what is the best way to get into the construction welding industry with only knowing stick and mig processes
Go to contractors or implement manufacturing shops and see if they're hiring welders. Stick welding is still used extensively in the field and preferred by many for the(supposedly) strongest welds. Unless you were doing strictly pipe welding, there's not much difference if you know what you're doing. Pipe welding is almost like a different trade in that it uses different techniques and some pipe welders aren't the best at structural or repair welding. Flux-core wire is used in construction but it's not too hard to learn. If you're a good welder a company will give you some leeway to learn it. Knowing the proper way to do a lasting repair is almost more important than if you know how to weld.
I would think the biggest difference would be from going from flat welds, and doing the same weld over and over again to going to all position and a variety of materials and rods. Best of luck, a good welder always has work. And of course, having to design your own welds and doing your own weld prep. Howard
And the most important thing as far as I'm concerned regarding repair weld quality - you'll be working on steel that is probably corroded, worn, or covered in oil/grease (or a combination of all three) not nice shiny new stuff......
Yair . . . catwelder To add to the above comments if you do start in this field. If you are welding it it probably was not designed strong enough or incorrectly/insufficiently welded in the first place. It is up to you to correct and rectify the deficiency with extra/correct welds and/or additional reinforcing or plating. There is seldom much point in gouging/grinding out and rewelding to make it look pretty. Gouging out and preparation are important. Those first runs down at the start of a repair are vital, don't be afraid to grind out imperfections and start again if you get slag and inclusions. It is always best to try and follow the manufacturers method of reinforcement . . . the object being to present the machine as if it had never been repaired. Have a look around and if the manufacturer used reinforcing plates with radiused ends welded all around and some two inch diameter plug welds do the same . . . like wise if they bought the plate to a point or left the ends unwelded. Lastly and probably most important. Be aware you are welding on a machine. I am old school and always unhooked batteries. These days this can apparently present its own issues and it would probably be best to determine company/manufacturers policy on this. Others may chime in as I am completely unqualified to comment on modern machines. Keep your earth clamp as close to possible to where you are welding to reduce the possibility of arcing across bearings. Watch out for hydraulic rods and wire ropes an arc can be catastrophic . . . an arc can propagate from a split or partial break in a welder cable and it can be a good idea to tape and canvass exposed rods and winch drums. If you do arc onto a winch rope report it!! Ropes don't heal and a few broken strands can cause major problems or even cost a life. Cheers.
When I was repairing equipment it seemed that I spent a lot of time doing layout and cutting to fab materials to fit the repair area. In the field there are few jigs since most repairs are unique to the machine and day of the week. Also, there is a greater chance of fire in the field than in the shop.
went around and looked at the few companies in a 25 mile radius of me and for the most part they needed welders but they dint wanna pay for one they wanted to pay as if for just a laborer and not a welder which was a big cut in money about 8 dollars actually so tomorrow I will go out for about 40 miles and try the neighboring companies
Tom V's thread, "some work pictures", shows how! HeavyEquipmentForums (He's the paradigm of construction industry welding...)