Drilling Rig

[Trapper76]

Started working for Bandera Drilling rig #5 on the Newell ranch in Shackleford county. June 18th 1995 I remember that date because we got a 10/15 cent an hour every year. I remember that ranch because of all the big bucks we saw, giants compared to the deer we killed growing up in Palo Pinto county. We where making $8.10 an hour. driving 120miles each way, everyday. (No paid drive time). We worked 7 days a week 8hr tours. Rig was full of 70s era roughnecks,, driller smoked cigarettes while running the rig. It was just a 4 man crew with a Mudlogger sometimes. At that time minimum wage was 4.25 this ol country boy thought I was going to get rich. Man how time flies,, sure don’t seem like almost 30years ago.

[Trapper76]

Do any of you guys have any experience with a Dreco Slingshot mast and sub? I used to work for Dreco in the old days when we built those things.

Yes sir the Draco slingshot design is on a large percentage of the rigs running today!! I would say more than 50% The only major difference is they use a hydraulic Cylinder on each side, instead of the cable system to raise and lower the substructure.

[jooger17]

I’m happy to say that I’m no longer on a rig like I was when this thread started. About two weeks after I posted I moved into the office and have been here since. Much better home life these days

You need a good night hand?

18 years on one this past November. I pulled slips, worked motors, derricks, drilled for 6 years, pushed tools for 4, was a directional driller, and now I make power points for a living.

I've worked in 12 different states, Deep Water off shore, and a short stint in Russia. I've seen a whole lot of country that I'd otherwise never have seen but I'd sure like to find me a remote position and settle in now. You get a couple of babies at home and it gets hard to leave them there for 2 weeks at a time.