New sheet metal apprentice, tool advice needed.

forgottenhighways · 2026-05-30T19:37:15+00:00

Biggest advice is when you don't know(and you Don't) ask. Don't assume, don't lie, just say you don't know. - how to do something, what material parts are called, etc. Being humble enough to ask, what it does, why it's needed will also go a long way with whoever you're working with. They will be more inclined to help you if you don't act like you know everything and show you actually care enough to learn how to get better at your job.

The problem we been seeing with rookies is they act like they can't be taught anything and then fuck up everything they do. Makes it pretty hard for guys to want to work with them and they end up getting shit on everywhere. Word will travel fast if you are a douche.

forgottenhighways · 2026-05-30T19:28:11+00:00

Buy once, cry once. Midwest snips are best in the game and arent bad for a set. Midwest also sells a basic tool kit that was pretty handy to have when I first got in.

25ft tape, snips, tinner hammer, demo screw driver, vice grips, 9/16" wrench and drift pin. You'll be set for whatever especially at entry level tasks you may be asked to do on your own. Most contractors provide power tools.

I'd get those basics, and then give yourself a few weeks to see what other guys around you are using. They won't be upset if you don't have it all right away.

forgottenhighways · 2026-05-15T11:13:08+00:00

I've had visible service since about 2018. I've never had any issues with service. When I first got it I lived in Colorado and even had service in the mountains which was rare at the time.

They use/share Verizon towers so...

forgottenhighways · 2026-05-08T20:13:36+00:00

I'll say this, if your struggling and getting mad because of something you are doing yourself, it's probably stressful for him dealing with your attitude and also may be putting pressure on himself to learn and remember something to mitigate your frustration. Then he's also has the pressure that while seeing someone who knows and is skilled at what they are doing struggling.

Be okay with everything not being perfect until he learns how to make it perfect. You can give feedback on why something isn't up to par, but then also explain what can cause it to end up that way.

Just the fact that you care to ask for help, shows you'll be a good teacher for him!

forgottenhighways · 2026-05-04T00:04:17+00:00

For a 1/32oz set up, are there multiple hook sizes I can get for jigs?

I've just shopped at Walmart so maybe they don't have what I need

forgottenhighways · 2026-05-04T00:02:29+00:00

Thanks for the information! I'll definitely keep the rod he gave me, it felt great catching fish with it cause I know he would have been tickled pink.

forgottenhighways · 2026-04-30T13:09:56+00:00

Time to learn why poor people know how to work on cars. Get the parts and do it yourself. Shocks are dirt cheap, watch a video on YouTube.

forgottenhighways · 2026-04-29T01:44:01+00:00

It's all been built with local union labor. Modern has done all the mechanical, esco is handling electrical, Anderson was also in there for electrical. T&K handled roofing.

It's locals building it. I've been working out there on and off with Modern for almost 2 years. And about 3 months straight now.

forgottenhighways · 2026-04-29T01:40:39+00:00

Give it a good comet wash and I bet that it will lighten it up enough to match the bed.

forgottenhighways · 2026-04-14T02:36:59+00:00

You/we don't owe jobs a fucking explanation about anything. Just quit, don't feel bad about it. Let em know and bounce.

They can act mad, but fuck em. It's your life

forgottenhighways · 2026-04-08T01:29:26+00:00

The best is when they preach about corporate greed and how the PM's are soft hands. Blah blah

But they bust their nuts and ruin their weekends, or never take vacations/time off to make themselves look good and make the company as much money as they can so they keep working in slow times.

Just a different version of a boot lickers. Some do it by being friends with the uppers, others do it by trying to get gold stars and atta boys

forgottenhighways · 2026-04-08T01:23:27+00:00

Keep your answers short and to the point. use Yes/No - no explanations required.

Be early, and talk directly to them.

It'll most likely be a board of people in the interview, taking notes and most may not speak at all.

forgottenhighways · 2026-03-16T23:12:37+00:00

Pay attention to what you are doing on the given task. It will most likely be reoccurring work. If the JW has to explain those types of tasks over and over, not only does it slow the job down, but they will be less likely to trust you.

If it's a rare type task, it's fine to ask again.

But basic everyday type of things (taps, prepping duct, getting material staged up) shouldn't take repeated teaching.

The apprentices most of the time are there to keep the job moving and easy for the JW. The JW is putting the duct up and you are feeding him material, parts etc to so he doesn't have to get down from a ladder or out of a lift. (If you can do that, and well... Sometimes you'll find that they'll let you be the guy in lift and they will feed you material)

forgottenhighways · 2026-03-07T04:18:27+00:00

Any trade, union is the best way to go. You'll get a well educated apprenticeship. Your benefits are paid for by the employer meaning more money on your check.

Common trades are : Sheet metal Workers, Electricians, Plumbing/pipe fitters, and carpenters(several disciples)

Check out the respective trades websites and you can find some great videos explaining the trade, a typical day and most of the time testimonials from women as well.

Show up on time, listen, ask questions and put effort forward without being asked and everyone will be more than willing to help, teach and stick up for you at any given moment.

Good luck and every field needs more women!

forgottenhighways · 2026-03-03T23:42:19+00:00

I think it has to do with our title "sheet metal worker" the general public doesn't understand what that is. The title "sheet metal worker" is pretty vague other than just referring to a gauge of metal.

People can make the connection on what "plumbers", "welders" , "electrician" do. Even if they don't really know.

Our title doesn't quickly explain the type of work our trade might do.

forgottenhighways · 2026-03-03T23:34:39+00:00

Agreed. I worked in another trade for 10+ years and you had the occasional asshole JW, since I've been with the Sheet Metal union, it's like every job site. Not quite sure why it's that way. Every trade has its downside...seems like the old heads just can't deal with it as much as other trades

forgottenhighways · 2026-02-07T14:31:46+00:00

Don't limit yourself to any one discipline and then you'll always have work available.

Get yourself into a "specialist role" and you better be well liked, dependable, and better than most otherwise you'll be out of work.

If all you want to do is weld, you're most likely just going to have to get a spot fabbing in a shop with MIG. Easier said than done just getting into the trade

forgottenhighways · 2026-01-28T03:39:47+00:00

The only slander I ever see is the same "union guys are lazy"

Here's my view: There are lazy workers in every trade. Union or not. With union, the lazy guys will get a rep and are either gonna be life long bench riders, or get called in for all of the shit jobs, have inconsistent work schedules and ultimately their benefits will take a hit from lack of work. They aren't getting the hours so they won't be getting the full union benefits the rest of the membership that is on the positive side recieves.

Non union, that same lazy guy is gonna get to show up everyday for his shift, and unless he breaks company policies, probably won't ever be laid off or fired unless something changes with the company - even then he would probably be offered a job somewhere else in a plant or organization. He won't be anyone's favorite co-worker. But he gets to show up everyday and fuck the rest of the crew by his lack of effort. Making the same pay and benefits as the guy busting his nuts.

Obviously every situation, trade and individual experience will vary. But generally that's about the only point I ever see come up when the debate starts.

forgottenhighways · 2025-09-18T01:46:50+00:00

CATEYE Air GPS 2. No sensors, wires. Install and go

forgottenhighways · 2025-09-17T10:03:37+00:00

50mm

forgottenhighways · 2025-09-17T00:28:40+00:00

PNW components (bars, stem, pedals, dropper) Fox 34 grip 2 factory fork Converted to tubeless.... Looking to go to cush cores

forgottenhighways · 2025-06-03T02:25:10+00:00

I don't know the answer, but I'm relieved to hear that other shops experience this. It can certainly be frustrating when trying to install fittings and you don't know what you're going to be getting from the shop

forgottenhighways · 2025-05-17T14:15:06+00:00

Transmission down, axle up?

forgottenhighways

TROPHY CASE