u/Exotic-Touch-4501

So I want to practice before taking a weld test. I have a Lincoln AC-225 stick welder. I want to practice open root vertical open root horizontal and overhead. I wanted to try this with 6010 and 7018 but I only have this AC 225 at the moment. Should I buy a AC/DC 225 welder for practice? Or would I be good with the welder I have now to get some practice in on open root but obviously I would have to use different rods. Anyone mind helping I really just want to get practice in since it’s been a while since I’ve welded I don’t want to lose my touch.

I finished trade school last year june I’ve been welding for 9months now In a fab shop gaining experience with MiG but my certifications are for structural stick and flux core. I’ve been trying to look for jobs that are stick but nobody hires me cause apparently everyone wants me to have experience. I’ve been told by multiple people to just go join a uni0n what are your guys experice with this and which ones are good iron workers or is pipe better? I’m really willing to travel and do what it takes to reach my goals and get this opportunity, I spent 8k on those dumb certifications for them to basically mean nothing I learned to weld because of them which is great but I haven’t put them to use and I’m ambitious I have hunger to achieve more any suggestions? I’m really feeling stuck here and it’s crazy cause i know a few people that were in the same boat as me and now there welding pipe line I ask them to put me on as a helper but seems they don’t want to do me the favor so I know there routes I can take but I’m just lost at the moment. Should I take a risk and just go from Dallas to odessa? Without experience just to see if I can get a good paying job?

I’m trying to buy a generator to use for welders. I currently got a licoln buzzbox 225 stick welder and I found a generator that’s 12,500 watt max and about 9500 watt running power with 50A. I found this generator for only 600$ which is a really good deal would this be enough to power my welder and would I run into issues? Or what generator should I look for? Or should I just get a engine driven welder although I’m trying to go the cheaper route

Quick question I want to start welding outside of work. What welders are good to start off with? Don’t want to break the bank but willing to spend a decent amount. Any suggestions?

Quick question I want to start welding outside of work. What welders are good to start off with? Don’t want to break the bank but willing to spend a decent amount. Any suggestions?

I just turned 22 and I had a bit of a bad start into adult hood making bad decisions. Any who I’m now 22 and on a way better path thanks to god got 2 welding certs which ik don’t mean much experience means more which is why Ive been working for 8months now in a lame shop. Just wondering what would you guys suggest I should get into and what moves should I make to get started. I currently work at a shop making 21/hr in Texas. It’s not horrible pay considering I live 10min away and sometimes can get 6-12hrs O.T but rarely. I’m looking for more I used to love stick welding during trade school but I’m currently only welding mig and flux. Sometimes I get to get some aluminum which I just learned with a spool gun about 2 months ago and I’m decent at. What should I look into pipe line? Looking for better pay even if it means leaving my city. How did you it’s get started and how’s everything in the industry now?

I just turned 22 and I had a bit of a bad start into adult hood making bad decisions. Any who I’m now 22 and on a way better path thanks to god got 2 welding certs which ik don’t mean much experience means more which is why Ive been working for 8months now in a lame shop. Just wondering what would you guys suggest I should get into and what moves should I make to get started. I currently work at a shop making 21/hr in Texas. It’s not horrible pay considering I live 10min away and sometimes can get 6-12hrs O.T but rarely. I’m looking for more I used to love stick welding during trade school but I’m currently only welding mig and flux. Sometimes I get to get some aluminum which I just learned with a spool gun about 2 months ago and I’m decent at. What should I look into pipe line? Union? Looking for better pay even if it means leaving my city. How did you it’s get started and how’s everything in the industry now?