Questions on becoming a pipeliner

[Colt]

Hey guys, I searched and couldn't really find what I was looking for so I thought I would just ask in the general questions section. If this is in the wrong section please move it to the appropriate spot.

Ok here is my deal.... I am currently a welder for a manufacturing company and mainly do mig (flux) and tig. I have been doing arc since I was a sixteen (im 25 now) and am comfortable with passing a xray test. I have a miller bobcat welder, torch's, lead reals, etc all set up on a skid to go on my flat bed. One of my questions is will a miller bobcat hold up in the field. I have been looking for a good old sa200 but have not found a good deal on one yet. Second question is how do I get my foot in the door without starting out as a welders helper and not having any pipeline experience. My unlce gave me the number to a buddy of his at mid america pipeline co and im going to call him tomorrow but I wanted to be prepared before a potential interview. Any pointers or tips would be appreciated. Thanks guys.

Colt

[Skeluhtor]

I am not a pipeline welder. Until someone else chimes in I will say I have read many post of people stateing the smaller 2 cylinder welder generators arent good for pipelining. I think it is mainly due to the use and abuse put on the smaller engine.

[jsm11]

Originally Posted by Colt

Hey guys, I searched and couldn't really find what I was looking for so I thought I would just ask in the general questions section. If this is in the wrong section please move it to the appropriate spot.

Ok here is my deal.... I am currently a welder for a manufacturing company and mainly do mig (flux) and tig. I have been doing arc since I was a sixteen (im 25 now) and am comfortable with passing a xray test. I have a miller bobcat welder, torch's, lead reals, etc all set up on a skid to go on my flat bed. One of my questions is will a miller bobcat hold up in the field. I have been looking for a good old sa200 but have not found a good deal on one yet. Second question is how do I get my foot in the door without starting out as a welders helper and not having any pipeline experience. My unlce gave me the number to a buddy of his at mid america pipeline co and im going to call him tomorrow but I wanted to be prepared before a potential interview. Any pointers or tips would be appreciated. Thanks guys.

Colt

You already got a contact to get infrom your uncle...Make it happen
Or maybe look into going union?

Second,
I think the Bobcat is a fine machine.
The arc is not great but, it's fine. I personally am not a fan of it.
To me the difference between it and a higher quality machine are very evident.
And it will weld pipe. I don't think it'd make it very long with the welding that occurs out there.
Durability is not the main issue though,

The main issue is:
You will likely not ge through the door trying to run "YOUR" rig on a pipeline using a Blue Machine
let alone a Bobcat. This is one of those instances in life where you have to pay to play. And the least expensive cost of Admission is going to be an SA 200. They weld good, are relatively easy to work on, and get parts for, and most importantly, will get you through the door and allow you to be accepted by the "old guard" .

There are routinely SA 200's all over for around thousand dollars.
There are rebuilt, fully refurbished mahines for three thousand.
I'd vote to keep the Bobcat on your rig, and use it for a generator, and pick up a used SA 200 that isn'r ragged out.

Where are you located?

[fieldwelder84]

I am a pipeline mechanic and in all honesty, if your running a Bobcat your not gonna pass x-ray because they probably wont let you even test. Bobcats are extremely inconsistent and unreliable. I personally am a Miller fan and if you can find a good used Trailblazer you will be light years ahead of your Bobcat, but for pure stick welding its hard to beat an old Lincoln. There I said it. In my line of work I air arc and use a suitcase wire feed alot and you wouldn't catch me dead with a Lincoln for that. Local 798 is the pipeliners union so that who you would really need to talk to about getting in the game. Good luck to ya.