How to Pipefit: For BEGINNERS (pt.1)

WWA Instructor James Packard walks you through the basics of pipe fitting.
Responding to comments vid: • Video
#pipefitter #Howtofitpipe

[@chriswilliamson1211]

I start a pipefitter training course in April. I've been a chef for 25 years, so this is a very new career for me. This video definitely helped me start to know what to expect. Thank you.

[@petemoore8923]

25 years and now this? You’ve got balls of solid rock but I understand. I was in retail management for 25 years and became a fabricator. The pay was less to start but it’s the most rewarding job I’ve ever had and I absolutely love it. Good luck to you!

[@ThePeavey23]

Run and hide

[@chriswilliamson1211]

@@ThePeavey23 I'm super excited about it. Should I not be? 😃

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Great to hear!

[@michellemabelle6531]

How is it going?

[@jamespage2602]

You and the other instructors do a good job with the videos especially when Tylor read's the negative response is the best part

[@OsunaFabrication]

Keep the pipefitter videos coming!! Great info!!

[@sloppyjonuts9162]

Yes! Do I need to be facing NORTH in the room that I will be pipe fitting in? Or just need to know where North is on paper & doesn’t matter if I’m facing whichever direction ?

[@OsunaFabrication]

@@sloppyjonuts9162 you need to know where North is in the room that way the spool you build matches when you take the spool piece to the field

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

More to come!

[@L_E_L_0_U_P]

That trick to level out the pipe on the tri stand, never even thought of that, awesome

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Glad to help

[@PercFanboy]

Im about to finish my first year of my apprenticeship with the local 464, learned a few tricks I haven’t seen yet on the limited time I’ve had out in the filed. Thanks!

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

We're glad to help

[@max2icyy746]

Any advice for a first year apprentice?

[@johnwig285]

Thats why i say apprenticeship can be misleading...u think you're gaining experience but you're just clocking hours without gaining as many skills are you're supposed to because other ppl are too busy to teach you properly. Plus they feel like they get paid to do their own job, not to teach u and help u do the job

[@scoobasteve1844]

​@max2icyy746 learn somthing from every journeyman you work with even if it's "I'll never do it like that when I top out"

[@patriotskingnation8084]

@@johnwig285well you work with different crews and mostly teach or you can learn by watching either you can’t learn quickly or your with a bad journey man your whole program which I doubted it

[@SmokeyBear0999]

I just got a pipe fitter offer, I’m sitting here watching videos so I can have an idea of the basics.

[@sloppyjonuts9162]

Soo pipe fitters also weld ? How much welding did they say you would be doing?

[@SmokeyBear0999]

@@sloppyjonuts9162 very little “tacking” just making sure it’s in place to welders can weld the rest

[@davidforbes2816]

God Anubis I just got an offer yesterday and I am here to get an idea of what is expected before I start the 6 weeks training., I hope you are doing well.

[@SG-pj5zl]

@@SmokeyBear0999 so if I wanted to make more money I should learn to weld pipe too.

[@elaisenic8761]

🤣🤣🤣and I was thinking I'm the only one doing that😅

[@williamowings6857]

I like to flip the square to the T side on the flange. I make less mistakes with the extra surface area contact and so does my helpers especially when lighting is an issue. I like your teaching style and think it's very excellent and easy to understand. I don't teach draw on pipe either. That comes natural enough with experience and emphasize use of wedges. Square tubing is different. I teach how to hinge tack that to square because it draws so bad. But 👍we need more Welders desperately.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

much appreciated man!

[@jevonsolomon1576]

Love it !!! Very detailed and knowledgeable!! Keep the videos coming!! Thank you!!

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

anytime 🙌

[@JMenForThat]

Thanks for the video! I don't know a whole lot about pipe fitting but I applied for an apprenticeship at a local union. This is giving me some good insight.

[@jamesrock9446]

great to see a pro show some tricks of the trade, I learned something today.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Glad to hear it!

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

PT.2 out now! kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6bSip6nhtFghrM

[@johnray4654]

I really admire the precision and attention to detail you have. I work at Spacex and the welders here don’t have any of the qualities that you demonstrated.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Thank you for your kind words!

[@SmDJeremy]

That's concerning to hear. Lol nearly every welder and fitter that I work with are the exact same.. And we aren't working with rockets! 😂

[@WalterAlexis7]

Ronda did a good job brother. She deserve a raise.

[@fuzmkitnz]

Master of his craft! Great video thank you

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

anytime!

[@morganweller1491]

Really good idea bending a rod too visualize the fit up

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Dale yea! 😎

[@josephg32541]

Wow, just started watching this because it looked interesting, this is my hometown!

[@Ryanbaggarly]

Thanks man im joining the Union im a few months at 100 in Dallas. Keep it up!! Ill be watching

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Yezir

[@mikeundereood1071]

Got my 2 hole bolts boss n my square n level good tools walk keep it simple great job n like to see peeps do there thing

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Right on!

[@Dylan-lw1xc]

Dude I’m trying to decide what trade to go into and all I know is that I want to work with guys that are as funny as you. That pipe piece was funny 😄

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Come and join and it will be the best decision you’ve ever made. Apply at ApplyToWeld.com!

[@Dylan-lw1xc]

@@WesternWeldingAcademy I did a lot of welding in HS and really loved it, I got to be pretty good too. It’s one of top choices.

[@brandonb7496]

Grind your tachs, only tach in 2 places, dont smash a spacing tool in and destroy the landing,, use a brass hammer, hit the open side , it will move,,fit the 2 90's first in a vice and roll them out, then fit it to the pipe and roll that too

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Thanks for the tip!

[@benchant181]

Why not use your level on the flange face when leveling it up so you don’t need a extra person on that spool with you

[@920hammy]

Bubbles out here teaching us how to weld pipe

[@smsteger89]

Thanks for the video. I'm trying to get an idea of the work involved in this career

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Go for it! You could never go wrong! Also check us out ApplyToWeld.com

[@john8855]

Just finished my 1st week in the Apprentice program.. cool stuff, I have a long way to go lol

[@dennismaloney7241]

I like cozying up to a code book in front of the fireplace myself.

[@vendetta1306]

Appreciate you dumbing it down, thanks brother

[@metalmelter1324]

Why not use levels when you level the flange instead of messing with squares and why not roll some of the welds??

[@kennethmelnychuk9737]

Use a 2 foot square & measure along the length of the pipe

[@kyranblack5162]

2 levels or a 2 feet square is better than the speed squares and a measuring tape. Your helper can get more rode or etc, while the welder makes a basic fit.

[@emmanuelgiray1315]

But you didn’t mention how to get the elbow and flange take off to meet the reqt distance ( true length/pipe piece) bet the flange and the 90 deg elbow. Good job!!!! Sometime I watch this kind of video to refresh my mind of my work before as PF.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Great point! Thanks ol' son 😎

[@toasttoast789]

Just applyed for UA apprentace in toledo hopeing i get an offer tired of working assembly lines

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

We wish you the best!

[@ypaulbrown]

great information here, thank you very much, cheers from Florida, Paul

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@burninghammerstudios7033]

I feel like its not hard to get the hang of, but my brain is melting because numbers make my brain cry

[@Lord_of_Pasta]

Fuck numbers just show me the tight gap I gotta fill with my long hot rod.

[@rankmayor4076]

I'm a musician , that starting my pipefitting course this year. I have to say, it's a little overwhelming. But any help is a warm welcome, thanks for the info.

[@zachbartlett2829]

Im a very new hvac tech. Did installs before working service. In the time ive been in service ive been super stressed and i think its for two reasons 1. On call schedule and 2. Mental fatigue from trying to work through problems i dont know enough about. I also think ive learned i like building much more than fixing things. Im an introvert as well but i like having someone to talk to throughout the day if i decide i want to lol. Is pipefitting a good career switch choice? And is it better to stay in the shop or go in the field

[@deckmonkey1459]

Stick with the HVAC service. It's more consistent work and and mostly in town. Around here the fitting is mostly out of town and inconsistent when you will be working. I was just asked on Monday to be in a town 3 1/2 hours away to work 4 or 5 weeks of straight 12 hour shifts starting Wednesday morning. Great money but no life and why our hall has probably an 80% divorce rate. My ex "only" gets 30% of my gross for child support because she makes more money than me but you could end up paying over 50%. Being on call for HVAC isn't too bad and you'll figure out the usual problems so you know what to look for before you get to the job. I did about 4 years of new house construction then 12 years of plumbing service which is way worse than HVAC but you get used to it. I just went about my business without thinking about the pager and if the pager went off it's extra money. Plus fitting is far more physical and hard on the body that you will feel when you get older in a bad way.

[@tylerholloway579]

@@deckmonkey1459 are you in a union shop?

[@deckmonkey1459]

@@tylerholloway579 I work out of the plumber's union. I started non-union doing new houses and worked mostly service for 2 different union companies. I'm just taking calls off the books now as I'm semi-retired and not really interested in being crippled up all the time. I was just off for 20 months waiting for double hernia surgery and my body actually feels better all over.

[@austingupton1421]

Sounds like you should be an electrician my friend. Main qualifications are just being able to be asshole and not touch a broom. I should know 😉

[@exodus3518]

Stick with that bro. I’m a fitter and the mental gymnastics you have to do to finish some jobs is crazy.

[@micke20]

Great tip with the speedsquares 👍 I NEVER knew about that untill now and I wish I was taught that in highschool but no so thanks for that tip 👏🙂

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@260160nl]

I never use squares. I use two or more magnetic levels of different lengths. And one magnetic pocket level 3" long. Pocket level is very handy for squaring small diameter elbows.

[@TheRealDonVerga]

Levels only work when you're stationary . On boats you'll always find squares work better

[@Trey-vq9et]

I start Pipefitting at Ingalls Shipbuilding next Thursday

[@Dvorak879]

Instead of trying to measure off your two squares at the end you could have made the pipe level to match the face of the flange plumb. If you can't get your stand to sit level just make them the same amount off level/plumb. Not that you can't get it right that way but using levels is a bit faster and easier. If you can't roll your pipe you do need to do that on your sides though (for anyone reading) Great video though

[@ziontziont3106]

Bruh that’s my dream job right there

[@myconight]

Ok. I can see a Lot of these tips helping build rollcages, and other stuff too... Ty, Love the videos!

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Thank you so much!

[@jackcollier929]

Great stuff!

[@jimFcooper]

Good honest fitting instructions

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Thanks!

[@antonioruiz6273]

Is there a video about doing a 45/45 degree offset but with the 45s pointing in the same direction? Kinda like making your own long 90

[@horaciosalinas8145]

The trick with the rod , I do it to know how to put my rigging !! 😆 i just do it with the rod and the wire of my ear plugs , but i know u doing to fab it but it just remind me of that

[@andywilliams8147]

Do pipefitters or plumbers make more? Or are plumbers also pipefitters?

[@ivancastillo5783]

That YOLO tattoo 😂

[@waynerusso7975]

i learned a lot. thanks

[@MrRad93]

at 6:24 when you're using the wedge to level it, what did you do to remove the wedge and keep it level?

[@kotlblbland]

tack the fit while wedge is inserted normally it will fall out.

[@dabears22]

quick question.. im kinda new into this, is stick or mig more common for pipe fitting. i tried looking online but get many mixed answers.

[@jamesgoesoff1992]

pipefitting like if you are a pipe fitter that builds fire sprinkler systems? mig is far more common for in the shop work. stick is preferred in the field because it is easier to run leads up 12 to 20 feet up in the air than a mig line.

[@nevaypansona3885]

James this is lit keep it up

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Wow, thanks!

[@bturner2030]

Measure twice and tack once!

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

👍🏻

[@ryanb1874]

Man that's a funny intro man. Cool stuff.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Glad you liked it! 😅

[@joseramirez-xo6mn]

This school looks badass

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Check us out westernweldingacademy.com/

[@enlighten_me1912]

Been thinking of getting into this field of work for a while now. Just curious what the job outlook is? And are pipefitters still in demand?

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Of course! We assist the graduates with the jobs as well. If you’re interested, send your application at ApplyToWeld.com

[@antonioleal900]

In demand is an understatement. 15+ fitter here im telling you its almost to the point where you sought after if you can read prints, lay out runs, fit, and especially if your a combo and can fit and weld. Alot of younger men dont understand how important this job is. You will ALWAYS work and make damn good money if you become good and take pride in this trade. I always tell people their just payin me to do my hobby. Its like building an erector set. Good luck, and go through with it

[@bobbob5007]

I think I gonna get into it warehousing is shit and construction and trades is shit but this path seems worth it

[@chargrave3792]

honest question should i go for a cert, or do the degree? ive got enough from my GI bill, ive been online business management but i think a trade would do me way better expecially now and days. Prior heavy equiptment mechanic.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

You wouldn’t really need a degree, Certs is the optimal way to go

[@TheRealDonVerga]

I like how hes a welder that can fit, thats hard to find these days

[@villiamkarl-gustavlundberg5422]

This video has 140,000 views. That makes me happy.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Thank you we appreciate you!

[@johnpeters8652]

Good stuff.

[@kyleryeomans2437]

Gotta hand story bro I saw that pickle hanging there

[@rodrush5186]

About to go to welding and pipe fittings school at 47 yrs old

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Awesome! Best of luck man!

[@middleway1885]

Great stuff

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Thank you!

[@exodus3518]

when you square the flange to the pipe why dont you just stick a level on both the flange and pipe its being tacked to? i understand squares are more accurate tho

[@youthcrowd2032]

Like you style, how you teaching.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Thank you!

[@travusbruce7433]

Is that gap 3inches /2/5 quartz off ?

[@kostua116]

Why does it cook without a gap? It is difficult to set the geometry.

[@Phar2Rekliss]

Why would use a tape measure instead of a steel ruler square?

[@antaresko1]

good videos. .congratulations

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Glad you like them!

[@joshuabailey1825]

Good job

[@vladimirnachev324]

It's more reliable to take the measure from the first digit because tape measurers are not overly reliable from 0

[@Saucierism]

what happened to that bevel on the second 90???

[@mariaangelabenitez9881]

I’m 4’9 and I desire for this career

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Send us an application at Applytoweld.com 👌

[@grandandes294]

How do I turn on the captions for this video?

[@Yz376]

5:00 got a little IP there bud!

[@claytonjennings3038]

I am looking for information to get into being a fitter! Any and all would be appreciated!

[@ArturoGarcia-dc2rm]

Good video

[@de8195]

So are these standard methods of fabricating pipe out in the field? Asking because I’m looking to get into the field with no experience other than at home Got me already a beveler and roll out wheel

[@IggyIIl]

In the field, you're more than likely going to be fitting pipe with a gap for heliarc penetration. But yes, this is pretty standard methods. for pipe up to about 6 inches, i place 2 100lb pull magnets on the bottom 45 degree sections of the pipe and the fitting/pipe snaps right in place. Common gap is 3/16 or 5/32

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Good luck!

[@Leeterthanthou]

nice vid !

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

glad you like it!

[@jamesamurdock93]

I’m just wanting to learn welding. How to I protect myself from lung cancer?

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Where proper protective gear!

[@jamesamurdock93]

@@WesternWeldingAcademy thank you for the speedy reply, earned your self a subscriber in me, thanks for what you do

[@wis3guy83]

Thanks for shearing

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Thanks for visiting

[@venugopal9784]

I am also pipe fitter in saudi arabia doing the job I confused 45 degree elbow fitup time please do 45degree elbow fitup vedio

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Maybe on the next video 😉

[@bretmcgee3573]

Could’ve at least cleaned the bevel of that 90 up and level it to the pipe with level

[@roberthowardbrower]

Respect

[@adriangarcia7775]

For fit elbow you use a man helper I would like you fit with no helper

[@richiebabcock9284]

Hey, what happened to part 2? 🤔

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

get ready for it this Friday!

[@bhaskarbhusarapu7324]

Iam india good video...💗💗💗💗

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Thank you!

[@HOOKEM2024]

It be nice to have captions so I can read what you’re saying. Yes I’m hard of hearing!

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

noted!

[@saquibkhan1230]

Sire please suggest book for pipe fitter and Fabrication.

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Why not join our school instead? 😉

[@L_E_L_0_U_P]

Might have to switch out the old square for a speed square

[@L_E_L_0_U_P]

Alberta pipefitter for decades :)

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

👌🏻

[@coemoney]

Thank you

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Welcome!

[@niranjanpanchal4656]

Thanks 🌹 😊 🎉

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

Welcome 😊

[@DillyWilly409]

Boy had a big gun and Def blasted back

[@kostua116]

Take me in as an installer

[@jhitt79]

How come I never hear pipe fitters use the term “plumb”?

[@kotlblbland]

Please tell these folks looking at your work that your end prep on these 90 deg ell's are not right period. I would fire a pipe fitter that used those 90's without cleaning the inside correctly.

[@brandonb7496]

Relax nuclear code

[@private7195]

Did you get the job? And how was it

[@JAZMAN-ik7tu]

Whare can I get some merch at

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

www.weldusa.com

[@Yz376]

U kids just get a helper job u can learn more and get paid to do it too.

[@jaylenmalone7247]

How would you find something like that

[@lardazz1544]

Bubbles?

[@antaresko1]

cellulosic 2,5 mm

[@kennethmelnychuk9737]

A good welder can make that gap 😆

[@livevilife]

A good welder will fit it properly first. 😜

[@kennethmelnychuk9737]

@@livevilife: whenever I adopt a pet welder, I always run his heat, feed him rods, stroke his fragile ego, grind & buff the joint, etc.

[@livevilife]

What’s the similarities between a welder and a hooker ?..... They both lay on their back , constantly asking for more money and more rod 😃

[@willdocks]

Brother, are you missing a finger?

[@marvinharms1891]

I've got 25 years as a pipe fitter/fabrication.and I'm unemployed from March 2023😢 I'm 44. I live in South Africa can do what you've shown. Probably better 😅❤💞

[@WesternWeldingAcademy]

happy for you man