r/pipefitter

My husband was an industrial and commercial pipefitter/pipe welder for 30 years. He died suddenly at the end of January.

Though I don't even want to think about it, at some point I need to sell his van and tools. I need to get expenses down, and the gas in his generator is going to go bad sooner rather than later.

One of his friends/fellow pipefitters is going to help me identify the tools I don't recognize and give me ballpark prices.

Is there a better place to sell these other than Marketplace (I don't have Facebook)? It would be ideal to sell things in lots rather than individually, and I would really like his tools to go to someone who is as passionate about the trade as he was. He really loved what he did.

I’m 38 so obviously a bit later in life for starting a new career, but given how the industry is these days I want to get out of the tech industry and office life. I love metal working as a hobby at home, love welding, and want to be more active in my day to day, so leaning towards this option. So the question is, is it worth it with such a late in life start?

Looking to get into the pipefitters local as a service tech/hvac guy, does anyone here have any idea what kind of questions the entrance testing has?

I used to take edibles like maybe once or twice a month and I have no problem stopping, but the test is in two weeks the last time I took edibles was like 5 days ago. I can pass a urine test no problem (5’9, very skinny) but I’m not so sure about a hair test. Thanks!

6 inch SDR pvc. Exaggerated my experience. New to plumbing, said I had a few years under me bc I really need a good job. My plumbing job has me struggling to buy food and gas.

What is laying sdr like? I know there are bells and spiggots, cleaner, duck butter fittings. Pitch. Bed haunch.

Is this going to be a cardio job? All day on a shovel? I seriously don’t have a clue what to expect bc I have never been on a job this big.

Just want to know what I should expect.

I’ve been debating switching over to the union side of the industry and was wondering if it’s worth it or what the benefits would be. I’ve only been fitting for 3.5 years and just broke out a little under a year ago so they would probably start me as an apprentice

Updates: I’m 21 and have my NCCER; Beaumont, Texas (I think UA 211)

Okay i gotta share this with y'all because i'm so happy right now!!!!!

I've been threading pipe with my hand for like 2yrs, like some kind of caveman lol. My arms were always dead by Friday. My journeyman kept telling me to get a machine but i was being ignorant and stupid honestly.

Well guess what! i finally bought a Power Pipe Threaders machine last week!

Honestly, that's LIFE CHANGING. No seriously, i'm not exaggerating. I did 15 joints this morning before break. FIFTEEN. That would've taken me all day before.

My buddy said you can find used ones on alibaba for less but i got scared about shipping, warranty and all that. So i just bought from a local supplier. Probably paid more but whatever. It's worth every penny!

….The threads came out so clean too. Like way cleaner than my hand threads will ever be. My foreman actually complimented me today and i almost fell over lol.

If you're still thinking about getting one just do it!!! Stop suffering like I did!!! Your back and your arms will thank you!!!

Anyone else using these things? What speed do you run yours at? I've been doing medium speed but idk if faster is better. i'm still learning!!

So pumped for Monday now omg. Never thought i'd say that about work haha.

Is there anyone in the Denver area who knows any of the contractors that work with the local 208 that are hiring? I got accepted in the 208 as a tradesman but I can’t seem to find a contractor who’s hiring

No math 😂

I am taking the GAN aptitude test in a couple of weeks for Local 234 in Jacksonville, FL. I bought the study guide from GAN and Barron's book as a back up, but have a question as to one subject on the test. I've got everything else covered and want to make the best use of my study time.

How much numerical reasoning is on the test? Would hate to spend more time than necessary.

Thanks all!

Can anyone tell me about local 484 out of Ventura county in California. I really wanna move back to Oxnard. I want to go union. And i genuinely don’t want to leave VC for work if i don’t have to. I start my welding classes this Monday and in 9 months I’ll be certified in pipe fitting, mig, tig , and stick.

Any and all advice is appreciated.

Can anyone tell me about local 484 out of Ventura county in California. I really wanna move back to Oxnard. I want to go union. And i genuinely don’t want to leave VC for work if i don’t have to. I start my welding classes this Monday and in 9 months I’ll be certified in pipe fitting, mig, tig , and stick.

Any and all advice is appreciated.