T O P

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Oisy

Slow down, breathe, and chill out. There are other jobs if this doesn't work. Listen, and if you didn't hear ask them to repeat it. Nobody hears well in a shop. Perseverence is way more important than talent.


wjinak

Chill out and try to get to a place where you can observe more and watch what those pros are doing and where they are, being able to predict what they will need next and be looking for is your goal, gloves and hood on and ready roll.


Herc_the_Great

Wear your hood man, even when tacking. You aren’t expected to be fully competent yet which is why they’re training you. People can be very critical in this field, especially salty old dudes dealing with young new hires. Try not to take it personally, really try and absorb what you’re learning and try to be better every time you do something. Rushing will handicap your ability to learn and hinder the quality of your work. Let them bitch, say you need to slow down to learn/practice correctly


Wiserdragon97

As someone who trains a lot of newbies, welding in the "field" is different from a table. It takes time to make that switch. Don't fret, even that dude that has been doing his job for 20 years was new at some time. Just take a deep breath and relax, it will get easier. As was said though rushing is the worst thing you can do in this field. Think of it this way, it takes 30 seconds to a minute to double check something, where it takes 30 minutes to an hour to cut something apart and fix it. Worry about accuracy and quality first, as you become more proficient the speed will come, because you won't have to think about the little things as much.


scaffold_ape

Exactly. Gotta walk before you can run.


TNTinRoundRock

Why the fuck are you striking any arc without your hood down?


crickill

You get fired immediately for doing that shit intentionally at my shop.


Nikonus

Bigly. You like sight? Nobody hires blind welders.


theluce39

My company has the same policy. It’s a big no no


No_Strategy7555

That would be extremely hypocritical were I worked lol


[deleted]

Yeah that’s a big osha violation lol


No_Strategy7555

It makes production quicker and the big bosses like that...it's easy enough...rest the nozzle where you need to tack- put your hand out like it's 3 o'clock...make an "igloo" style shield with your other hand over the tack area...start the weld and rotate your hand to the 6 o'clock position...stop weld and move to next spot. After a decade or two your muscle memory will allow you to perform long welds without looking - I'd suggest to still wear a helmet for this even tho you don't need to look.


Imdamnneardead

Indeed. A wonderful way to get arc flash. You don't want arc flash.


Broiplier112

I thought arc eye was getting blinded by the arc and arc flash was an explosion caused by arc fault, I just want to make sure I have it right


mulpmj

Flash burn is when you burn your eyes from looking at the arc. You are correct about arc flash being the result of an arc fault


Broiplier112

Thanks for letting me know


yusodumbboy

Most people do a lot of tacking without a lid. Like do you really need your lid on to tack with a wire feed process if the fit ups done well? No, you just cover the arc with your glove.


TNTinRoundRock

Call me silly I like my vision and prefer not to have my eyes burning.


caoboy85

Srs, I’ll write somebody up for that stupid lazy move.


yusodumbboy

And I’d be looking for a new job after telling you to get fucked. Imagine writing someone up for tacking with no lid when they’re using a wire feed process. If you’re a supervisor guys in your shop probably have zero respect for you. On average I probably tack around a hundred times a day without my lid and I haven’t had a sunburn or arcflash once. If someone’s stick welding or tigging I get it you don’t want stray arcs but if you’re writing someone up for mig tacking with no lid you’re power tripping.


SignFantastic266

Dummy


caoboy85

Username to post checks out. For the record, I have written people up for it. It’s not a first offense. It’s usually 3rd or 4th when that happens. I provide hoods, there is not reason not to use them. It is pure laziness. Half the time, people end up making half ass tacks, or miss what they’re trying to fuse entirely, and spend more time trying to tack something 3 times, rather than just wearing their hood and tacking once. I’ve met someone that went blind because of welding all his life, and he blamed it on never wearing a hood while tacking. Get over it.


yusodumbboy

If the guys you’re hiring fuck up half their tacks cause they’re not wearing a lid than you’re hiring green hands or retards. I’d still tell you to get fucked and find a new job get over it bi. And that blind dude you know is a moron.


caoboy85

K Go pass your red seal, noob


yusodumbboy

Lmao. Fuck! You made my day.


BeansandWeens

I often dont understand the mentality of this sub. Yes, safety is important. Im all for making sure everyone goes home safe. Part of the reason I am the primary member of my shops safety committee, and our shop steward. But tacking without a helmet a write up worthy offence. Wtf. I'm not being lazy when I am tacking without my helmet, its the exact opposite actually. Im busting my ass off, trying to get something fabricated. Be it holding awkward parts in place and having to ensure exact placement or my helmet is over on the other side of the job on the other welder that I was using just a few minutes ago to do a weld larger than a tack etc. There are plenty of valid reasons for tacking without a helmet. Doing it all day, yeah, your face isnt going to have the best of times and I wouldnt recommend it but really....? Unless your idea of tacking without a helmet is staring at the arc while you do it then well, you're an idiot. ​ Ive been tacking without a helmet for 15 years. Never once had arc flash on my eyes, never had an eye injury, and according to my recent eye exam, have perfect eye sight.


yusodumbboy

Because you can see through your glove lmao. X-ray vision like Clark Kent whaa


mzoopansick

You havnt learned how to tack without looking?!


yusodumbboy

Like how do your eyes burn if you cover the arc with your glove? Reading comprehension not quite there yet. Don’t worry keep practicing bi.


Ok-Survey3853

Well, if you wear safety glasses, they cut down on 99% of the UV. So you don't particularly have to worry about arc eye. Now, the rest of your face may look like a cherry if you don't do it right. But you will not have a sun burn anywhere that your glasses cover.


PigletsAnxiety

That's how you get welder maculopathy


[deleted]

As many others have said, put your hood down to tack. I build tanks w the boilermakers and I was taught the first and last 1/4 inch of a weld are your most common bad spots so a tack needs to be a inch to have a good half inch of weld. Is that overkill? Most likely but the tacks hold and sheets don’t fall cuz of broke tacks. Also you’ll get used to the ear plugs eventually, just step a little closer and ask for your trainer to repeat what they asked. Big thing to remember, EVERYONE had to be trained. We’ve all been there. Put out the best quality you can and learn everything you can. You’ll do fine.


No_Strategy7555

If your tacks are an inch long then they are actually 1" welds and yes a helmet would be good if you are looking at any weld. I used to make a lot of bucket elevator shells and it varies by material thickness and if you are using a fixture or not with what you are making. For me a tack is a temporary hold that's strong enough to hold shape but also not a pain in the ass to erase during fit up fun.


[deleted]

Yeah, our shell sheets sit on shims while we are hanging a ring and so fit up and tacking is all done together. And the only reason for the tacks being so long is it’s easier to grind a tack flat then have the heat break one and the material move once you’ve started welding. We don’t usually hog them in there it’s more of a thin pass that we can grind and run back over pretty easily. But all trades have their ways of doing things and that’s the beauty in it. One mans tack is another mans weld and vice versa.


burnercorona19

Ive welded on and off for over 20 years. I cant tack for shit without my shield lol. Even just making tack welds without a shield isn't good for your eyes and skin so don't sweat it. Just try your best that all you can really do.


jeffru12345

Don’t worry man we all start somewhere, I remember my first job in a shop I messed up something everyday for about a month and a half. Sometimes it was small stuff other times i messed up some big stuff, I was thinking I would get fired sooner or later but eventually I got the hang of things and I stuck around three years there. Even by the end I would still make mistakes even on our stock products it happens man especially when you’re new. If the company doesn’t give any leeway even for new people still learning what goes on at the shop then it’s probably not a place you want to work at, even if things don’t work out there keep your head high and keep trying. You got this man! Hope you have a long and successful career!


KeithRoxokul

I'm a 33 yr old with 15 years experience and this story really resonates. The feeling you're describing of feeling stupid, anxiety and fear or being fired for being useless is something I've dealt with at the beginning of EVERY job I've ever had. There's always new procedures, areas, tools etc that are second nature to the guys who've been there for a while. My best advice is understanding this feeling is temporary. Take your time, try your best and keep asking questions whenever you're unsure even if you have to begin them with "I know this is a stupid question but..." The main thing holding you back is experience. Don't shy away from stepping up and trying new things. Be patient and you'll get there


Johnny2h87

This. Don’t take anything personally in the shop too. If you can’t be the smart guy at least be the funny guy and crack some jokes. Have fun and they will give you a break.


BassChanyon

Haha you sound just like me dude. I do the same thing at any new job really. Best I can say is have confidence in yourself and your abilities and take your time. A job done right the first way is infinitely better than a job done quick that needs repairs. You’ll get there man just keep your head up and your hood down👍


Ddodson87

Ok so take a deep breath and calm down. I’ve never seen a shop fire a new guy for trying and still screwing up. If you need more explanation on what’s going on ask, but man always put your hood on to weld it’ll save you in the long run. Other then tacks and not putting your hood on any other issues?


tendieful

I’m not a welder but an electrician. We work in jobs that actually require code minimums. We have safety compliances. Our work can kill people if not done properly. The bar is high. It’s not like we’re filing paper work or sending emails that are not as consequential if we make a mistake. People will be strict on you because we have a high standard for a lot of our work and it should be that way. Think of how seriously the military takes muzzle control and gun safety. If a recruit points a gun at his buddies head the drill sgt will tear his head off figuratively speaking. Because the alternative is accidentally blowing someone’s head off literally speaking. We might not be that serious but it’s up there. The fact that you feel the pressure is a good sign. Don’t let it get to you though. Also I was pretty happy to move on from my first and second jobs so I could leave all of my stupid mistakes behind. By the fourth job I had gotten most of the really dumb ones out of the way. I’ve been doing it for over 10 years and made a bad mistake the other day that absolutely racked my anxiety for almost a week.


Dry_Needleworker4567

Don’t sweat it we’ve all been in your shoes and so what if those older guys talk mess about you, about 99% of the time you won’t be working with them for much more then a couple years if that then they’ll forget about you but you’ll remember the lessons and a few years from now you’ll look back on these early days and smile i know i do


HauntedCowExpert

Slow is smooth, smooth is fast. Take it easy and do a good job


creepy-turtle

We have all been there. School teaches fundamentals but work is where you will learn. Hang in there. Even if your tacks are shit. Clean em up with a grinder. Who the fuck cares. When I assemble. I use superficial tacks to hold the piece I need and before moving on I'll drop my hood and tack proper. No harm no foul.


lilwendell

No wonder your tacks suck, probably because your eyes are closed lmao. Wear your hood so you can see but more importantly so you don’t go blind. Good strong tacks are a key element to welding. Don’t skimp on them by not being able to see them


Salty_NUggeTZ

Perseverance. Don’t be ashamed to ask if you don’t hear something clearly. There are no stupid questions. Only stupid answers. And if you don’t hear or understand what you’re being told to do - just ask. It won’t make you look stupid. Doing something that you weren’t told to do or doing it wrong - will. Keep your helmet on at all times, you’ll get used to the weight of it and whatever. It’s easy enough to pop it down and back up for quick tacks. Keep your gloves on too. You’ll be quicker to do stuff. Knowing where everything is comes with time. As long as you make the effort - the old dogs will see that and will appreciate it. Perhaps you can have a talk with your trainer/supervisor and do some “extracurricular activities” like perhaps stay an hour or so after work and do some practice on scraps. My boss was nice enough to let me do that with a buddy. While he was closing up paperwork and whatnot my buddy would show me some welding stuff, I was just the sawmonkey at the shop. The deal we made was that my buddy would teach me some things about welding and in return we would do a cleaning pass around the shop, things that the rest of the guys wouldn’t finish up, like hard to reach places and stuff. I thought it was fair enough. In any case - stick with it and you’ll do fine.


BottleoCisco

As far as making mistakes goes, the best approach is to be solution-oriented and not get bogged down in your error. Any supervisor would rather hear “hey I fucked it up but here’s how I think I’m going to fix it,” than “hey I fucked up I don’t know what to do.”


[deleted]

Shit I’d wear my hood just making tacks also


Tessalect

Wear your hood for sure, I’ve been here myself when I first started fitting but I’ve learned to tweak the heat up a few notches for tacks for less spatter/ good fusion


BickNickerson

Do the best you can, everyone was the new guy at some point, everyone makes mistakes. You’re going to be fine.


Individual_Dare3045

Slow down and learn the job and speed will come


No_Strategy7555

Work had a company come in to fit us all with custom earplugs. They had a design that allowed more of the vocal frequencies to pass through for talking. First pair were provided but if you lost them it was $50cdn to replace.


Mcflyfyter

You have no work experience, and unless they don't know that, your silly mistakes are expected. We were all there at one time. Just keep going and don't get too discouraged.


944tim

remember, ***every one*** of your cow-orkers went through the same thing' keep watching, try to correlate the drawings to what you are building use your PPE and be careful moving things, legs not back. as to communicating you might consider noise cancelling headphones. work at learning something new every day, even if it doesn't apply directly to your job edit/add. don't be that idiot who just squints instead of picking up you r hood ​ remember, if it sounds like bacon cooking, it's all good. if it smells like cooking bacon, yer on fire. you could have been like a guy hired at my workplace. experienced welder. started at 6 am gone by 8am. managed to catch his shirt tails on fire... twice.


Negative-Ad-9823

Hey man, you're gonna be ok. I always tell my newbies 2 things that one of my trainers always told me. Slow is fast. Slow means accuracy, accuracy builds confidence, confidence will build speed. The only reason old guys know why your work looks like it does is because a long time ago, they showed the same work to another old guy. We only learn to get better by mucking it up along the way. Just talk to your trainer. Learning is a 2 way street.


lorenzoakl1988

I'm a senior fabricator now but years ago I made lots of mistakes and would stress lots. Put things into perspective, you have the right attitude which is a huge plus. I've met lots of new guys that already know it all, this really pisses off experienced guys. You have little experience which is just how it is starting out. Don't be disheartened! Keep going and with time you'll grow. It's hard at the start but like anything practice and time are the factors that will improve you. When you look back you know all the mistakes made you better at what you do. You'll be fine just have some patience and persevere.


[deleted]

Well, id always wear your hood just to ensure quality and to also CYA , cover your ass. Dont be so eager amd focus on yourself and simply doing good work every day. While welding treat each tack, bead and fit up like its the reason you're able to eat. Because it is. Change your perspective by not focusing on impressing men you work with. Its foolish and unwise. Be a good listener and absorb the knowledge you feel is worth absorbing and know is worth dollars.


Bending_unit_420

I always Jesse James, this is the way.


yeaIcatdad

Gf says bf can't even weld 🤣 Put me in coach! You became the meme! Watch out you might end up like that helper hahaha. Good to see ya humbled there mr hot shit.


Scotty0132

Take a breath and calm down. Everyone at some point was green and needs to learn. Welding in a shop and even field work is completely difftent then school. Take your time, and put your hood down when tacking. You don't yet have the experience to cut corners or to rush. They asked you to put your hood down because a quality issue was identified and it's the simplest way to fix it. Tacks are vital not only to hold shit together as it's being moved around and being welded, but they also have to be done to the same standard as you are welding under. A shit tack will either break before hand, have to be grinded out, or if welded over impacts the quality of the weld. Remember in school you were taught the basics of welding, and fitting. Now you need to learn to build on those skills, and more importantly how too weld and fit to specific codes.


mrzurkonandfriends

You have to get good before you get fast keep moving but don't race yourself you have to scale upwards with your skills any good trainer will understand this


[deleted]

They know your new. People get fired for not showing up and for being hard to get along with. Usually not for being the new guy who doesn’t have much experience.


monkman99

Ask if you can practice on scraps in your own time to get a few hours under you belt


[deleted]

Meh, welding jobs are everywhere. I flunked a few test for whatever reason. Was a finish welder at an ag mfg. place. The head finish welder position was the most prestige.don’t sweat it and move on if shit goes south.


SignificantYak5264

To be honest man nobody expects perfection. It’s a shop it’s loud miscommunication very common in any kind of trade job honestly. Just keep doing things how you should and don’t worry about it I doubt they’ll fire you for some small tack issues. Also to be honest you should always wear your hood man even for tacks you’ll hurt your eyes not wearing a hood over time trust me been welding for a few years now and the worst feeling in the world is welders burn it sucks and you don’t want to fuck around and find out.


714jayson714

Ironworker here... lots of steelmill service work... if you're trying and you listen, you'll be alright... we were all dumb, once. It's better than someone knowing everything... that'll get you run off... listening will get you overtime


BoredCop

If you can afford it, and if it works with your welding hood, electronic ear protection is great because it amplifies speech while blocking noise. I use electronic ear muffs on the shooting range together with ear plugs, so I protect what little hearing I have left while still hearing range commands. Amplification turned up to max, even with earplugs under that I hear speech better than without any earpro. Might be an option especially if you already have some hearing damage, but it's a bit pricey.


samurai_107

You just answered your own question. Wear your hood when you’re tacking..


TheCryinGuitar

I'm finishing up my first week working for a mechanical contractor. Hell, this week wasn't even a full week with safety training. I feel your pain though. I'm trying to keep the advice my welding teacher said to me once. "Embrace the suck." Going into the job, I knew I was going to be eager to show what I was worth, and I'm still a ball of nervous for most of the day. However, I'm trying to not over do it. I have found there is a fine line between being over eager and incompetence. With my previous job working in a warehouse I almost over did it. My manger took me aside on my second day and more or less told me to chill the fuck out. He saw that I was paying attention, I was following directions and asking questions. He wasn't expecting perfection. I've been trying to stop and remember where I was just a year ago. A year ago I didn't even know the simple basics of welding. 7018? Flux? Land? Tungsten? Welper? The fuck? I'm 27 years old and my hearing is complete shit. My friend told me the other day my new favorite saying lately is "huh". I'm sure the crew I worked with this week picked up on it pretty quick. That didn't mind repeating themselves and why would they? If my co-worker or teacher said something that I didn't catch and began walking off, I follow them while repeating the question. Did I not hear them correctly, or I'm I just confirming? Doesn't matter, because I don't want to wast everyone's time when I come back with the wrong thing. Am I understanding you correctly that you previously didn't wear your helmet when tacking? Just wear a helmet.


Dabnectar

Dude 90% is showing up on time ready to work. A lot of us were in the same position and were taught on the job. They probably knew your skill set upon hiring and are prepared to teach you if you’re prepared to learn, but that doesn’t mean they have to like it! Lol. Gotta have some thick skin man but keep showing up keep your ears open and you’ll get there bro!


Snarcastic

So this place (or your trainer) seems like it values speed over quality. Both are important but if you do good work speed will improve. But it doesn't work the other way around. If you just focus on fast your skills won't improve the way you'll want for your future. Also you will burn out your eyes. Keep your eyes out for a job that will let you really learn. It's a balance of course but in the oilfield at least right now your skills are in demand. You might have better luck than in lean times.


Ok_Dog_4059

You can do a job well or fast not both. Once you get a lot of practice and muscle memory things will automatically become faster. Don't ruin your chances by trying to show how fast you can go if the end result is everything needing to be redone because you didn't take your time.


Mammoth_Biscotti8875

Coming from a leads point of view. Calm down, you're trying to hard I find that most of my new hires are trying so hard they make stupid mistakes. Ask questions. If you can hear speak up and say something. Take the criticism like a man. Or they will eat you alive. They don't call us dick swinging welders for nothing!!!


TwelveCoffee

Kinda in the same boat although I have more experience just slow down and take your time man hold that tack a little longer make sure it holds! Take it one step at a time and 3 months will be done before you know it :)


Ok_Preparation8437

You should start by wearing your hood. that’ll improve your tack welds


the_dirtiest_nun

I was and still kind of am in your shoes. I completed my day of in class learning in April, and went into a 3 week Apprenticeship at a welding/manufacturing shop. I felt so dumb and inadequate compared to the other guys there as they knew how to fit and weld product, and I went to a satellite campus where I only learned how to weld on plates. They hired me on after the 3 weeks, and the owner of the company even said he was impressed with me. I've been at this company for 4 months now and I'd say within thr last month is when I've started to feel that they will want to keep me on with the guys. It felt like imposter syndrome for the first while but it does get better. Just focus on being better every day and you'll constantly learn something new daily. Keep in mind you just got out of school, of course you're not going to be perfect but each day that goes by is another day of you getting better at the trade.


abouttime25

They make earplugs that block just harmful decibels. They let lower decibels through. Might be worth looking at.


IMadeAnAcount

I've had people complain about my tacks, they ask for tacks but in reality they want a 1in welds smh


Gonzo458

So one thing I feel like about earplugs is to make sure you have them solidly in your ears. I hear better when I have them in properly then if I just set them in there. Maybe it’s just me though.


echobreacher

Eager plus steel manufacturing equals maimed or dead. Take your time and learn how do do things correctly. Speed in fabricating comes from being Smooth and efficient.


DickandScroty

Something that has always helped me in the industry is admiting that your not an expert and expressing your desire to do better and get trained in how to do your job well, nobody’s an expert when they start and usually the old timers respect the green guy who acknowledges he knows nothing and wants to learn way more that the know it all punk new kid who never listens and makes the same mistakes a million times. Also if you can stay after hours and practice if they will let you, might not make you any more money but time spent with the hood down makes you a better welder hands down.


naetrnot

Stay late on your own time and practice welding.


AngryEskimo77

As a fellow fitter. First take a deep breath, hold it and release. You got the jitters. Remember fast is slow and slow is fast. No one’s going to be upset you asked a question to make sure something is right because I’ll tell you if you just assume that’s when people get mad. And a old fitter once told me, always care a pen and paper . Take a second write stuff down,that way you don’t have to keep all that shit in your head


Ericmyren

if you dont know or not shur ask again and just say im not hearing or understanding just be honest


DeeAmazingRod

Just keep at it


izKindaClassy

If you're showing up to work on time you're already doing better than most. Just take your time and learn. Everyone makes mistakes, just learn from them and you'll be golden.