Journeymen - what tools?

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Re: Journeymen - what tools?

Jim: I have been in business 18 years, I have some of my first employees and they are regarded as some of the best in their fields. By the Union, by Union contractors and non-union contractors, data centers, hospitals, government agencies....ect............. and IMO this is because.

Our Union offers training and we encourage our employees to take advantage of this.

I teach classes to my employees and others (not afraid to share what I know with anyone this includes my competitors.)

I pay for training for all employees for classes not offered by the Union this includes sending my employees out of town for education. Wages, air fare, hotels and a per diem.

Our apprentices have one day a week off every other week for Union classes

And the employees that don't want to further their education WELLLLLLLLLLL... they can leave.

Nothing like keeping our brothers in the trade down and furthering the trade.
 
Re: Journeymen - what tools?

Jim:

Not trying to drag this out, but one line of your post struck me upon re-reading your last statement. And your attitude HIT me hard.

I'm not in this for fun.

See I am; I LOVE my job, I enjoy learning all I can regarding this trade (and other pursuits), I enjoy teaching what I know, I find this rewarding.

I stumbled into the trade by accident and feel lucky that I did. I have done quite well, being able to support my family and LOVING my job.. Though my wife tells me I would have applied myself to any pursuit with the same enthusiasm. Who know's.

Sure it is easy to get cynical, working with employee’s that have no enjoyment of the job, lazy, ignorant, etc. But I have made a living because of people like this in the employment of other contractors and try not to surround myself with employee’s of this type.

From someone THAT enjoys what he does.
 
Re: Journeymen - what tools?

Brian

I agree with you 100%
I've been on both sides, the non union guys seem to be more in competition with each other as witnessed by the hard stance here. Whereas the union guys seem to look out for each other a little more.

Both sides have flaws but I think our country is great because we have a compromise between the two trains of thought.

As a contractor I know from experience that if you take the hard line on training, knowbody will get trained, and me the contractor will suffer.
 
Re: Journeymen - what tools?

Sage advise:

"See I am; I LOVE my job, I enjoy learning all I can regarding this trade (and other pursuits), I enjoy teaching what I know, I find this rewarding."

No more need be said.

Mike P.
 
Re: Journeymen - what tools?

vilasman;

Hey Scotthompson, how big is your company and how big of a truck do you use to haul all that stuff around?
Click to expand...
Company is very small - only a few people. Right now I am working for other ECs doing "Other Than Banks" for projects - and as result I need only carry partials of what was carried during Bank Projects.

Following is a list for typicals when Bank Projects were (or are) done. Some applies to my current gigs, but not nearly in such complexity!:

Most of the time - when not too many Tools need to be hauled around, I drive my GMC Safari Van. Works great for short hauls of minimal Tools and Material, long hauls of Tools only, and for any length run for Surveys, Tech. Work (Comm/Data/Sec./CCTV/Controls), and Project Management.

When a large assortment of Tools (Hand and Power) are needed, plus material carts, job boxes, etc. - along with materials, it's time for the Full-Sized Chevy Van + Trailer.

A list of Tools - figure "Typical Hand Tools" are included in the list:

* Power Tools:
Chop Saw, Skill Saw, Portable Band Saw, Sawzall, Electric Jack Hammer(s) + multiple bits, Roto-Hammer + multiple bits, Hammer Drill(s) + multiple bits, 3/8" + 1/2" chuck Pistol Drills + bits, Hand held grinders, belt sander, Concrete Mixer, Hole-Hog, Electric Impact Driver, Powder Actuated Tools + accessories, Power Puller, Shop Vacuums, Upright Vacuums, Hydraulic K.O. Punch, Hydraulic Bender + shoes, tons of extension cords.;

* Hand Tools (other than typically used):
2' and 4' Framing Levels, Concrete tamper, floats, trowels, corner edge trowel, bolt cutters, hand saws (wood cutting, metal cutting), files, C-clamps, Pipe clamps, framing squares, framing measures, hammers and mallets, 100' roll-up tape measures, chalk boxes, 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" drive sockets - smallest to largest, ratchet wrenches + breaker bars for sockets, multiple end wrenches, nut drivers, fish tapes, pulling grips, 1/2" - 1-1/4" benders, wire carts and racks, ladders, pipe wrenches, Flash Lights + Work Lights, gloves + goggles, etc.;

* Testers (multiple types for Power and Signal circuitry),

* Tools for "Low Voltage" work - such as Comm/Data/Sec./CCTV/Control/etc. (punch tools, crimpers, fine end screwdrivers, wrenches, cutters, strippers, sockets, clamps, flash lights, knives, scissors, soldering kits, heat shrink blower, alligator clips, etc.),

* Notation Logistics (Plans, As-Built notes, Survey Notes, Design Information and Specs, etc.) in briefcases, on-the-job worktables w/ shelves, etc.,

* Jobsite Fax Machine (if needed),

* Tarps, Safety Cones, Delineators, Caution Tape, Temp Power Panels, Metal Planking (covers over sawcuts in floors while cuts are open), saw horses, brooms, scrapers, carpet seam iron + gluestrips, cornerbead set tool, drywall knives, etc.

Pretty much covers what would be considered for a large active branch remodel project.

Scott35
 
Re: Journeymen - what tools?

Scott:
Nice list but I object to your use of 1 1/4" benders. Why would anyone use 1 1/4" conduit?
:confused:
~Peter
[Secretary of the Soceity for the Abulution of 1 1/4" conduit.]
 
Re: Journeymen - what tools?

Peter, why wouldn't you use 1 1/4" conduit?

I can see the reason to go up to 1 1/2" if you can not use the 1 1/4" bender.

Roger
 
Re: Journeymen - what tools?

If you need a fitting after the supply store has closed for the day, Big Orange might have it in 1-1/4. Their 1-1/2 selection is truly pathetic...
 
Re: Journeymen - what tools?

Roger is mostly right. 1 1/4" conduit [EMT] is in a limbo. It is too hard to bend with a bender. With the larger sizes, the contractor is forced to get a hydraulic machine or but pre-bent fittings. When he buys the machine, he doesn't get a 1 1/4" shoe for it. Now if you have someone, like Jimmy Pf. -- who weighs ~250 lbs. --, then maybe a red-handled bender might work.

The other point is when I was in maintenance and had to get a new line for a drinking fountain. I took a quick measurement and it was like 1/2" so I went down to the hardware store and they asked whether it should be 7/16", 1/2" or 9/16"? Why would plumbers need all these different sizes? So too in electrical. If you need larger than 1", then go straight up to 1 1/2" or even 2". It will be easier to pull.

~Peter
[Executive Secretay of the American Association for the Elimination of 1 1/4" conduit.]
 
Re: Journeymen - what tools?

I actually use 1 1/4" quite a bit, simply because it IS the last size that's bendable by hand.
 
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