What does a Rig Welder do?
Published 3 min read
Rig welders are responsible for the welding and maintenance of rigs used in the drilling process of oil wells. They must be able to safely operate welding equipment and have a thorough knowledge of welding techniques. Rig welders must also be able to read and interpret blueprints and schematics.
Rig Welder job duties include:
- Read and interpret welding blueprints, drawings, and specifications
- Determine the appropriate welding equipment or method based on requirements
- Operate angle grinders to prepare the parts that must be welded
- Align and fit together fabricated metal parts
- Clamp, hold, tack-weld, heat-treat, or cut metal objects, using hand tools, power tools, machines, and equipment
- Ignite torch and adjust flame to preheat workpieces
- Weld along joints, using a filler rod that melts and fuses with the base metal to form a strong bond
- Monitor the welding process to avoid overheating the metal
- Remove rough spots from workpieces using portable grinders, hand files, or scrapers
Rig Welder Job Requirements
Rig welders are responsible for the welding and fabrication of rigs used in drilling operations. They must have a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as a welding certification. Rig welders must have at least two years of welding experience.
Rig Welder Skills
- Arc welding
- Shielded metal arc welding
- Gas tungsten arc welding
- Flux-cored arc welding
- Submerged arc welding
- Plasma arc welding
- Electroslag welding
- Laser beam welding
- Electron beam welding
- Resistance spot welding
- Arc gouging
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How to become a Rig Welder
Rig welders are in high demand due to the many advantages they offer. Rig welders are able to weld in all positions, which means they can weld horizontally, vertically, and even upside down if necessary. This makes them perfect for welding in difficult or hard-to-reach places. They are also able to weld in confined spaces and on delicate materials that other welders would damage.
If you’re interested in becoming a rig welder, there are a few things you need to know. First, you’ll need to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Next, you’ll need to complete an apprenticeship program that lasts about four years. During your apprenticeship, you’ll learn the basics of welding, including safety procedures and how to use different types of welding equipment.
Once you’ve completed your apprenticeship, you’ll be able to take the welding certification exam. This exam will test your knowledge of welding safety and your ability to perform different types of welding tasks. If you pass the exam, you’ll be a certified rig welder.
If you want to become a rig welder, it’s important to have patience and be willing to learn. Rig welders need to be able to follow instructions carefully and pay attention to detail. They also need to be physically strong and comfortable working in difficult positions. But if you have what it takes, becoming a rig welder can be a rewarding career with plenty of opportunities for advancement.
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