Working Underground Isn't So Bad

It’s been almost 2 months since I have been laid off. I must say I miss working underground. It’s not the work I miss, but just going underground. I don’t have a clue to why I feel this way. I just like going underground. I know what your are thinking.This guy is nuts. It’s either the since of adventure or the thrill of not knowing if you will have a safe day or even make it out safe. I think it is a little of all the above.

In a typical day you are surrounded by all kinds of danger. Well things that could be dangerous. I have always run a bolter mostly  roof ranger 2 and a bunch of walk through bolt machines. I would rather run a roof ranger, because of the speed. When you have a good partner and get in a rhythm This is one of the most dangerous jobs(in my opinion)working in the face. On the other hand a walk through bolter is safer. You are in the middle with the drill pot between you and the rib. I have had several ribs roll out on me when drilling top,but nothing that was a life or death situation.

On a good day. I would say we can bolt up 8 to 9 cuts. That is if we don’t go down or have to wait on supplies.Why is it. You get up and running. Doing your thing and boom. The power knocks. You have to set there and wait. I just hate waiting.Running a bolter is a hot job. When in a cut the temp can raise 30 to 40 degrees.

Working Underground Isn't That Bad

It’s been almost 2 months since I have been laid off. I must say I miss working underground. It’s not the work I miss, but just going underground. I don’t have a clue to why I feel this way. I just like going underground. I know what your are thinking.This guy is nuts. It’s either the since of adventure or the thrill of not knowing if you will have a safe day or even make it out safe. I think it is a little of all the above.

In a typical day you are surrounded by all kinds of danger. Well things that could be dangerous. I have always run a bolter mostly roof ranger 2 and a bunch of walk through bolt machines. I would rather run a roof ranger, because of the speed. When you have a good partner and get in a rhythm This is one of the most dangerous jobs(in my opinion)working in the face. On the other hand a walk through bolter is safer. You are in the middle with the drill pot between you and the rib. I have had several ribs roll out on me when drilling top,but nothing that was a life or death situation.

On a good day. I would say we can bolt up 8 to 9 cuts. That is if we don’t go down or have to wait on supplies.Why is it. You get up and running. Doing your thing and boom. The power knocks. You have to set there and wait. I just hate waiting.
Running a bolter is a hot job. When in a cut the temp can raise 30 to 40 degrees.The heat can really zap your strength in a matter of a few mins. I can drink a gallon of water every nine hours ever day.It's hot and it is a hard job,but I love it.Got to run.

A Coal Miner at Work

Thank you for stopping by this humble blog.I have started this site. To share my experiences working underground. It is to me a different world a lot of you don't no about.I currently work as scoopman on midnights.If you can get used to the time in which you sleep"during the day" it's the best shift to work. It gives you time to see your kids before they go to school and when they get home.I sleep in two parts.I four or five hours in the morning and then take a short nap before I go back in.It does take awhile to get on a schedule, but after 3 three years I have come accustom to it.
I do like my job for a bunch of reasons.The people I work with. The work place.By that I mean underground and many others I will get into later.
Working as a coal miner has given me more opportunities to do more with my life than anything else I could have done. The money you make working in the mines is great and if you want any overtime-all you need to do is ask. Around here"West Virginia" there is not allot of other options as far as high paying jobs. That is without a degree. I must say. Iam not the brightest person you will ever meet,but I do know. Here the money is.It's underground.I have many friends who do not work in the coal fields and have a college education and I still make more than they do.I always get the."Couldn't do that".What, work underground. Not me. It for some reason it does not bother me.

Iam new to this blogging stuff,so bear with me.It may take me awhile to figure out this stuff. If you have any questions or comments please let me know

I am off to work...see you later