MEET MY WELDING PARTNER & OUR HELPERS (DAY IN THE LIFE OF A PIPELINE WELDER)

[@tmz90]

I could listen for hours listening to old timers. They have the smartest, most entertaining stories, those stories can take you back to an era that will never be reproduced.

[@TheTsunamijuan]

I must say Andy looks great for 73. I wouldn't of guessed he was that old, i would of thought he was in his late 50's at the oldest. I think its great that hes out there being active and getting the job done instead of stagnating somewhere. Looks like a great guy to know and mentor.

[@hideskinnerbuck5316]

Old timers has some good stories. Like to hear more.

[@electrontube]

yeah, I could sit at a campfire with a man like that and just listen forever

[@eddiefason3783]

No matter what trade, those old timers are worth their wait in gold. I could listen to him all day everyday. They know a thing or two cause they have seen a thing or two.

[@shawnsammons4013]

Andy is a great man. He was my dad's welding foreman for close to 10 years with Latex. They were some fun times and hard work. Andy and I would go back and do dig ups and spool ins if needed. I was with him in Kansas on them dig ups. I will always have a lot of respect for him. I never felt like he thought he was better than anyone else, I learned a lot from the old timers like him, coming up watching them.

[@electrontube]

i didn't do your work. but i worked 25 in years in cold and hot and mud and dust and ice and rain and pain and heartache. and i have the deepest respect for anyone that will remain skillful and valuable to their team and their family in the elements. you're good people and i simply won't hear otherwise.

[@jeridjanikowski9338]

Andi is the type of person this country was built by; he is a dying breed; those guys needed to be recorded and their storys need to be saved and shared; most of this generation would be screwed if they had to so what that generation did to get by; they earned every thing they got; mommy and daddy gave them nothing I really appreciate you interviewing him do it again soon Thanks for sharing

[@arosswelding]

I couldn’t agree more. It’s my pleasure. I love sharing stories like his.

[@jmkenny]

I could listen to his storys for hours! Such a genuine guy!

[@arosswelding]

Me too!

[@Oklahoma75]

Loved this one. Could listen to this man for hours!!! 73 years old. These guys are real men. No woke jokes there.

[@Self.reliant]

Working with old-timers was one of the best things I ever did. I'm an ase master auto tech and I learned a lot from an old timer named Tom the stories he told man I could listen to him for hrs not to mention all the things I learned based on his knowledge was priceless

[@johnnyfair]

73 yoa! I hope he is doing what he loves to do and not working out of pure necessity.I am 55 and I know I cannot work like I used to.

[@ScooterLee-ei1ep]

Pipeline welders can have LOOONG career if they take care of their body. Wandering on the pipe is the easiest job on the line

[@TN_Whiskey]

Even he was doing it out of necessity he would have been able to stop years ago

[@livewithnick]

@@TN_Whiskey you can make a ton of money every year but if you don’t manage it right it doesn’t last. My family member made 3 million doing Hurricane remodels one year back around the time Katrina hit. He died last month broke except for his house and land. No money left in the bank. That’s after making good money his whole life.

[@esljoourney]

I could listen to Andy reminisce all day, guys like Andy are true historians.

[@jeremyschon5113]

Awesome video as always love hearing old timer stories, you wouldn't think he was 73 still going strong pretty cool he's still burning rods with young guys

[@arosswelding]

I know it. Really makes you realize that age is just a number and it's more about how old you feel or act.

[@brucecaldwell6701]

That is one tough ol' bird to still be pipelining at his age. Hope he lives well past retirement so he can enjoy it.

[@scottm.7746]

Andy's been retired. He does it because he enjoys it. He will also weld faster and slicker than most. He was my first foreman.

[@marioalonso900]

I helped a welder that has been welding for 50 years I learned so much from that guy

[@justinmills8084]

You learn so much about life from them old boys. I make it a point to make friends with older people and I was so blessed with talking with them about there past. Incredible what they went through. I am taking 35 years ago with people in there 70s, 80s and 90year olds that remembered the depression really well.

[@barrydawg7544]

Love hearing stories from the old timers.. I'm 66 but I still have stories from my day's of factory pipe welding,,,, mostly TIG and 7018 stick....

[@treetopflyersofva2]

I could listen to Andy's stories all day. My hat is off to that man for still working in his 70's. Thank you Austin for sharing your working life with us. I have been watching for a few years now and to me they keep getting better. The welder stories and videos of you out there in the trenches really help us to see a pipeline welders life. Thank you for sharing.

[@arosswelding]

I can too. It's been a blast to work with him. Really passes the downtime we have on tie-ins. Glad you are here and like the videos. I enjoying making them.

[@OldassBoomer]

Nice to see some clear-eyed, intelligent, young men doing the right thing.

[@wadewittman8510]

That was awesome!! Andy sure is a hoot. Could listen to his stories for days. Thanks for sharing Austin 👍.

[@mandogarcia7905]

It's Saturday night here in Chicago, and while watching your video while burning wood in my fire pit drinking my cold beer. When you had that great conversation with old school Andy,I actually felt like I was there with ya chilling and listening to a hard working man with wisdom and knowledge who made unions what it is today...God Bless from a union brother from local#21 Bricklayers and Tuckpointers Chicago Illinois

[@joaquinlujan3816]

It’s always great learning from the old timers👌

[@arosswelding]

Amen. Soaking it up while I can.

[@brettcouch6820]

Andy is hilarious I bet he’s a lot of fun to work with I imagine he’s forgot more than a lot of us know you probably could learn a lot from a man like him

[@pl747]

I love hearing the stories from them old timerz. Lots of experience.

[@weldshot1700]

Andy I believe I worked with him back in 2015 crinkle and destroy in NJ great guy never could keep still throughout the day. He had that old gas machine fired up all throughout the day his helper and him stayed busy with little items that keep a rig up and running and organized.

[@robertgemski7728]

You ever worked in Pennsylvania? I was a helper had planned on getting my own rig but my body let me down i got asthma to the point i had to stop welding altogether. Chokes me up just commenting about it. I put so much dang effort and $ into it its a hard pill to swallow. But about a year after I stopped welding i could breath again!!! So i went back to being a carpenter what i know and love but i wont never be rich or broke. Keep it up man your channel is great. I loved pipelining and the people i met.

[@vangoghsseveredear]

Even with a respirator? I wear one all the time while welding. Boilermaker welder. It doesn't catch everything but it helps. Even if people razz ya for it, really everyone should be wearing one

[@mugshotbradley5505]

Totally awesome video!! I could listen to some of the "old timers" for hours. One of my neighbors worked the Alaska pipeline, and boy does he have some stories. Work hard and be safe!

[@arosswelding]

Me too, I’ve enjoyed every min of everyday working with Andy.

[@donniecochrane4998]

So awsom. His story's. Cool page

[@13gravezz]

andy's probably flashed himself more times than i've even put my hood down 😂

[@shaneintegra]

What do you mean flashed himself?

[@13gravezz]

@@shaneintegra stringing a arc before putting your hood down. So you stare at the arc for a second on accident

[@shaneintegra]

@@13gravezz ohhhhh. Thanks :D

[@JuarezDerrick]

Flashburn is a bitch

[@liamdaigle5839]

@@JuarezDerrick almost impossible to get if you're wearing safetys haha unless your doing boiler tubes lol

[@llanman81]

Could listen to Andy all day long!! Great video!

[@arosswelding]

Me too.

[@mtollmaster3747]

Wow. Andy is the best! He needs his own channel!

[@derrickwalker538]

Can learn a lot from them old cats!! Always enjoyed working with them old guys!!

[@troyrunyan249]

I really like your videos. You are so polite and humble, good job man!

[@Apache-Adventures]

Id love to buy a case of cold ones and just listen to Pawpaws stories all day, and learn a few things🤙🏼

[@rrcontracting9028]

I started welding more than 30 years ago . And I’m only 36 . Dad would let me make big scrap people from drops under the saw . Then I turned marine welder , I worked for American yachts . 18 to 22 . Then I started building all the metal systems in yachts . Brass , bronze , stainless , all the fine and fun metals . Most recently I quit and now I’m a certified hvac contrator licensed in the state of Florida . Where better for ac ? Also commercial refrigeration . I still get to braze weld all the time. Love it . Open flame . It took me years to realize when you sweat that gas torch won’t shock you like a/c tig 200 amps with high freq in the back ground . I jump like it’s gonna shock me still . I got tig in my blood so bad . You will see my welds all over the world and out of this world . I contracted for lenco, Rupp, American yachts , tribute yachts , etc , nasa , D.O.A lures , navy , lures yachts , Armstrong, cgc canvas, Jim Smith boats , broward yachts , verizon yachts , American yachts , to many more to list . I’m an aluminum and stainless boat works junky that switches to being an hvac contractor. Hopefully I can do less with my back and more with my brain . Now I’ve got into the stock market so good that welding doesn’t seem like the best way to make money any more . But i sure do love my metal work .

[@Arkadius1984gl]

56 years old welding rig still kicking strong - no more questions:)

[@jasonitz6580]

Mr. Angy Hess I've worked for him this man is one slick welder for is age dont let him fool you . We were on a job and a welder thought he could out weld Andy and he was wrong so wrong. I was laughing my ass off because andy was waiting on the younger welder to finish up

[@vangoghsseveredear]

Ya never fuck with the old timers. Those guys know their shit

[@bowtac16]

Needs to be a documentary on that man. Great video

[@arosswelding]

I agree. These stories need to be carried on.

[@wadewittman8510]

For sure!!

[@justuhking3605]

Austin Ross when u get a helper do you give them hats or do they have to pay for them?

[@tommystanton3344]

I love the stories from the older guys.

[@Ironjaytrain2003]

Mad respect to learn the right way by helping first

[@jacobmiller4451]

The stories of the greater generation .. awesome..

[@JustinRolfe]

Mr Andy thank you for your service

[@arosswelding]

I’ll be sure and tell him you said that

[@JustinRolfe]

Thank you Austin

[@davidrandolph6462]

I enjoy old pipelines stories

[@derekcollins1972]

Thanks for that vid.I just love meeting people like that.I work in Nova Scotia now but had worked as far away as Louisiana after Katerina happened.Take care and keep busy.

[@anderson7and75]

Obviously I'm looking for tips, tricks and secrets of the pipeline.....what great content though. I would take it as a privilege to work with either one of you guys. I grew up in a tiny little town though, real work and the TRUE advantage of working with real men is a lost asset these days. Great video.

[@jasonmiller2485]

I've always wanted to be a pipeline welder , I just got my diesel technician degree and am about to get a welding certification ur videos are helping me a hell of a lot with wat I need to be ready for thank you keep up good work

[@keithparady2594]

That’s kool man always like talking to the older generation and hearing stories

[@WTFisAuserFRCKINname]

I’m from AL also. Can’t wait to be a helper one day and get on the road, to hopefully be a welder. I’ve been welding almost a full year now (I know I’d be on the low end of the totem, but you gotta start somewhere), and I’m soon to be NCCER, all of OSHA, and many more certified. My wife and I are going to homeschool our little girl, so it wouldn’t interfere at all if they were on the road with me. Watching these videos gives me true insight as to what life would be out there in all conditions. I’ve already learned so much in the few videos I’ve watched over the past few weeks. Hope they keep’a comin!

[@andrew3113]

You give me motivation brother. Working to get my own rig going here soon!!!

[@irenovatedmv]

Really enjoyed this one, even more than the rest. Reminds me of when I used to hang with my grandad and listen to his stories. Such good memories...

[@chrishines6258]

I don’t live to far from red level Alabama. It’s amazing to see videos with people from my neck of the woods

[@emilioballi]

Awesome video, old timers tell some great life stories. Great job Austin.

[@dbaird8784]

Old men stories are the best

[@rdcoburnsr]

Enjoyed the video. Tell Deven hello from Scottsboro Al. Tell Andy’s helper Chance hello from a West Monroe La. native. Be safe out there.

[@jeffcanyafixiy]

Mr. Buddy heater!! Lifesaver,, goodness I'm not a fan of the cold weather work. Hang tough Austin, be blessed, stay blessed!! Devin, keep on keepin on. 👍👍

[@tmack2090]

liked the interview and the old stories !

[@weldor111]

Andy sounds like an alright guy plus he's from Missouri and same age as me. Listen to him and you will probably learn a lot of tips and tricks . Thanks again for the videos and be safe.

[@alexquintero4807]

I grew up in central Alabama and I start working at 17 and never stop,almost time for retirement and making good money.Oxford AL to be exactly correct. I have a property in Clay county for more the 30 years. Stay warm guys and safety first.

[@jeremiahmcglone9699]

I learn a lot from these old timers lol!

[@joeybonarrigo8703]

Yo Andy a legend u know he only works bc he loves it

[@joshl.158]

Love andy's stories

[@rl2769]

Hopefully we’ll here some of Andy’s stories👍 thanks for sharing Austin

[@rcs368]

After years in the trade, all the stuff the young bucks want to see... welding, grinding, fitting show, yea still interesting since I can relate, but the best part is the way you documented that hand.

[@jfrost412]

More Andy stories. good stuff. keep up the great content

[@ajmunozrigwelder]

Old timers are great Keep Andy comein on !👍🏾

[@timanderson2204]

Awesome video, love stories from old timers.

[@travisrickett7175]

Great video again there is a lot to be learned from the guys that have been around, but even if you don't learn anything there stories are great to hear.

[@LynnHarris18]

Loved the pencil in the arm story. Been there, done that. 5th grade, (1952) girl let me have it right in the leg. Lead still in there and the lead make is still on my leg.

[@arosswelding]

These stories are great. Nothing like relating over getting stabbed with a pencil by a girl in grade school.

[@strangefruit8776]

I stabbed a kid that spit on me one day with one of those mechanical pencils that really sharp on the end. As soon as he did it I raged out and just buried it as deep as I could and he acted completely shocked. He didn’t try anything like that again though.

[@SouthernOutfitter]

Decatur,AL here hope to be in 798 soon! Lu 760 here! Love the vids

[@blueonblackpowerstroke513]

Huntsville! Want to be in the 798 as well after I go to the marines.

[@markantczak2766]

I’ve had the pleasure of welding with Andy and working for Andy up here in Local 597 territory. I would put him up against 99% of the pipeline welders in this country, both on welding ability and work ethics. I spent many coffee and lunch breaks listening to his stories and they’ve never gotten old.

[@chuckT479]

Great stories. Makes me wonder if Devon has his own helper now and if Andy is still around telling his stories.

[@logan8256]

Go to west Texas man. Lot of wind but decent weather and it’s booming out west like crazy

[@tonyguerra7799]

Sasar Hozah did you not see he’s 798? Union don’t have any business in w Texas we gotta collect the rest of the money around the country

[@connersnow298]

Awesome vid and edits and filming and truck and equipment and stories

[@terrysmith917]

Damn Andy you just can't get enough of it can you

[@terrysmith917]

You must not have had to work as hard as I did out there 40 years was enough for me LOL

[@calebmattix391]

Love the videos from the row. Looks like you boys are earning it

[@HarrisFS]

My dad worked the Alaska pipeline and one of the stories he would tell us is that they had a big electric heater in the company truck and it would get the temperature inside UP TO zero degrees.

[@zachswigart7457]

Your helper worked for me back in 2016 in maryland. i think it was his second job welding.

[@KickstandsUp909]

Thank you for the welding info. Just starting out.

[@connorhuff4110]

Andy’s stories are the best! I could listen to him tell stories all day

[@arosswelding]

Me too, I’ve really enjoyed working with him.

[@arosswelding]

We should really talk him into starting his own podcast!

[@timlinehan6424]

You gotta use "Howe's additive" that's what me and my daddy use in our diesels pick ups and semis

[@kevinvallee9049]

Great video. Thanks for sharing. Love hearing from ol timers

[@michaelvolentine9203]

Growing up in Louisiana we always had a welder and tanks at the house so I could mess in with them when I needed to weld something or burn something. My older brother got really good at welding and ended up working most of his adult life for fab companies. Also had a uncle that was a pipe line welder and in 1951 he decided to get a job overseas in Morocco and spent 4 years there and then went to Iran for 4 years. One time when I was ,14 my brother decided he wanted to build a small boat trailer and he needed help from me to hold things while he welded them. We did not have but one shield and of course he needed it so I just did not look and I must have looked quite because that night I woke up and I thought someone had poured sand in my eyes. The next morning I had to go to school to register for the 9th grade and my eyes were hurting and tearing up and everyone was looking at me wondering what I was crying for. LOL. Andy said he worked overseas. Could you ask him where and what years? He might have known my uncle.

[@josephkingston9252]

Before anyone decides to go into the pipeline welding, they need to look at this video, reminds me when I worked offshore out in the cold weather then in the summer you end up burning up with all that extra clothing on you and just these weather conditions alone that you have to deal with keeps you from enjoying welding when compared to weldingin a f nice warm shop in winter time, its working conditions like this that welders ought to take into consideration that would cause them to give serious thought more so to go in business for their self and build their own shop and work on their own property where they can stay warm during the winter and stay cool during the summer, working in a shop being able to take breaks when you want to and not having somebody else tell you what to do when to do and how to do it

[@cartergimbel6866]

I love the stories. I kinda wish I was doing more field work with my everlast welder.

[@SAXONWARLORD1000AD]

HARD TO BELIEVE THAT DUDES 73 and still doin it

[@bamaboy6207]

my dad was rig welder for 47yrs he actually passed on a job still burning rods at age 67! i am oldest of 3 sons been a rig welder for 30yrs now an have younger brother that been rig welder for 25yrs also!! but all i can say pipelining make you old in hurry but hope i can jus make 60 an that jus 10yrs away!! lol!! but my dad was one of the best!! roll tide

[@jeremyadkins5836]

That's interesting hearing from Andy about working overseas. I've always wanted to go travel but didnt know if it was actually possible.

[@benjaminwest6373]

Can’t wait till I can tell these stories

[@patrickmccafferty7183]

Great videos, thanks. Where was this job at?

[@williamhowell555]

Great content Austin stay safe brother

[@arosswelding]

Appreciate it. You do the same.

[@pupbiking]

Gotta love Andy 73 and still in the trenches unbelivable......

[@hwdllc]

Enjoy that video. Good stuff

[@ButterySkater]

Ive lived in southern cali my whole life. Anything below 40° is way too cold to work in.

[@kopistedik3542]

We go home amigo

[@chrisduncan2626]

It definitely feels much colder when you arent actively working. I like to freeze to death if im just hanging out, but once im doing something i do ok

[@jeffallen6754]

Andy was the best thing about that video

[@ypaulbrown]

Another great one.... thanks

[@sergioramirez3328]

Just having some fun be safe

[@MBASTOCKDOGS]

Great music in the video; nothing sounds sweeter than an ol '63 200. A guy had bought a '63 SA 200 and leased it to a refinery in Eldorado for a year. The guy had died and his wife wanted to sell it. Dad paid $700 for it in '64 and it didn't have many hours on it. It's great getting to hear the stories from Andy and look forward to more in the future. I agree on Devon making a smart move, sometimes you have to take a step back in order to go forward.

[@kaliguy47]

Andy mentioned Zion IL, I live by there, funny story, rough neighborhood..

[@akitatoyo8060]

Austin who kills the most time in their vehicles. Inspector or Foreman?

[@jpa1282]

It honestly is the welders

[@shanerogers2835]

I'm a structural ironworker of 24 years. I'm getting on to the older side young n I'm tired of humping my weight in tool's on my back. I've got most of the tools, I'm 3 , 4, and as of a year ago I got my 6G cert. I've been trying for a long time to get on the pipeline. With no luck. I have no problem with starting out as a helper. I actually prefer too. Being that I've never worked on a pipeline. Anyone have any advice ?? Fort Worth Texas here.

[@fittergrips2010]

Word of advice about Union benefits. KEEP good records . DO NOT THROW OUT ANY CHECK STUBS or direct deposit info ever . Save all of that stuff till you retire . Stuff can get lost when you depend on a third party . The main pipe line local in Canada is UA local 488

[@cabbyhubby]

That's good advice for any job.