That weld test in Springfield last month threw me off

I usually run flux core on site but this job called for TIG on schedule 40. Last month I showed up to the hall in Springfield for a 6G cert and my hands were shaking from coffee. Failed the first root pass because I was rushing. Second try I slowed down and breathed and got it clean. Any other boilermakers switch processes and struggle to adjust your rhythm?

2 comments

2 Comments

fiona_scott4413d ago

Its like anything else where you overthink it and your body just locks up, been there with a stuck breaker in a tight panel. Its wild how getting out of your head is half the battle no matter what you're doing.

alex_coleman13d ago

Used to be one of those guys that thought if you just bear down and muscle through it you could beat the jitters. But after a few years and a couple blown tests I see it different now. Being hung up on the wrong process or rushing to get it done just leads to mistakes that cost you time and money. Slowing down and letting your hands work is the real trick, and it applies to nearly everything in this trade. This post actually made me think back on that and realize how much I was fighting my own head instead of just doing the job.