Pipe Fitting 101 Refresher: Job North, Isometric Drawings, and Welds Explained

Introduction 

- Welcome back! A couple of years ago, we dropped *Pipe Fitting 101*, and it went off the charts. Tons of people reached out saying how much it helped them.

- So today, we’re giving you a **refresher**, focusing on the essentials you need in the field.

- Stick around until the end** for a little surprise—it’s a pro tip that will level up your pipe fitting game!

Job North and Compass 

- First up, let’s talk about **Job North**. This is crucial when working with **isometric drawings**.

- Every drawing has a line for **North**, and it orients your compass. If you're ever unsure about how your print should be viewed, just look for the **North Arrow**.

- Remember the trick: **Never Eat Soggy Worms** (North, East, South, West).

- Use your phone’s compass to double-check if needed.

Isometric Drawings Basics 

- Now, let’s dive into **isometric drawings**—a 3D view of your piping layout.

- These are used to simplify how things look on the job. Instead of drawing complex 3D pipes, we use **simple lines** with dots to represent welds.

- For instance, a pipe running North, dropping down, and turning West will just be a line on paper, but in the field, it's a 3D pipe with specific weld points.

Pipe Fitting and Dimension Lines 

- Moving on to **dimension lines**—this helps us calculate the correct pipe lengths.

- We measure from **center to center** of the pipe fittings. When you see a **90-degree bend**, it's important to calculate its **takeoff** (the portion of pipe it consumes).

- Standard radius 90’s have a takeoff equal to **1.5 times the pipe diameter**, and this is key for accurate measurements.

Pro Tip: Calculating Pipe Lengths 

- Always **label your measurements** on the drawing and double-check using a tool like the **Construction Master Pro**.

- For example, if you have a **10ft 6 ¼ inch** pipe with two standard 90s, you'll take off 9 inches for each bend, leaving you with the **pup length**.

- A crucial tip: **Always circle your pup lengths** on the drawing to avoid mistakes.

Debunking the Weld Gap Myth

- Here’s the **pro tip** I promised: Don’t worry about **weld gaps**!

- Some fitters make the mistake of accounting for them in their measurements, but by the time the weld cools, it shrinks, closing any gap.

- Over multiple welds, you could end up short by inches if you account for gaps, so leave them out—trust me, your measurements will still be **spot on**.

- That’s it for this refresher on **Pipe Fitting 101**. Drop a comment if you have questions, and let me know if you want a video on **isometric drawing breakdowns**.



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