety briefing, gear up for a day of earnest work, punctuated by a brief lunch. Your tasks might include deciphering engineering drawings (also known as blueprints to some), gauging materials with a tape measure, cutting plates and pipes with a cutting torch, and using a grinder to prep pieces before welding. The day continues with welding, tidying up finished welds, and scrutinizing your work to ensure top-notch quality and aesthetics.
Question 2: A "Project" can be a small task that wraps up in a day or two, or it can be a substantial undertaking that spans months or even years. The most rewarding construction projects, such as a refinery unit, usually extend over a longer period, offering a steady income and job security. For these benefits, many welders and pipefitters prefer to work in a shop environment for a manufacturer. Though the hourly wage may sometimes be lower, the consistent work (at the same location every day) provides a sense of job security.
Look at the types of opportunities for welders in your area/state.
Question 1: The hustle and bustle of construction sites and shops typically kick off early, so brace yourself to rise and shine between 6 - 7 am. After a safety briefing, gear up for a day of earnest work, punctuated by a brief lunch. Your tasks might include deciphering engineering drawings (also known as blueprints to some), gauging materials with a tape measure, cutting plates and pipes with a cutting torch, and using a grinder to prep pieces before welding. The day continues with welding, tidying up finished welds, and scrutinizing your work to ensure top-notch quality and aesthetics.
Question 2: A "Project" can be a small task that wraps up in a day or two, or it can be a substantial undertaking that spans months or even years. The most rewarding construction projects, such as a refinery unit, usually extend over a longer period, offering a steady income and job security. For these benefits, many welders and pipefitters prefer to work in a shop environment for a manufacturer. Though the hourly wage may sometimes be lower, the consistent work (at the same location every day) provides a sense of job security.
Joel recommends the following next steps:
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
Enrique
Daniel Chasteen
Welder
17
Answers
Pontiac, Illinois
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
The life of a welder can vary greatly, depending on the type of welding they do and the industry they're in. I've experienced both quiet weld shops and bustling ones that are always busy. Let's take a factory setting as an example. Here, you might find a variety of welding tasks happening all at once. In one corner, there could be a quick, repetitive task where hundreds of small parts are welded every hour. On the other hand, there could be a more complex project that takes several days to complete. You might find yourself working on the same task day in and day out, or you might be moving from one project to another each day. I apologize that I can't provide more specific details, but the world of welding is vast and filled with endless possibilities.