How long you been in the trade?

[480sparky]

Just curious.... how long have you been in the trade?

[ibew441dc]

Almost 10 solid for me8-)

[KevinVost]

Closing in on 20.

[Rockyd]

Started in the Navy - May 18th, 1978.

[ItsHot]

Started in 1979. And in so many ways, still a "hack"!! :D:D

[Dirt merchant]

I've just crested my 12th year this spring.

[Minuteman]

I feel so old, when I see installs that was several code cycles ago, and remember doing it that way.

[ibew441dc]

Started in 1979. And in so many ways, still a "hack"!! :D:D

I was born in 1979:grin:

[ericsherman37]

Since November 14, 2005.

[ItsHot]

I was born in 1979:grin: You are a young man! I'm so old I quit buying green bananas!:smile:

[quogueelectric]

I started out working for my fathers residential company Quogue Electric when I was about 11 or 12.
This started in the early 70s maybe even 69 ish. He ended up getting into it because his young boss had a stroke at 30 something and his bosses wife couldnt run the buisness.
She sold the whole thing to him cheap so he gave it a whirl and did pretty good.
Worked summers and on and off until 1984 working full time and then some for the last 25 years.

[LarryFine]

If the service change I did for an uncle at age 16 counts, 37.5 years.

[electricalperson]

i got into the electrical program november 1998 at high school. graduated in 2002 and worked every day in it since then got my license 2006

[quogueelectric]

Lets cut everyone open an count thier rings.

[Rockyd]

Uh huh, there's that uppity cow gone wild again! Should be grateful for Swine flu taking the heat off of his friends down at the farm:D

[cschmid]

been grilling the cow for more years than twisting wire nuts..:D
been doing it since I went to school in 1980

[quogueelectric]

been grilling the cow for more years than twisting wire nuts..:D
been doing it since I went to school in 1980 Look on your helmet I think you have Cow Envy. You wish you could be a cow your helmet clearly illustrates this.

[Pierre C Belarge]

I started construction with my father in '74. I started shocking myself in the early 80's.

[mthead]

7 yrs electrician-and subsequently...,i.e. imediately there after 7yrs and counting as an electrical inspector--here on L.I.after your 7yrs working with a lic.'d elec you may sit for the test to get your own elec. lic or pursue other venues-That 7yrs also allows you to sit for your elec inspector certification exams should you so desire--and I so desired at the time.

[dezwitinc]

Anyone remember solid TW in cardboard boxes?
Remember the first time you pulled stranded THHN?
30+years

[Besoeker]

Nearly half a century for me...........

[iwire]

I was 17 when I got my first job in the trade which was 1981. I was in trade school in 79 using the 1978 NEC. :smile:

So it's looking like 28-30 years damn time flies.

[ibew441dc]

I was 17 when I got my first job in the trade which was 1981. I was in trade school in 79 using the 1978 NEC. :smile:

So it's looking like 28-30 years damn time flies.

My age is between 28 -30 ........:grin:

[roger]

Anyone remember solid TW in cardboard boxes?


I do.

I started with a sub contractor to General Telephone in 73 and moved to electrical in 75.

Roger

[TOOL_5150]

I was 17 when I got my first job in the trade which was 1981. I was in trade school in 79 using the 1978 NEC. :smile:

So it's looking like 28-30 years damn time flies.

You have been in the trade longer than I have been alive. :smile:

~Matt

[lbwireman]

1975-an' still here. heheheheh......

[masterinbama]

First job was in 1979 for an EC that also did some minor carpentry. I decided pulling 12-2 was a lot easier than carrying 3/4 ply wood up an extension ladder. Then I found out about 5"GRS and 500 mcm 15kv triplex tray cable. But I have no regrets.

[electricmanscott]

Graduated from vocational high school in 1988. Went right to work as an apprentice. (Thats fancy talk for lowest bum on the ladder who gets crapped on the most)

[billsnuff]

'79 was when i started in the shop. Paid about 10 bucks an hour plus benefits.

[roger3829]

Started working with my grandfather when I was 14, hired as an apprentice at 16. Way back in 1978

[mjf]

Summer of 91 at the age of 23 I just got laid off from an asbestos removal company.

My neighboor was working for a licenced electrician and asked me if I wanted to help dig a ditch to a pool.

The boss offered me a job. The next day I was drilling holes with the hole hawg and my neighboor was sitting home.

April of 2000 I started my own company.

[brian john]

July 5, 1970 took my first job as an electricians helper, I had to fudge the numbers some, as I was 17 and you were suppose to be 18 to work commercial construction in VA. First day on the job a apprentice cut into a supposedly dead 10/3 3 phase 480 VAC line and was severely hurt. I learned that day to ALWAYS TEST, never trust anyone. The electrician that told him the line was dead left the job and did not come back for his brown envelope, we were paid in cash back then.

I remember #12 solid TW in brown card board boxes what a pain.
High rises with no railings.
Scaffolds in lieu of man lifts.
No battery tools. EVERYONE HAD A HACK SAW no durn battery sawzalls
Lead Anchors and hand Rawl Drills
brace and bits
Red Heads (?) A tool that hammered as you turned the anchor drill back and forth.
Drive Pins and drive pin tools.
No bounce and chisel in lieu of chipping hammer.
20 guys to pull wire.
Guys telling me FPE was junk.

Our hands took a beating back then.

Counting the days till I could take the JW and Master test.

The guy that hired me just retired.

39 years 15+ to go.

[augie47]

apprentice 1961... still an "apprentice" in 2009, just have a lot more certificates and a lot less hair.
3272

[76nemo]

Good thread Ken :)

I started off doing electronic calibrations right after high school. I learned what I know from my Pop. He always told me,..."Son, I'll show you something once, twice or as long as it takes for you to understand it, but I'll be d*mned if you're going to ask me to fix something because you do want to learn it."
He told me about all of the hidden dangers of electricity even on a CAT1 level. I thought he was trying to just put a fear in me. After I realized all of the potential that was behind electricity and just how much it could be manipulated, I was hooked. Spent 5 years on a bench with industrial electronics and the other 10 in commercial/industrial maintenance. No regrets at all. I look forward to going to work everyday. I wouldn't change trades for twice the pay. Alot of people go to work for just a paycheck, and dread the beginning of the work week. I can honestly say I don't feel that way. Call it passion I guess. I'll work this field until my hands can work no more.

[cowboyjwc]

Started in 1979

[rcarroll]

20 years in the field, 10 years as an inspector. :smile:

[JWCELECTRIC]

Started as apprentice 1984 out of trade school, I also have some certificates that say I can work in the electrical trade, not sure if other people think I should. I am thankful that it puts food on the table with clothes, and shelter. Any you know, it keep my wife relatively happy (only if I am billable).

[220/221]

Started roping houses in 74 with AL wire.

Had several different careers along the journey but ended up back in electrical when we started this business 17 years ago.

[charlietuna]

Started trade school in 1957---the days of "STAR DRILLS" for a hole in concrete..

[qcroanoke]

Started in 1978.
Worked electrical construction for 5 years and decided there had to be a better way.
Went to work for my present employer on August 6 1984 as a prodution electrician
for 4 years. Took a job in electrical quality control for 16 years and I am now in engineering.

[Besoeker]

Perhaps interesting that the newbies are relatively few.

[iaov]

First job in electrical field was in 1975. 34 years!! Holy s...t , I'm old!!:D

[Jarrett McFatter]

31 years and still loving it!!!

[360Youth]

I started in high school in 1987 but took a 5 year hiatus while in college and then job hunting. Been going strong for the last 13.

[The Iceman]

Going on 15 years for The Iceman.

[JWCELECTRIC]

Perhaps interesting that the newbies are relatively few.

I am seeing fewer younger electricians at the MA 15 hour code requirement classes, mostly older electricians. Either it takes to long to get a license and no one wants to go thru 4 years to complete, or we live in the computer age and the younger guys just don't want to get thier fingernails dirty.

[brantmacga]

got my start in the HS electrical program in '98. Didn't start full-time w/ a contractor until 2002, licensed in Dec. '06, on my own in March '07.

[raider1]

I started my formal apprenticeship in July of 1990. During the summers when I was in High School I use to haul material too and around job sites, as well as prefab-ed rigid 90's for underground work and other misc. laborer tasks.

Chris

[220/221]

the days of "STAR DRILLS" for a hole in concrete..


Gawd, I forgot about star drills :roll: Talk about primative methods!

1/4 inch star drills for anchors were not too bad.

If you needed to run 3/4" conduit thru a concrete or grouted block wall, you needed some massive forearms.

This was back in the day before Phillips screws too. The technology was in existance but not in production.

[kelley]

24 years. Graduated Trade school in 1985.

[hockeyoligist2]

This was back in the day before Phillips screws too. The technology was in existance but not in production.

Gawd you are old! I remember the star drills but we had Phillips screws!

[Karl H]

25 years for me. I started when I was 16 working for my best friends dad
who is a Master in TX. I worked every summer for four years and almost
every weekend when school was in session. I showed up for work on my first
day with a 7" standard screw driver with a bent shaft and a pair of Vice-Grips.
My new boss without saying a word, grabbed my only two tools and threw
them in the trash, and handed me a spade shovel and told me,"I'm paying
you five dollars an hour, so don't ever let this bulldozer run out of gas!"
That "Bulldozer" sputtered a few times even backfired once or twice
but, for four years never once ran out of gas. That was back when "Bottled
water" was drinking from a garden hose. :D

[peter d]

Perhaps interesting that the newbies are relatively few.

Pierre was quick to remind me of my relatively young age (30) at the meet and greet. ;)

I've "only" been doing electrical work full time since 2002. Before that was every summer between school years in college and every vacation.

[LarryFine]

Gawd you are old! I remember the star drills but we had Phillips screws!We had Philips screws, too. It's just that nothing came with them. :rolleyes:

We also had crinkle-painted metal device wall plates. I hated them. :mad:

Added: I'll be 54 one week from today. This is your only notice. 8-)

[okeefe]

Started in high school and liked it, been doing it for 16yrs now.

[SEO]

43 years in the trade started in 1966, went into business in 1974(still in business) started electrical inspecting in 1978 and still learning.

[BLACK4TRUCK]

38 years and no intention of changing a thing :grin:

[tkb]

I started in trade school in '73 and graduated in '77.
I started working in the trade in '75.

So thats about 34-35 years.

I took a cut in pay from bagging groceries to become an apprentice. :grin:

[cal1947]

forty years, some bad ,most of them were good, spent ten of them working away from home which most likely helped my marriage last as long as it has

[Fulthrotl]

Just curious.... how long have you been in the trade?

since july 5, 1977.

[electricalperson]

im the youngest guy on here i take it :D

[Flex]

im the youngest guy on here i take it :D

I am 26 you got me by 2 years. Been doing electrical 8 years.

[emahler]

i'm only 23 with 3 yrs experience...:D

[Flex]

i'm only 23 with 3 yrs experience...:D

But you already have well over 3000 posts

[emahler]

But you already have well over 3000 posts

iwire is my father and mentor:D

[Dolfan]

24 years. 11 years non-union, 13 union

[PCN]

I started in 1976 with my fathers company ( I was 11) did it steady except for a few years off to be a ski bum in the 80's & 90's.
Then I joined a large evil corporate empire a few years ago as a designer.

[PCN]

Just curious.... how long have you been in the trade?

When did you start 480?

[480sparky]

When did you start 480?

I reckon 'round 1975 er so.

[ericsherman37]

I started construction with my father in '74. I started shocking myself in the early 80's.

That sounds like a long-standing fetish! 8-)

[ibew441dc]

It seems the age range hear is pretty balanced in the middle somewhere....

I wonder if we could start another poll to see the break down of our affiliations.

1)Union
2)Merit
3)Neither

If somehow a poll could be made only where you could vote, as an attempt to only satisfy the poll and not get off track.:smile:

Anybody else interested.....and will the Moderators allow this. It is not meant to put anybody down or anything like that....it is very similar as to wanting to know how many years in the trade one has been.

[hardworkingstiff]

Anyone remember solid TW in cardboard boxes? YES, and YUCK!
Remember the first time you pulled stranded THHN?
I thought I was in heaven.

Started working on signs in 1972 and got my electrical helper job in December of 72. Norfolk, VA journeymans card in '74 (told a story) and masters in '78. VA class A masters in 1981, WVA masters in 1993, SC masters in 1995, NC EC in 1996.

Compared to a lot of you guys though, I'm still a hack.

[brian john]

It seems the age range hear is pretty balanced in the middle somewhere....

I wonder if we could start another poll to see the break down of our affiliations.

1)Union
2)Merit
3)Neither

If somehow a poll could be made only where you could vote, as an attempt to only satisfy the poll and not get off track.:smile:

Anybody else interested.....and will the Moderators allow this. It is not meant to put anybody down or anything like that....it is very similar as to wanting to know how many years in the trade one has been.

No, no, no, no and NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

[Red Wiggler]

32 years in the trade. 54 years old. More than half my life time.

[PetrosA]

I started with my dad when I was 12 or 13 during the summers with restaurant work (He was one of those Greek contractors that built a lot of the Greek diners and restaurants in the Philly/NJ area). So yeah, I remember learning to strip BX with a hacksaw and having 20 guys pulling a bundle of 500 mcm on jobsites where English was the second language used between the Greeks, Italians and Armenians ;). At 18 I started with a local company to learn residential (To this day it doesn't feel like real "electrical" work...) and by 21 I had a masters license that allowed me to work in most of the Philadelphia suburbs. At 22 I left the country for a 14 year stint in Europe.

When I came back in '06 I started up again with that local company and have been there since. I'm starting to think it's time to get some licenses in order and get back to being a businessman again... this working for somebody else isn't cutting it :)

[scott thompson]

Been in the Trade Full-Time since 1983; on and off while I was still in School since 1976.

Performed as both Injunear and EElektrishun since 1989

Currently in the Office exclusively (past 2 Years), working as EE, PM and Estimator (mostly EE, then PM).

BTW,
"Injunear" = Engineer;
"EElektrishun" = Electrician;
"EE" = Electrical Engineer;
"PM" = Project Manager.

Scott

[Short.Circuit]

i got accepted into the indepedent elec. contractors apprenticeship in 1994. Union didn't want me ( although it would have taken 5 years in their program!). IECO was taking 100 apprentices a year. Great program. Never looked back...

[ibew441dc]

No, no, no, no and NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!


too late!:grin:

[eric7379]

Fresh out of high school, I went to a trade school for HVAC. I had already been exposed to electricity/electronics in high school, but was given more in depth instruction while at the trade school. I decided that I liked working with electricity more, so I did a career switch and have been in the industry for a little over 10 years now. It was the best decision that I ever made!

[pgordon]

my first code book was the 1978 hand book an instructor gave me. i still have it, along with an 1990 hand book i studied for my master test. sooooo
many code cycles ago.

[George Stolz]

I wonder if we could start another poll to see the break down of our affiliations.
Such a gentle soul; so naive, so trusting...
:D

I guess that didn't work out the way you hoped. :D

Back on topic, I started in 2002.

[charlietuna]

Guess i've got seniority here ? That has its good points and bad points !
Father was a plumber and told me "your not gonna be a plumber" and then told me how easy the electricians had it on his jobs!!! Entered a three year vocational trade school(1957) and took ELECTRICAL CONSTRUCTION. Had a great teacher and mentor in my life. Upon graduation the construction industry was terrible and i joined the Navy to get my military obligation over with. Got talked into the nuclear submarine progam and signed for seven years-got about three years of schooling. Got out in 1968 and entered the IBEW apprentice program as a second year apprentice. Passed my journeymans test the same year and passed my masters two years later while i was a fourth year apprentice. Ran all kinds of jobs,large and small,until i started my own business in 1982. Retired 25 years later. Wouldn't change a thing if i had to do it again....

[al hildenbrand]

I started working out of my first tool pouch as an apprentice in the Spring of '68. That was the summer between my 2nd and 3rd years getting a Bachelors in Electrical Engineering.

Got my first Journeyman's license in '69 (tested on the '65 NEC), and my first Master's in '72.

But if you count the "arc" that was started with my 3rd Grade Christmas Gilbert Fun With Electricity set that Mom and Dad gave me, well, I've been at this for 53 years.

[barbeer]

Dec. 5, 1993 I started chipping trenches for 3/4 emt in poured concrete walls.

[cschmid]

Look on your helmet I think you have Cow Envy. You wish you could be a cow your helmet clearly illustrates this.

LOL just reminds me of what to grill :D :D

Dang this thread reminds me of how......................................young I feel..

[ibew441dc]

:D

I guess that didn't work out the way you hoped. :D

Back on topic, I started in 2002.

not exactly:grin: but it sure was a fun party for a while....it made it to at least 70 posts:cool: I know a couple of the mods were acting as if not to see it....just to see were it went???;)


Back on topic.....Pretty deep pool of influence from all sorts of ages!

[ohm]

Guess i've got seniority here ? That has its good points and bad points !
Father was a plumber and told me "your not gonna be a plumber" and then told me how easy the electricians had it on his jobs!!! Entered a three year vocational trade school(1957) and took ELECTRICAL CONSTRUCTION. Had a great teacher and mentor in my life. Upon graduation the construction industry was terrible and i joined the Navy to get my military obligation over with. Got talked into the nuclear submarine progam and signed for seven years-got about three years of schooling. Got out in 1968 and entered the IBEW apprentice program as a second year apprentice. Passed my journeymans test the same year and passed my masters two years later while i was a fourth year apprentice. Ran all kinds of jobs,large and small,until i started my own business in 1982. Retired 25 years later. Wouldn't change a thing if i had to do it again....

In 56 I ran a neighborhood radio repair shop. In 58 I bought my 1st Codebook (paperback), entered a 4 year electrical program. Worked for an electrical contractor after school in 61 (stockboy). Tried to join union but denied.

I too went into submarines (missle tech) until 70..been at it ever since.

Sure miss the smell of that 300W soldering iron on K & T.

Got to go...service call just came in!

[JohnJ0906]

Started in June 1990. Just about 19 years now.

[iMuse97]

Anyone remember solid TW in cardboard boxes?

Only been doing this for about 10 years. Never saw solid TW on a new install, and wouldn't know how they packaged it in the boxes, except was cleaning out a garage and a friend gave me the very same stuff. Anybody remember doing K&T on a new install?

[jeremysterling]

But if you count the "arc" that was started with my 3rd Grade Christmas Gilbert Fun With Electricity set that Mom and Dad gave me, well, I've been at this for 53 years.

I remember winding my own motor for the Erector Set Crane. That was in '75.

Got talked into the nuclear submarine progam

I too went into submarines (missle tech) until 70..been at it ever since.

I know zog was EMSC. I was a Nuke EM also. There is our next survey. How many among us were Navy trained?

My electrical career started with the Navy in 1986. So, 22 years...

[dibloafer]

7 years or so- still a babe

[lucky1974]

Started my Appenticeship in 2000. Got my State Journeyman's in 2005. Got my master's in 2007, along with my Contractors license. So that put's me as a newbie here.

[fmtjfw]

I went to trade school in 2005-06, got my WV journeyman's license 27-Mar-2006. Summer in construction. Started with board of education in Fall of 2006 as maintenance electrician and am still there.


--- OR ---

Was working on a science project (build a cyclotron) and was hanging wiremold in 1965. (500 thru 6000)

Between 1965 and 2005:

College
US Army Signal Corps
College
30+ years software engineer, architect, consultant ...

/s/ Jim WIlliams 8^))

[luckyshadow]

I started when I was in High School. I was going to a High School 1/2 day and a Vocational School 1/2 day. I started working in the field in 1982.
So I will say I have 27 years in so far......

[480sparky]

Very interesting how the bulk of us (about 2/3rds!) have 10-40 years in. I honestly figured it would be more spread out. Only one noob, and zero 1-2 year apprentices so far.

[hardworkingstiff]

Very interesting how the bulk of us (about 2/3rds!) have 10-40 years in. I honestly figured it would be more spread out. Only one noob, and zero 1-2 year apprentices so far.

Kids today are too smart to be a dumb electrician. :rolleyes:

[hardworkingstiff]

Anybody remember doing K&T on a new install?

Wow, that guy would have to be in the triple digits (or very close to it).

[TOOL_5150]

Kids today are too smart to be a dumb electrician. :rolleyes:

HA! more like: Kids today are too dub to be a smart electrician.

~Matt

[iwire]

HA! more like: Kids today are too dub to be a smart electrician.

~Matt

dub?

As in a big set of rims? :D

[TOOL_5150]

dub?

As in a big set of rims? :D

im not even going to edit it.... Im just going to go with it.


Im a great electrician, but not a good speller! :D

~Matt

[viking207]

Just curious.... how long have you been in the trade?

23 years in, 38 years old, 10:42 at night, posting on internet electrical board, where did my life go so wrong. LOL

[iwire]

but not a good speller! :D

Me's two.:smile:

[TOOL_5150]

23 years in, 38 years old, 10:42 at night, posting on internet electrical board, where did my life go so wrong. LOL

Welcome to the forum!

~Matt

[vinster888]

20 after school for me. couple before that but i was a f/t student and a p/t working man.

[ItsHot]

I was 17 when I got my first job in the trade which was 1981. I was in trade school in 79 using the 1978 NEC. :smile:

So it's looking like 28-30 years damn time flies. Someone here said.."life is like a roll of toilet paper"...."the closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes"!!:D

[LarryFine]

I remember winding my own motor for the Erector Set Crane. That was in '75.Absolutely! I've wound many 3-segment PM motors over the years. :smile:

Crystal radios from both scratch and from kits.

[lbwireman]

Started trade school in 1957---the days of "STAR DRILLS" for a hole in concrete..

Re-arranging "stuff" in the garage a few weeks ago, I discovered that I still own one. Explaining it's use to my 26 Y.O JW nephew earned me a look that I imagine I might have gotten if I had tried to explain proper "fingernail removal with pliers" technique.

[iwire]

Re-arranging "stuff" in the garage a few weeks ago, I discovered that I still own one. Explaining it's use to my 26 Y.O JW nephew earned me a look that I imagine I might have gotten if I had tried to explain proper "fingernail removal with pliers" technique.


:D

I bought a Star drill maybe 5 years ago, I was on a service call while my work truck was being repaired so I did not have my hammer drill. I had to make holes for toggle bolts in block. I still keep it but doubt it will get much use.

[Pierre C Belarge]

When I first got in the local, as an apprentice I was working for a GF who did not like college graduates. So he made me use a 3lb hammer and star drill to make 1/2 inch holes in 10" thick poured concrete. I did not complain and after about 6 holes, he let me use modern tools. ;)
We became fast friends and I was in contact with him (during his retirement) until just a couple of years ago.
Little did he know, that I worked for my father who was/is a dinasour and I was introduced to the construction industry with hand tools. The only power tools he had were a heavy metal cased drill and a heavier metal cased skill saw.:cool:

[ptonsparky]

In business since '80, 4yrs apprentice & 1 of jman before that.

[ohm]

23 years in, 38 years old, 10:42 at night, posting on internet electrical board, where did my life go so wrong. LOL

Let me guess..you haven't had your lobotomy yet.

Welcome aboard!

[TOOL_5150]

:D

I bought a Star drill maybe 5 years ago, I was on a service call while my work truck was being repaired so I did not have my hammer drill. I had to make holes for toggle bolts in block. I still keep it but doubt it will get much use.

I didnt even know what the heck a star drill was. Looks like a chisel. I thought a star had 5 points? It is more like a cross. I think its about bed time. 8-)

~Matt

[TOOL_5150]

Heres a pic of a "star drill"

http://www.surv-kap.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/s/t/star-drill.jpg

~Matt

[Part 77]

3.2 decades

[daleuger]

I am 26 you got me by 2 years. Been doing electrical 8 years.

Same here.

[gndrod]

I started in 1955 wiring communication systems for RCA Government Service. I know a little something about star drills and linen plans. Studied for an EE but never matriculated. Learned how to hack residential in the mid 60's while doing aerospace wiring systems design as a day job. I just write and inspect occasionally. rbj

[iwire]

I didnt even know what the heck a star drill was. Looks like a chisel.

Put it against cement, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it,

[LarryFine]

Put it against cement, hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it, . . . hit it hard with a few pound hammer, turn it,A little copy-n-pasting there, Bob? :smile:

[cschmid]

OMG bob must of stck in star drill mode...kind of reminded him of the good ole days..

[480sparky]

What is a "few pound hammer"? :grin:

[electricalperson]

they still sell star drills. i dont know many people that use them anymore

[LarryFine]

they still sell star drills. i dont know many people that use them anymoreLast count was 27. 8-)

[electricalperson]

Last count was 27. 8-)

why would somebody use a star drill when they can buy a bit for a hammerdrill and do it in a fraction of the time

[iwire]

What is a "few pound hammer"? :grin:


It seems like that would be a hammer that weighs a few pounds but that is just my interpretation. :D

[480sparky]

why would somebody use a star drill when they can buy a bit for a hammerdrill and do it in a fraction of the time

1. No lectrickery.
2. No cordless whammer drill.
3. Some of us are that old.

[peter d]

why would somebody use a star drill when they can buy a bit for a hammerdrill and do it in a fraction of the time

For the same reason people used to raise their own animals and grow their own gardens for food, used telegraphs to send messages, travelled on railroads, etc etc.

[480sparky]

for the same reason people used to raise their own animals and grow their own gardens for food, used telegraphs to send messages, travelled on railroads, etc etc.

... --- -- . --- ..-. ..- ... . ...- . -. .-. . -- . -- -... . .-. -- --- .-. ... . -.-. --- -.. . .-.-.-

[electricalperson]

For the same reason people used to raise their own animals and grow their own gardens for food, used telegraphs to send messages, travelled on railroads, etc etc.

i dont think people that used telegraphs or traveled on trains had a use for star drills. wasnt telegraphs around before they actually had real electricity anyway?

[peter d]

i dont think people that used telegraphs or traveled on trains had a use for star drills. wasnt telegraphs around before they actually had real electricity anyway?

You're not getting it. People used star drills in the past because better technology, in this case electric hammer drills, didn't exists, was too expensive, or was too primitive to be useful.

[peter d]

... --- -- . --- ..-. ..- ... . ...- . -. .-. . -- . -- -... . .-. -- --- .-. ... . -.-. --- -.. . .-.-.-

Yeah, I'll get back to you on that one. ;)

[SEO]

I had a really old electrician work for me and he said the first job he had after he returned from the Korean was to install anchors in a concrete ceiling. He said that he would stand on a step ladder and pound on a star drill to set anchors for 8 hours a day. He would go home and couldn't raise his arms until the next day.

[480sparky]

yeah, i'll get back to you on that one. ;)

.-.. . - -- . -.- -. --- .-- .. ..-. -.-- --- ..- .-. . -- . -- -... . .-. .- .-.. -.. .. ... .-.. .- -- .--. ... --..-- - --- ---

[LarryFine]

... --- -- . --- ..-. ..- ... . ...- . -. .-. . -- . -- -... . .-. -- --- .-. ... . -.-. --- -.. . .-.-.-
.- -. -.. / ... --- -- . / --- ..-. / ..- ... / -.-. .... . .- - .-.-.- 8-)

[LarryFine]

.-.. . - -- . -.- -. --- .-- .. ..-. -.-- --- ..- .-. . -- . -- -... . .-. .- .-.. -.. .. ... .-.. .- -- .--. ... --..-- - --- ---.-- .... --- / .-- .- ... / .- .-.. -. .. ..--.. :-?

[480sparky]

.-- .... --- / .-- .- ... / .- .-.. -. .. ..--.. :-?

.. .... .- ...- . -. --- .. -.. . .- .-- .... --- -.-- --- ..- .- .-. . .-. . ..-. . .-. .-. .. -. --. - --- .-.-.-

[LarryFine]

.. .... .- ...- . -. --- .. -.. . .- .-- .... --- -.-- --- ..- .- .-. . .-. . ..-. . .-. .-. .. -. --. - --- .-.-.-Because you said:
.-.. . - -- . -.- -. --- .-- .. ..-. -.-- --- ..- .-. . -- . -- -... . .-. .- .-.. -.. .. ... .-.. .- -- .--. ... --..-- - --- ---

[480sparky]

because you said:

.- .-.. -.. .. ... --..-- -. --- - .- -. .-.. .. .-.-.- .- .-.. -.. .. ... .-.. .- -- .--. ... .- .-. . .- .-.. ... --- -.- -. --- .-- -. .- ... ... .. --. -. .- .-.. .-.. .- -- .--. ... .-.-.- .-. . -- . -- -... . .-. - .... . --- .-.. -.. .-- --- .-. .-.. -.. .-- .- .-. .. .. ..-. --- --- - .- --. . .-- .... . .-. . ... .... .. .--. ... .- - ... . .- ..- ... . -.. ..-. .-.. .- ... .... .. -. --. .-.. .. --. .... - ... - --- -.-. --- -- -- ..- -. .. -.-. .- - . ..--.. - .... --- ... . .-- . .-. . .- .-.. -.. .. ... .-.. .- -- .--. ... .-.-.- -. .- -- . -.. ..-. --- .-. .- ..- - .... ..- .-. .-- -.-. .- .-.. -.. .. ... .-.-.-

[iwire]

. -. --- ..- --. .... / ... .... --- .-- .. -. --. / --- ..-. ..-. / -.-- --- ..- .-. / .-. .- -.. .. --- / --. . . -.- ...

[SEO]

-.... .--. -.- ... :smile:

[George Stolz]

Kids - er - old guys, knock it off. :D

[Karl H]

That reminds me as a kid having a rich kid as a friend and he had
walkie-talkies with the Morse Code button.

Does anyone have a picture of a "Star-Bit?" I don't remember those,
or I know them by a different name.

[Pierre C Belarge]

Bob used a bigger font so the blind guys could read it. ;)

[iwire]

Does anyone have a picture of a "Star-Bit?"

http://www.surv-kap.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/s/t/star-drill.jpg

[iwire]

Bob used a bigger font so the blind guys could read it. ;)

I was yelling. :grin:

[roger]

1. No lectrickery.


Well, I happen to have an electric star drill but you will have to wait until tomorrow for me to post a picture, it's in my office 70 miles away and I'm not driving that far for a picture. :smile:

Roger

[Karl H]

http://www.surv-kap.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/s/t/star-drill.jpg

Oh OK, I remember those, I never had a name for it,and remember a
guy telling me,"You better hope to GOD you don't have to use it!"

[crazyboy]

less than 1 here.

[sethas]

It's been thirteen years for me now. I think my three and a half year old will have some of you beat though. He took a switch plate off, unscrewed the switch, and disconected the switch leg from the switch....Imagine my surprise when I had to troubleshoot why his light was not working. By the way this was when he was two.

I don't know whether it was a good idea or bad idea to let him watch me work, and then buy him that kids tool set from lowes!

He now helps me on wire pulls and device installations. This time with no power though!

[cdslotz]

I started in the trade right out of high school in '71. Wiring houses with as a 4 man shop. They kept me on rough in for months before they let me trim out anything.
I remember Yankee screwdrivers, star bits, brace and bits, offset screwdrivers, wood step ladders, type TW building wire in a box, the aluminum wire years, wrap-loc straps, hicky benders, type TW straps (haha).
I got my masters in '78 and tried to be a "contractor", and realized I didn't know what the hell I was doing, so I took a job as a jr estimator/PM.
I've been estimating ever since. I remember paper takeoffs and "nut and bolt" price sheets and hand pricing and laboring each item with the huge Trade Service manual and Koontz labor book, THEN stay up ALL NIGHT pounding a calculator. I remember Estimatic assembly books, the first computer estimating, having to drive to a GC and pick up plans, count fixtures and gear, make copies and leave copies up front for suppliers could pick them up. Then came the Fax machine. All of a sudden, I can send schedules and counts to many different suppliers, and GC's could invite tons more electricals to the party.
Now everything is electronic. Plans, bid invites, quotes, proposals.
The good news is, I can do it all from anywhere. I work at home on a laptop a lot. No more all night calculator pounding.
It's amazing to look back at all of the changes.

[LarryFine]

I think my three and a half year old will have some of you beat though. He took a switch plate off, unscrewed the switch, and disconected the switch leg from the switch....Imagine my surprise when I had to troubleshoot why his light was not working. By the way this was when he was two.Did he have a dimmer ready to go in? :D

[roger]

Electric Star Drill

http://www.electrical-photos.com/data/503/medium/electricstardrill.JPG


Roger

[charlietuna]

Good find Roger!! That goes way back for sure!! Thanks for posting.

[480sparky]

Electric Star Drill

Roger


That still looks like a lot of work!

[electricalperson]

thats awesome roger. is that yours?

[roger]

Good find Roger!! That goes way back for sure!! Thanks for posting.

You're welcome Charlie

That still looks like a lot of work!

Yeah, but it does safe the knuckles. :smile:

thats awesome roger. is that yours?

No, it belongs to the company I work for, we've been in business for 80+ years. I removed it from the tool cage and stored it away so it wouldn't grow legs. :wink:

Roger

[electricalperson]

i just ordered a 1/2 inch star drill on amazon.com i dont know if they sell them at home depot. i got plenty of concrete around here so im going to try it just to see how it works

[sosour]

10 dollars an hour in 1979 starting out WOW!

[sosour]

great post been in the field since early 1997 and relate with most of what was said

[LarryFine]

I removed it from the tool cage and stored it away so it wouldn't grow legs. :wink:Isn't that the same thing? 8-)

i just ordered a 1/2 inch star drill on amazon.com i dont know if they sell them at home depot. i got plenty of concrete around here so im going to try it just to see how it worksS - l - o - w - l - y.

[roger]

Isn't that the same thing? 8-)


No, given that it is in my office it is still in the Company's possesion (see post 145) maybe that is beyond your comprehension or were you just posting for post count?:wink:

Roger

[LarryFine]

No, given that it is in my office it is still in the Company's possesion (see post 145) maybe that is beyond your comprehension or were you just posting for post count?:wink:
None of the above. 8-)



(I hope you know me well enough to not have taken me seriously on my question.)

[roger]

(I hope you know me well enough to not have taken me seriously on my question.)

Yes I do Larry, and I meant no offense with my post either.

Roger

[macmikeman]

Started working in the field as a helper in 1976. Went to trade school shortly thereafter to learn why we were doing it that way. Was paid a whopping $3.25 hr.

[LarryFine]

Yes I do Larry, and I meant no offense with my post either.Well, okay . . . this time. :smile:

[ohmhead]

Well my dad was a electrician and my brother i started actual working in the trade 1969 as a app/ helper out of high school and was also a Em3 in the US Navy . Seen lots of changes though the years and i still can not learn enough .

[electricalperson]

how long should it take to drill a 1/2 inch hole for a lead anchor with a star drill?

[ohmhead]

... --- -- . --- ..-. ..- ... . ...- . -. .-. . -- . -- -... . .-. -- --- .-. ... . -.-. --- -.. . .-.-.-
Some of us even remember morse code aaa ? did i get it 480

[480sparky]

Some of us even remember morse code aaa ? did i get it 480

I would have loved to have found a website that could create Morse Code on an Aldis Lamp!

[K8MHZ]

Started working in the field as a helper in 1976. Went to trade school shortly thereafter to learn why we were doing it that way. Was paid a whopping $3.25 hr.

I started in maintenance as an electrician's helper in 1976. For around a dollar an hour.

On and off since then. Came in formally in 1996.

[Phossilman]

Started to work in the field in 1972 after attending a three year vocational program while attending high school. I wish more high schools today had vocational programs available for those wanting to become tradesmen.
My hourly wage on my first j.o.b. fresh out of votech... $1.60 p/h, but the view of San Juan and the blue Carribean waters from atop of that twenty story building was a sight for a newbie.

[Cow]

For the same reason people used to raise their own animals and grow their own gardens for food

Used too?:-?

Some of you guys don't venture out of the city enough.

[e57]

EERS-91 Marine Corps Engineer School, started in April/May, so I guess I'm right at 18.

[e57]

Electric Star Drill

http://www.electrical-photos.com/data/503/medium/electricstardrill.JPG


RogerSo does IT hit, and you TURN - or the other way around?

[Power Tech]

30 Years for me. I love my job!

[Okie Sparky]

Started on Jan. 13th, 1989. It was a Friday as I recall, was that a bad omen.:D
So that a little over 20 years.

[LarryFine]

So does IT hit, and you TURN - or the other way around?You got it right.

[TOOL_5150]

It seems like that would be a hammer that weighs a few pounds but that is just my interpretation. :D

thats how I took it, he didnt say 1 or 2 but a few which to me is 3 - a lot.

~Matt

[benaround]

I started in 1969 full time, did the 4yr. state appr. program, took state j-man's ;passed,

was in business for about 15yrs. ,been in the field ever since, I'll be 60 this year.

[dreamsville]

Started gofering with my dad...about 1969. ...what is the question again........:-?

[ohm]

We liked to play basketball in my backyard when I was about 12. So we could play after dark I wired up four 300W bulbs in porceilan sockets in a tin can.

I climbed into a tree set it in place and fed it with about 100 ft of 22AWG 300 ohm TV ribbon. We would plug it in only while we were playing, which probably saved the tree.

Later on I discovered we had engineered a few code violations into our light, but it served us well for at least a year.

[Okie Sparky]

Later on I discovered we had engineered a few code violations into our light, but it served us well for at least a year.

So you're also an engineer.:grin:

[ohm]

So you're also an engineer.:grin:
I've been accused of that (and other things) but really only a designer. Maurice

[genesparky]

Full time since 1985, part time since 1979.

[electricalperson]

ok i got my 1/2 star drill and tried to use it. didnt have a drilling hammer at my house so i used a regular claw hammer. i got in about a quater inch before i gave up. probably wont be that bad with the drilling hammer. its a 5 lb hammer so it should pulverize that concrete :)

how many people still use star drills?

i should buy a 1/4 inch star drill to keep in my tool box. thats the mostly used size masonary bit. i use it for plastic anchors. sometimes i dont have a bit or the bit breaks or batteries die. sometimes old fashioned way is the only way to do it.

[resistance]

Good to see we have some 30-40 year vets.! Now I can further brag that I'm getting the best help when I want it :wink:

[cschmid]

Used too?:-?

Some of you guys don't venture out of the city enough.

I love it..I grow beef and raise a garden..some of us maybe do not venture to the city much..

now cow your garden is not a cash crop is it..:D

[LarryFine]

I grow beef and raise a garden..
Wouldn't that be raising beef and growing a garden? 8-)

[billsnuff]

Wouldn't that be raising beef and growing a garden?

maybe where your from, but........

http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/GDF/Z4014C.jpg

not in these parts. :D

[KevinVost]

ok i got my 1/2 star drill and tried to use it. didnt have a drilling hammer at my house so i used a regular claw hammer. i got in about a quater inch before i gave up. probably wont be that bad with the drilling hammer. its a 5 lb hammer so it should pulverize that concrete :)

how many people still use star drills?

i should buy a 1/4 inch star drill to keep in my tool box. thats the mostly used size masonary bit. i use it for plastic anchors. sometimes i dont have a bit or the bit breaks or batteries die. sometimes old fashioned way is the only way to do it.

The first holes in concrete I every drilled was with a star bit. The foreman let me pound away for hours drilling holes. I was a good apprentice and didn't question why I wasn't using the rotohammer. Later that day he gave me a Hilti to use with this bit of knowledge - "if you break that Hilti, you'll be using the star bit for the rest of your apprenticeship, so respect and care for your tools."

BTW - I still have the first Hilti I ever got, a 20+ year old drill that still works great, with the addition of a new cord :grin:.

[ohm]

The first holes in concrete I every drilled was with a star bit. The foreman let me pound away for hours drilling holes. I was a good apprentice and didn't question why I wasn't using the rotohammer. Later that day he gave me a Hilti to use with this bit of knowledge - "if you break that Hilti, you'll be using the star bit for the rest of your apprenticeship, so respect and care for your tools."

BTW - I still have the first Hilti I ever got, a 20+ year old drill that still works great, with the addition of a new cord :grin:.

Love it! Maurice

[electriciansnet]

I'm a 22 or 23 year helper!

[walkerj]

The first holes in concrete I every drilled was with a star bit. The foreman let me pound away for hours drilling holes. I was a good apprentice and didn't question why I wasn't using the rotohammer. Later that day he gave me a Hilti to use with this bit of knowledge - "if you break that Hilti, you'll be using the star bit for the rest of your apprenticeship, so respect and care for your tools."

BTW - I still have the first Hilti I ever got, a 20+ year old drill that still works great, with the addition of a new cord :grin:.


That is similar to the lessons my slave-driver taught me:grin:

Guys get REALLY spoiled when they can "cheat" with power tools early on.

[boboelectric]

I had my first toolbelt stolen about 1978.

[SEO]

When I started my apprenticeship the shop that I worked for didn't have any kind of hammer drill let alone a rotary hammer. I remember one job out in the country that we had to make a hole thru about 12 inches of concrete into a well house. We had a guy that worked with us that wanted to use his 30.06 to blow a hole thru. He said that while in Germany in world war II they shot holes in a lot of concrete. I wanted to witness the event but my boss wouldn't listen to him. That was about 43 years ago.

[ohm]

When I started my apprenticeship the shop that I worked for didn't have any kind of hammer drill let alone a rotary hammer. I remember one job out in the country that we had to make a hole thru about 12 inches of concrete into a well house. We had a guy that worked with us that wanted to use his 30.06 to blow a hole thru. He said that while in Germany in world war II they shot holes in a lot of concrete. I wanted to witness the event but my boss wouldn't listen to him. That was about 43 years ago.

My shooting club wanted to drill some drain holes in the 50 gal. trash cans. All we did was tape a target to them and it was fun!

[R Bob]

Anyone remember solid TW in cardboard boxes?
Remember the first time you pulled stranded THHN?
30+years

WOW, haven't thought about that in years!

1974 for me, about 35 years.

[cschmid]

Wouldn't that be raising beef and growing a garden? 8-)


LMAO I was having a blonde moment

[SEO]

What I find interesting about this poll is there no replies for 1 to 2 years in trade.

[LarryFine]

What I find interesting about this poll is there no replies for 1 to 2 years in trade.There is now. Hop in. :smile:

[480sparky]

What I find interesting about this poll is there no replies for 1 to 2 years in trade.


My guess: At that point, it's just a job with a paycheck. Why spend time online at a forum learning more about your job when you can be driving around with a thumpy-thump stereo IMing all your buddies?

[Flex]

My guess: At that point, it's just a job with a paycheck. Why spend time online at a forum learning more about your job when you can be driving around with a thumpy-thump stereo IMing all your buddies?

Fits my mold.

[lejos]

Started in Dallas with a company named Frymire Engineering in 1969. I think the company is still there. Had my own star drill and yankee screwdriver. How I just use my dewalt drill.

[electricalperson]

Started in Dallas with a company named Frymire Engineering in 1969. I think the company is still there. Had my own star drill and yankee screwdriver. How I just use my dewalt drill.

i dont really have a use for a yankee screwdriver but i love old tools like that. i would love to get a set of real cordless tools like a bit brace for those "just in case" times. ive been stuck with no power on jobs and all dead batteries. i dont mind a little hard work toget the job done. sometimes i like doing things like that it gives me more satisfaction in a job well done. norm abrahm likes to use those old tools as well. instead of a level he breaks out the plumb bob :grin:

[labernathy]

Well......42 years and retired to sunny Flordia...and loving it!!!!

[thaley68]

I am in my twenty fifth year and still learning!

The Factory puts the smoke in, it takes the electrician to get it out!

[prh1700]

33 years for me! Didn't think about it until right now. Kinda blew me away.

[taker58]

I have been in the electrical industry for 38 years.

[jcmarbury]

Since vocational high school 1968.

[Former Jeanyus]

Since March 1, 1974. My very first job in the electrical field was to clean up after the German Shepherd guard dogs in the warehouse... I like to think things have gone uphill since then ;)

[Simon Nelson]

Now 46, have my own business, very large car wash. Been involved in ' electrics' for years. Told by my electrician to get my degree!! Been doing that for almost 2 years. 2 years to go.:grin: Bloody hard doing maths agin after 28 years!! Working part time with the same guy. He has been doing it for 30 years. I love it, nice to have a change of career. Durban South Africa.

[tgravatte]

Started full time June of 1977. Got my Florida Master license in 1989. Started my own business in 1989. I'm 50 years young as of 06/13. What a great ride. I especially enjoy Mike Holts CEU's in Orlando. See you there July 30th and August 1rst.

[coffeebean]

started may 1983 and I obtained my New Jersey licence in 1987

[LarryFine]

Started full time June of 1977. Got my Florida Master license in 1989. Started my own business in 1989. I'm 50 years young as of 06/13. What a great ride. I especially enjoy Mike Holts CEU's in Orlando. See you there July 30th and August 1rst.Welcome to the show and the forum, kid! :wink:

[kstall]

27 years nad worked in many areas

[Coyote]

Started in 1969 on the GM&O Railroad, 4 years in USAF working for uncle Sam
Contractors License in the 80's

[riggenbw]

November 30, 1970

[daleuger]

i dont really have a use for a yankee screwdriver but i love old tools like that. i would love to get a set of real cordless tools like a bit brace for those "just in case" times. ive been stuck with no power on jobs and all dead batteries. i dont mind a little hard work toget the job done. sometimes i like doing things like that it gives me more satisfaction in a job well done. norm abrahm likes to use those old tools as well. instead of a level he breaks out the plumb bob :grin:

Sometimes the old tools actually are better. I'd much rather have a folding rule than a tape measure for measuring anything across a ceiling. Anybody ever seen one longer than 6 ft though?

[Karl H]

Sometimes the old tools actually are better. I'd much rather have a folding rule than a tape measure for measuring anything across a ceiling. Anybody ever seen one longer than 6 ft though?

Awww folding rulers, now that brings back memories!! I haven't seen
anyone use those in several years.

[electricalperson]

Awww folding rulers, now that brings back memories!! I haven't seen
anyone use those in several years.

i use those all the time. i got a fiberglass rhino ruler

[SEO]

Awww folding rulers, now that brings back memories!! I haven't seen
anyone use those in several years.

They work well when matching offsets in existing conduit installations.

[daleuger]

They work well when matching offsets in existing conduit installations.

That too. Haven't had to do that in a while though.