Coffee 2-23-2013

NS, I liked that video, it reminded me of the tour I got to take of the sub yard in Kingsbay, Georgia they had the same type of cranes. I would have a job there now except it took too long for all the clearances & I was already back North working before I got the offer, one of those things that I should have done but didn't. Does it work the same way that if you go to a different yard you have to get all the certifications all over again? In the steelmills we would have to get certified on whatever we were welding if we went to a different plant (same Co.) always seemed like a waste of time & money to me.

Yes and no.

Different states have different welding requirements. For instance I can weld in Maine and New Hampshire, but I don't have the right certifications to weld in MA.

In terms of shipyard welding, we are certified to US Navy standards which are different then bridge building and normal construction standards. There are some very important reasons for this, mostly because of the way steel absorbs the shock of explosions against the steel if the ship should hit a mine or see battle. It has to do with weld shapes, weld sizes and the process of welding, all involving some unique types of steel. For instance there are only 3 plants worldwide that produce the type of steel we primarily use, and only one plant is located in the USA. We also use a type of welding process that few welding shops would ever use, because it is a low heat (to prevent distortion) and yet penetrates well since most of what we weld is x-rayed.

Because of that, and because Bath Iron Works is known for quality ships, we were told we could get a job in any shipyard in the country. Now if I was to get laid off, or quit my job and go to another shipyard, I would have to retest at their facility, but being a BIW welder, they would know I already understand the uniqueness of welding a US Navy ship and they would not be wasted their money by having me go through the hiring process. But that is only if I quit or got laid off. I say that because we are often sub-contracted out as welders too. For instance, as I type this, BIW welders are on loan out in Hawaii rebuilding a ship there. Often times, the US Navy will insist other shipyards employ us when they run into trouble, because they know we will do the job right, and with US Navy ships, it has to be done right. In that case, we would not have to re-qualify for welding because we are not leaving our shipyard, just loaned out.

I really can't explain this into words; you would have to take a tour of the BIW to see what I am talking about. The quality and amounts of welds done, is just staggering. You have to really see it to understand.

Thank NS, I was just wondering, having been in the steel industry most of my life I'm familiar with distortion & doing a lot of multiple passes & different positions even a little bit of mirror but I wasn't very good at it I passed but I didn't think it was what it should be. I know before they shut down Duquesne Works they did just about nothing but armor plate & the 100 ton ingot they made that's why many of us knew something was up but like all things they come to an end. Thanks for the comeback.

Thought I'd have some entertaining video to share today .. but even THAT part of the Jimmy doesn't work like it should ... What a turd!



I tried to light off an airbag with a plastic bin resting on top of it. I had it all wired up, video rolling, touched the leads to the battery ... AAAAAAND ............................

....................nothing.

Even PARTS of the Jimmy won't operate correctly!! Let this be a lesson to those who rely on GM for their safety ...

SMITTY wrote:I tried to light off an airbag with a plastic bin resting on top of it. I had it all wired up, video rolling, touched the leads to the battery ... AAAAAAND ............................
....................nothing.

Sounds like you have a new target for next time you get your hands on that .500

Yeah I should've shot it.

Just glad my wife didn't find out the hard way that thing didn't work. That truck belongs in pieces.

EPIC SHITBOX ....

Only one solution John---PLASTICS

Good point Fred ..

Smitty, ya sure the battery had enough juice to set it off? I did the one out of my Neon with a car battery that had a little over 11 volts. Of course I didn't get video, my camera wasn't ready whem my idiot friend accidentaly touched the batteries.

Yeah tried 2 different ones. That was my first thought. Also could've been too long a run of wire that was to light of a gauge.

I'll try again soon ....

Just watched this on the news. Amazing....

Hey Chris, looked more like HE ran into the deer--he musta been texting-- Guess I was last to see THAT video--LOL

Yeah, Fred, I agree. the title is a little deceptive. The deer was just trying to follow the herd.

freetown fred wrote:Hey Chris, looked more like HE ran into the deer--he musta been texting-- Guess I was last to see THAT video--LOL