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Welder or Diesel Mechanic?

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussion' started by jeckel7234, Jul 12, 2012.

  1. Jul 12, 2012 at 5:29 PM
    #1
    jeckel7234

    jeckel7234 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I've been going to school for the last year for engineering using the post 9-11 GI Bill, which has been great but it only last 3 years and I would need 4 to get my degree. So I've been tossing around getting a certification in either welding or as a diesel mechanic, and get a job afterwards and slowly work towards the engineering degree. I'm leaning towards diesel mechanic because I would love to work for CSX or another railroad company but does anybody have any recommendations or any other certs that may be better
     
  2. Jul 12, 2012 at 5:35 PM
    #2
    kirkofwimbo

    kirkofwimbo Well-Known Member

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    I know a guy that did exactly that, he became a diesel tech for Ford, and worked on his engineering degree while doing that. He is now higher up at Ford and making mega bucks. Good luck with whatever you decide. A lot of money in welding, but it sure is tough work.
     
  3. Jul 12, 2012 at 5:41 PM
    #3
    jeckel7234

    jeckel7234 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    yea from what ive found online for the most part except for the extremes their salaries are about the same, and I would really imagine welding would get boring.
     
  4. Jul 12, 2012 at 7:07 PM
    #4
    jeckel7234

    jeckel7234 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    bump anyone else
     
  5. Jul 12, 2012 at 7:26 PM
    #5
    joes06tacoma

    joes06tacoma Well-Known Member

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    I haven't done either as a trade, but have spent some time around an automotive shop. The local ambulance company's mechanic used to rent out a couple of bays from my boss. This guy was polished, he specialized in Ford diesel pickups and Ford ambulance chassis. Yes, he worked hard and he got dirty, but he owned his own business, wrote his own ticket, and seemed to be doing very well money wise. He knew how to work smart and never seemed to be struggling to get a job done. I eventually decided I didn't want to get greasy at work, and I went another way, but I've always looked up to that guy and thought it was a decent way to earn a living.

    The only welding I've ever done was at the community college. I took one class. I'd say that welding is most likely one of the hottest, dirtiest jobs you could choose. I hear the money is very good though.

    If I were to choose one or the other, I'd go diesel. It just seems like a better work environment. Of course, trains are a whole different story. I'd imagine everything about it is heavier.....tools, parts, etc....all day long....and probably at night too.
     
  6. Jul 12, 2012 at 7:31 PM
    #6
    amaes

    amaes Cuz Stock Sucks

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    A lot of my family are in the pipeline welding field and really like it. I also know that they make a ton of money if you put the effort into it. One of my uncles that passed away was pulling in $250k+ a year doing it. But he had to travel a lot.
     
  7. Jul 12, 2012 at 7:32 PM
    #7
    jeckel7234

    jeckel7234 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    yea my biggest incentive for wanting to work at one of the railroads are thay most of them seem to be great places to work as far as pay and benefits. When I got out of the AF a year ago they gave me a book listing 100 of the top employers for vets and something like 4 of the top 6 were railroad companies
     
  8. Jul 12, 2012 at 7:39 PM
    #8
    92LandCruiser

    92LandCruiser Well-Known Member

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    I'm doing diesel, I've welded a fair bit and I wouldn't want to do it as a living.
     
  9. Jul 12, 2012 at 9:02 PM
    #9
    jeckel7234

    jeckel7234 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    How are you liking diesel mech? whats your day to day like? and is there an advantage to doing something like wyotech vs something like a community college for the most part. sorry for all the questions and thanks for any info you can share
     
  10. Jul 12, 2012 at 9:13 PM
    #10
    slo13zx3

    slo13zx3 Well-Known Member

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    I'm a tech i love it been doing it for years. you learn more in the shop then in school
     
  11. Jul 12, 2012 at 9:16 PM
    #11
    06yoda

    06yoda Well-Known Member

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    Should've joined the Navy. Then you could have a few of the popular schools and get your Journeymans License like me. I should have mine done in about 2 more years then I'm going to go for my Master Cert. and still get paid to do my job. On that note go with the diesel school since the sudden demand and cultural shift in the US economy picking up on the diesel bug. They are changing and becoming a lot more common. Pick up welding at a trade class just for fun.
     
  12. Jul 12, 2012 at 9:17 PM
    #12
    Detective_Dan

    Detective_Dan "Place original and witty user title here"

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    you are a crew chief so im sure you know my job, AGE.

    i thought i would love being a diesel mechanic but it turns out i hate it lol. practically the same s**t, different day. it gets very repetitive and boring fast. if i were in your shoes, i would try for something where you would be doing different jobs on a daily basis. maybe one day you are pulling an engine, and the next you are welding a frame, then the next day you run diagnostics on a motor.

    dont become a mechanic if all you are going to do is oil changes and filter changes. you will get bored quite quickly
     
  13. Jul 12, 2012 at 9:19 PM
    #13
    jeckel7234

    jeckel7234 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    i dont get what you mean by popular schools? all of the diesels techs did yall just go strait to work for a company or did you go to school for it first
     
  14. Jul 12, 2012 at 9:21 PM
    #14
    jeckel7234

    jeckel7234 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    o yea i know AGE, do you have any suggestions for something that would cover all of that?
     
  15. Jul 12, 2012 at 9:25 PM
    #15
    Detective_Dan

    Detective_Dan "Place original and witty user title here"

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    at the moment, i cant really think of anything. you would need to try for something like a diesel engine overhaul shop. somewhere that you will be fixing major engine problems will deffinently keep you occupied and interested. i worked maintenance in my shop for about a year and i loved it. constantly pulling blown motors out of jammers, MEP's, and mules would keep me entertained till the end of time. now ive been in inspections for about 6 months and all i do is lubrication, oil and filter changes, and maybe wheel bearings. it is so repetitive that im like a robot at work now and i am constantly trying to find things to replace just to entertain myself and throw something new into the mix
     
  16. Jul 12, 2012 at 9:28 PM
    #16
    06yoda

    06yoda Well-Known Member

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    For me it is Cummins, Caterpillar, Paxton, Colt Pilsticks, mostly marine diesels/ Generators.
     
  17. Jul 12, 2012 at 9:50 PM
    #17
    jeckel7234

    jeckel7234 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    did the navy give you some kind of advantage there? getting in with CAT or cummins would be awesome
     

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