BELL HOLE FIT UP (HOW I DO IT ON TEST DAY)

In this video, I’m going to show you how I fit my 12’ bell hole when I’m taking a pipe welding test. I’m Austin Ross a pipeline welder and on my channel, I offer tips and tricks from my experience pipe welding and traveling as a pipeliner. Two videos ago I talked about how to weld a bad fit up when butt welding in the field. Today’s video is more about the prep of your bell hole welding test. Welding test can be a nerve-racking experience so if you are headed to your first branch test for pipeline just remember “prep.” Most 12 on 12 branch welding test are alongside a bell hole when testing in for a downhill pipe welding job. Comment below if you want more videos on branch layout. Stay tuned for more welding techniques, downhill welding tips, and branch test tips.

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[wargamingsupernoob]

Brother, my instructor in school taught me a lot of what you're saying. However, I didn't know anything about using a wedge until I saw you use it to opne up your root gap. Now I have another advantage over my pipe.

Now that I think about it, I'm gonna go weld some pipe right now.

[troyrunyan]

You make great videos, pretty well nailed it. I’ve been taking these tests since ‘88, 32 years, I still enjoy watching you videos, good job .

[g.deb.]

Just want to say thank you for you informative videos, I was a 3rd generation logger, went into trucking, now, at 51, starting to get into welding, really like more than I had thought I would, you definitely help me get thru the headaches of learning, thank you!!

[randyramer]

Austin really enjoy your videos, I'm an old pipewelder myself but never worked on pipeline always worked power plants and kill type jobs but can tell when I was coming up in the trade you really didn't have a lot of veteran welders willing to share tips and tricks they were few and far between. Really like the way pipeliners like yourself and others I've seen here that are willing to help the younger welders get started. Keep up the good work.

[josephkingston]

This guy in the video has gained a lot of wisdom over the years, he knows the trade inside and out, hes been on the road, he knows the cost, the time the effort, he has been there and done that, and I think he finally went in business for himself, he might pipeline once in a while if he does, but being in a business for himself, which it appears he has when building that Fence that he built, out a pipe, I'm so glad he went in business for himself because when hes not pipelining, hes got something else he can be dealing with . He's gonna make a lot of money as well cause he's one of the few welders that snapped out of it and got that Union craze out of his mind and Ventured out to go in business for himself, he will make a lot of money, he's gonna be very successful, he's finally snapped out of it like few elders ever do, so many welders who once they learn to weld pipe they believe that they've got the cat by the tail and they're gonna make a lot of money, some do but then when they get on some jobs and get hurt and start having back problems and they see then that there's another side of the whole story when working for other people and especially for cruel industry bosses that could care less about your physical health And that's why there's such a high accident rate amongst welders On jobs where they fall from great heights, they get burnt, they get rolled over, I mean I have been on jobs where a number of welders have really been huit really bad, hurt and maimed and the bosses don't care they just pass you on to the insurance company to get a settlement and then you end up home where nobody wants to hire you once you have had back problems, so while you got your health go in business for yourself, if you work for other people try to stay busy for one year welding pipe to get you up enough capital to start up a business on your own And once you start up a business on your own you will never look back you will be so glad you did.

[vendetta]

I just got into being a helper and am a third year apprentice. I appreciate the videos so I can be self taught since my weldor doesn't explain much.

[nickolaspeden]

This is a great video. Idk why but never thought about marking it like a branch and sanding it down. I just throw it together and weld and it has costed me 2 test. Thanks for the video keep them coming.

[briandevillier]

Great advice sir. You are detailed without too much detail. I really enjoyed your video.

[downhilldaddy]

Thanks for the info mr. Ross👍
And yessir, I learn something new everyday and this was today’s lesson. I will definitely spend my time on prep. There’s a saying, if you gave me 10 minutes to chop a tree down, I’d spend the first 7 sharpening my axe.

[justinrichards]

..running the spacers towards the tacks. So. Simple! I’ve been struggling with that exact issue since I started using sawblades for fit up. Thanks bud. 🤟

[marvintiangson]

Mr. Ross, I learned a lot from your videos. Thank you thank you

[homerceballos]

You inspire me to do better everyday in school im 27 been doing this for about 6 years but never actually owned a machine or rig or a actual job as a welder but would like to kearn more off gou

[dannyharvey]

Great video. Be it a welding test, written test, or any test with time limit on it, use the complete time. Don’t goof off and run out of time but don’t race horse through it. Take your time and prep and double check instead of having to rework.
Go by the old saying “measure two or three times and cut once.” Saves headaches and time. Hope everybody has a great week.

[zachwhite]

Hey Austin sooo I’m just here to happily tell you that I recently took a combination welding pipe test recently out of my own money just to try and get something and I am happy to say that I have been certified in it. But now I’m just troubled and have a few questions to ask you in regards to jobs

[christonalmighty]

Hey guys, so i got out of the pipeline world a couple years ago. I moved to TN but I was living out in Norman, OK. I lost all my contacts from the industry but I really want to get back into it. If you guys have any numbers or leads I would love all the help. I can weld. Never got the chance to break out but I helped for a guy for a couple years working for enable and other gas companys non union. Also have labored and I can run equiptment thats what ive been doing in TN since welding jobs are hard to come by! Thank you for the help guys!

[dr_much]

Thank you for emphasizing how important fit up is.

[billarroo]

It's good deal to listen to those old welders tips, makes your job easier 😁😁
Great Video nice tutorial Thanks William Orange county, ca.

[blakewithadhd]

Austin your videos and channel are great.

[jamessistrunk]

Austin was a pipe fitter helper in oil refinery and beveled many ft of pipe and the welders were never checked my work . They welded and I grinded.

[ironfistboxingchannel]

Thank you for these great videos brother, I’ve been watching all your content.