How Many Tradesmen Here? What Type?

[MF5270]

Originally Posted by nomad297

I think it would be interesting to know how many Members here are (or were) in the trades, which trade they are in, and how long they have been going at it. I’m not so interested in credentials, but I know most people are proud of them, so if you want to post them, go for it.

I think it will be interesting to learn how many different trades there really are because it seems that most people only think of carpenters, electricians, plumbers, HVAC/Ductmen, steelworkers, masons and only a few others as tradesmen, but there are so many more trades requiring very different skills.

What do you do?

I am a plumber and gasfitter. I have been doing this since 1982 and I see no end in sight. There will be no retirement for me — my last day plumbing will be the day that somebody has to drag me out from beneath their kitchen sink by my feet. My basin wrench will have to be pried from my cold, dead hand. At least I will die doing what I love.

Bruce

City water division. Installed water mains, hydrants, services. Water production & chemical treatment. Repairs 24/7. Northern Illinois winters for 40 years. Always enjoyed it, but...

Enough.

Now building homes with Habitat for Humanity.
Camping, mostly in the midwest. Don't like hauling through mountains. I know we're missing alot, but need a 3/4 ton to be more comfortable.

21SS Roo

[S.kimbruce]

I think this has to be one of the most interesting topics I have seen on here. I have been an RN by trade for the last 26 years. Before that I was a police officer and sold parts for Heat and Air. Loved them all. I retire in 4 years and look forward to full time camping with the hubby. He has been a heavy equipment operator for the last 35 years.

[Denny B]

I am a union carpenter, in the Chicago area, now retired. Most of my 40 year career was in housing, interior trim. The last 3 was in commercial work.
If you own one of these things, you had better have some mechanical aptitude!

[Wayne Joan]

Pneumatic Controls Technician (Instrument Man) for a major cereal company. Been retired for 22 years. "Retirement is the best job I ever had"

[Bigruh36]

I started out of high school as a machinist. Didn’t like that trade after I got into it. My buddy was working in Heat and Air so got a job in that field and never looked back. HVAC service is a great trade because there is always a demand, the skills required to be successful runs the gamut from plumbing/pipe fitting to electrical to sheet metal to customer service. The license and certification requirements lists keep getting longer. I have been working for a great company for over 15 years but am thinking about going out on my own.

[actionjack1]

20 years heavy truck mechanic, 20 years fire mechanic. maybe 2 more years then retire.

[vi11agep]

Piano tuner/technician

[tinman3636]

Union SMW 40 yrs, I retired at 62 living life working around the house, traveling and riding the Harley.

[farmerjeff]

Walnut and almond farmer from No Cal. so if farmer counts a a trade then I'm in. Through it have had to learn a lot of trade skills (mechanic, welding, plumbing, electrical ...) but don't do any of them nearly as well as you folks. Have pretty much retired now.

[cboss]

Helicopter repairman and test pilot, retired now, so I'm an RV mechanic..LOL

[rollscanardly]

Learned to weld in 1974 at Electric Boat (submarines). Stayed there until 1988, when I left to start my own welding/fabrication business, which I started (part-time) in 1986.


I built industrial metal fabrications, but things slowed down in 2008. In 2010, I returned back to Electric Boat, to finish my last 10 years of working life.


I teach nuclear and non-nuclear pipe welding.


I have 360 more days until I retire!!! I can't wait....


Rich

[MikefromCanada]

I am a ticketed Heavy duty Mechanic since 1987. Worked for John Deere Tractor, Highways MTC contractor and now a Fleet Manger for a municipal government.

[Chris Pastuzyn]

I'm a field service supervisor for a commercial kitchen repair company for 25+ yrs also local 638

[ppine]

I am a retired forester, but spent about 4 years out of my career during a rescession in the 1980s. When not working in the woods and building log houses, I was a commercial electrician for 3 1/2 years. Compared to working in the woods, carrying tools was boring and repititous. The money was okay but no benefits, and no work during blizzards. I am happy I got to go to college and have a professional career. I retired at age 50. Now I hike around in the woods for fun.

[Greg2019]

Union Journeyman Insulator, “Heat and Frost Insulators and Asbestos Workers Local #2 Pittsburgh, Pa.” Now retired after 30 years in the building and maintenance of coal and gas fired electrical power plants, nuclear power plants, hospitals, chemical plants, steel mills, paper mills, and commercial buildings. Worked installing industrial insulation, sheet metal and asbestos removal. Union Officer, Treasurer for 8 years and 12 years as Chairman for Health Insurance for my local union. Now motorcycle riding and camping with my 26 ft. toy hauler and Ram pickup.

[Itswett]

I'm a retired (1993) Air Force jet engine mechanic-mostly F-15 engines but had 10 years on B-52 and KC135 engines earlier in my career. After retiring, I needed new kitchen cabinets in the old 1940's house we bought and I thought how hard can they be? Well, they took me about 9 months to complete and then friends asked me to help them with other cabinet type projects. 15 years later, 5 employees and a couple hundred thousand dollars worth of equipment I sold my cabinet shop to my partner and retired again. I still get asked for advice on what to do in an RV to increase storage space or how to repair the cheap casework and hardware that come with them. It's a good way to pass some time at RV parks and usually come away with a couple of beers!

[flhf150]

I was a welder for 10 years building truck frames from 1988 to '98. Now I'm a maintenance foreman at a lead oxide plant. 4 more years, then I can retire and get on the road with DW, Harley in TH.

[Bobh1]

Been an OTR truck driver for the last 35 years. Now stay "local" after throat cancer. Grew up on the Chesapeake Bay. First 15 yrs after HS was marine related. Some legal, some not so. Government regulations ending my trucking career. Hard to get fresh produce to your local market when the government gets in the way. Have anyone noticed the quality of fresh fruits and vegetables in there local market lately?
Now I am going to "drive miss daisy" and take her wherever she wants to go.

[sailski]

I was a locksmith for 46 years and retired when I was 70. I never want to work again although I find it rewarding to volunteer and give back.

My DW and I enjoy our time traveling in our 25 foot motorhome visiting friends and family around the country and visiting National, State anl local parks along the way.

[Apollo]

Started with a two year vocation in high school (remember when we had that) First job at 17, First company sold to wall street during the "roll-up" phase late 90's, second one my son is running things very well. 45 years is a long time but the trades have been very good to me. God Bless America!