The Pipepro 304 problem found!!!!!!

[weldingwagon]

This last week while I was at one of my largest accounts, a local steel mill, I was approached by one of the steel workers who wishes to remain nameless. This individual told me that as I am welding, usually 50 to 100 feet from my machine in a confined space, other employees of the steel mill would turn the dials rapidly on my machine while I am welding. The main dial turned was the mode selector switch...the one that selects between mig, stick etc. This person would also turn any other dial handy at the time....all of this done while the machine was under load. Also my fuel tank had an "additive" put in which now explains why the head gasket is blown.

I honestly don't know how to apologize. I never thought that as a union welder working in a union shop with fellow AFLCIO union brothers that my equipment would be vandalized.

My machine is insured for this and the insurance people with be out to inspect the machine later. The truth now being told I would say that the Pipepro has held up well under the circumstances.

To Lee Lemke and the entire Pipepro division, Miller Electric, and Mississippi Welders Supply in Hudson,WI I apologize. The problem isn't Millers fault, MWS's fault or my fauld...it is the fault of one or more individuals at the steel mill who don't like me welding there.

Go Blue!

[Pile Buck]

Oh my God, I can’t believe a workingman would do that to another! Hey I’m all for practical jokes, but always let them off the hook before it goes to far! Jesus!

[Slaghand]

Boy! a cam corder would have come in pretty handy about right now. Or a great big not so friendy dog! In a plant like that i dont think the dog would go over that well. But then agian----- all he would need is his safety tags,hard hat and safety glasses. All kidding aside, I'm sorry that happened. Pretty low for someone to stoop that low. the main switch is labled, DO NOT SWITCH WHILE WELDING! Again I'm sorry. and thank you for puting MILLER back up there.

[imported_Slag]

Time for a good ol' fashion whippin!!!

Seriously, the law should be brought in on this one.
I've had "jokers" change my heat setting before, but adding something to the fuel is WAY beyond a joke.

He would pay one way or the other.

[Rocky D]

Mercy! That's way over the top!!! I can't get my brain around what would cause someone to sabotage ya like that. Why ever would they do that??? Are ya taking work away from them, somehow???

[fatfrank]

I hope your planning on having a sit down talk with the guy and his supervisor. No company need nuckle heads like that working for them. He should be let go on the spot.

BTW its mighty big of you to come back and let everyone know what really happened. I know its tough eating crow, not that it matters but I think more highly of you now.

[Rocky D]

You say it's a big account...so next time take a kid with a baseball bat with you...don't go alone!

[Sundown]

It takes a very sick individual to mess with a fellows work like that. And kudos to the guy who had enough guts to tell you, takes a man to not laugh at that kind of joke with the rest of the dummies . Good job letting all involved know, some would have walked away quietly, shows what kind of good character you have.

[Scott V]

I think, the guy should be fired too. What if one of your welds failed because the guy was messing with your settings? He does not belong to any welding union, and I doubt even Micky D. would hire him!!!! Not qualified for there either.

[imported_Harold]

Thanks so much for coming back and setting the record straight. Takes a lot to admit the truth in something that has gone this far. Anyone pulling shenanagins like this should be fired on the spot and blackballed from the industry. Reputations can be ruined, People injured, and company integrity irreputably damaged.
Harold

[ASKANDY]

Weldingwagon,

My hat's off to you for keeping us up to date and for being honest and patient while all was sorted out. I know it's frustrating to believe no one at the other end of the line cares but we do. I guess we both owe the "informant" a beer! I've got no use for scum that not only messes with your personal property but also your way of making a living.

Thanks again and hope all is well in the future.

Andy

[Paul Seaman]

Weldingwagon, condolences on the damage to the machinery. Now I must convey some equal appology I developed some opinions about you as a person for the posture of your original post. My opinion was based on incomplete facts and being judgemental.

It is a hard pill to swallow and bad medicine for sure, my hats off to you for clearing the slate, and setting it straight. I hope that the insurance makes the thing right. If not you may get the union lawers involved, you pay dues for something.

Peace,

[b-footn]

I have heard of shenanigans like this happening when an independent, such as myself, works a union site. It's nice to know that the individuals who are capable of this mentality, don't have any honor to their union brethren. What we used to do, when running rigs around hostiles, was install elaborate plates around all accessible areas of the machine, which would be locked when not being able to physically be there to protect it.

[jeffscarstrucks]

As a union member my hair stood on end as I read this. I've kept up with the ongoing saga and I'm glad you came to set the record straight. Now...about what Slag said about a good beatin'. I don't really know what else to say that's fit for print. Good Luck, JEFF

[burninbriar]

The idiot probably thought you are non union.I know sometimes a nonunion worker can go on union sites if no union members can do the job.This happened quite often when I was drilling and it realy angered the union guys.If you don't already have one,a big union member sign for the truck might be helpful.A magnetic sign would probably be best so you can remove it on non union jobs to prevent the same thing from happening in reverse.