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Explore every episode of the podcast WELD

Dive into the complete episode list for WELD. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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TitlePub. DateDuration
Bringing Metal Animals To Life with Sarah Stork17 août 202600:17:22

Sarah Stork has built a name for herself by creating strikingly realistic metal animal sculptures that blend welding skill, texture work, and artistic vision.

If you’ve ever wondered how a welder turns scrap, wire, and texture into lifelike animals, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at Sarah’s process, inspiration, and approach to sculpture.


What You'll Learn

  • Why Sarah chose animal sculptures and how that subject matter opened the door to her artistic style.

  • How she builds sculptures from the inside out, starting with a concrete base and developing the form piece by piece.

  • What role texture plays in her work, including how welding imperfections can become part of the final artistic effect.

  • Why she values simple starting points for beginners, especially for welders who want to try sculpture for the first time.

  • How competitions like SkillsUSA helped shape her path and connected her to the broader welding sculpture community.

  • Why respiratory protection matters in welding art, and how safety should stay part of the creative process.


Sarah Stork is a welding artist based in Georgetown, Texas, who has been creating sculptures since 2015. She is known for realistic animal pieces that combine TIG welding, texture creation, and creative material choices to bring metal to life. Her perspective is especially valuable for welders who want to explore sculpture, improve their artistic side, or better understand how technical welding skills can translate into creative work.


Connect With Sarah Stork


Download The Weld App

iOS: App Store ⁠https://goweld.link/AppleApp⁠

Android: Google Play ⁠https://goweld.link/Android⁠ 


If this show has helped your welding career, leaving a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts helps other welders find it.


#WeldingPodcast #WeldingCareer #metalart #metalsculptor #sarahstork 


Don't Wait For Welding Opportunities, Make Them!11 août 202600:27:55

Trent Konrad didn’t start in an office, he started in the welding industry, grinding mill scale, learning the trade, and working his way up from the shop floor. In this episode, he breaks down how he moved from welding to education, then into leadership at the CWB Group, and why being willing to shoot your shot helped open major doors along the way.


What You’ll Learn

  • How Trent got introduced to welding and why a single conversation helped launch his career.

  • What it was like starting at the bottom in fabrication and proving himself through work ethic.

  • Why he chose to leave welding for education and how he kept building toward larger opportunities.

  • How one bold cold call helped him secure funding and raise his profile inside the CWB Group.

  • Why there are so many pathways in welding beyond just striking an arc.

  • How CWB supports welders, instructors, and businesses through education, certification, and industry partnerships.


Thank you to this week's sponsor Abicor Binzel. Learn more about the xFUME Pro here https://goweld.link/abicorpod 


Connect With Trent Konrad


Download The Weld App

iOS: App Store https://goweld.link/AppleApp

Android: Google Play https://goweld.link/Android 


If this show has helped your welding career, leaving a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts helps other welders find it.


#WeldingPodcast #WeldingCareer #weldingeducation #cwbgroup #weldingcertification

Why This Steamfitter Left Welding for Manufacturing Stories03 août 202600:12:43

Brook Laing started in the trades as a steam-fitter welder and eventually found her way into industry media, where she now helps tell the stories behind manufacturing and fabrication. In this episode, Brook shares how she got into the trades, why she left union work, and how podcasting and content creation became part of her mission to make the industry more approachable and human.


What You'll Learn

  • How Brook went from college plans to welding and steam-fitting.

  • Why she loved the work but still chose to pivot out of the trade.

  • The difference between a steam-fitter and a pipe-fitter.

  • Why layoff culture can make trade careers hard to sustain.

  • How she got involved with the Sisterhood of the Skilled Trades.

  • Why trade communities and apprenticeship support matter.

  • How her podcast helps introduce new people to the trades.

  • Why storytelling is one of the most powerful tools for recruiting and retention.

  • How manufacturing content can focus on the people, not just the shop.

  • What she thinks about automation, robotic welding, and the future of skilled labor.


Thank you to this week's sponsor Abicor Binzel. Learn more about the xFUME Pro here ⁠https://goweld.link/abicorpod⁠ 


Connect With Brooke Laing


Download The Weld App

iOS: App Store ⁠https://goweld.link/AppleApp⁠ Android: Google Play ⁠https://goweld.link/Android⁠


If this show has helped your welding career, leaving a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts helps other welders find it.


#WeldingPodcast #WeldingCareer #steamfitter #twoboltsshortofaflange #WeldingEducation 

How to Build Real Skill in Stick Welding27 juil. 202600:22:01

In this episode of the WELD Podcast, we sit down with Guy Seguin, program coordinator and welding professor at Algonquin College in Ottawa, Ontario, to talk about what it really takes to get good at stick welding. Guy shares the biggest mistakes beginners make, how to build consistency with arc length and travel speed, and why getting comfortable and putting in the reps matters more than chasing tricks early on. We also get into stick-start frustrations, tie-ins, arc blow, TIG fundamentals, and the little setup issues that can make or break a weld.


What You’ll Learn

  • Why stick welding comes down to practice, consistency, and comfort more than gimmicks.

  • The best way to teach beginners without overwhelming them with manipulation too early.

  • Why starting with an easier-to-run rod can help new welders build confidence.

  • How to avoid common issues like sticking, bad tie-ins, arc blow, and poor setup.

  • What to look for in a clean, stable puddle across both stick and TIG welding.


About Guy Seguin

Guy Seguin is a welding professor at Algonquin College and the creator behind Sewing With Fire Welding. He teaches the next generation of tradespeople while sharing hands-on welding content that focuses on real shop skill, strong fundamentals, and practical technique. His experience with stick and TIG welding makes him a valuable guide for anyone trying to level up their work in the booth.


Thank you to this weeks sponsor Abicor Binzel. Learn more about the iBOTone here https://goweld.link/abicorpod 


Connect With Guy Seguin


Download The Weld App

iOS: App Store https://goweld.link/AppleApp

Android: Google Play https://goweld.link/Android 


If this show has helped your welding career, leaving a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts helps other welders find it.


#WeldingPodcast #WeldingCareer #stickwelding #tigwelding #WeldingEducation #WeldingInstructor

The #1 Thing Holding Welders Back Isn’t Skill… It’s This20 juil. 202600:23:16

Kayla Vander Molen is a pressure welder, welding examiner, and senior instructor with the Boilermakers in Canada, and in this episode she breaks down what it really takes to build a career in one of the most demanding trades in welding.


If you’ve ever wondered how pressure tickets work in Canada, what boiler makers actually do, or how mentorship and union training can change the trajectory of a welding career, this conversation gives you a real inside look at the path.


In this episode, you’ll learn

  • How Kayla went from welding in the field to becoming an instructor and education advocate for the next generation.

  • What the pressure ticket means in Canada, and why it opens the door to additional pressure qualifications rather than being the finish line.

  • What boiler makers do on site, from tube work and pressure applications to high-stakes welds that can require X-ray inspection.

  • How union apprenticeship training builds skills through classroom learning, hands-on work, and mentorship.

  • Why confidence, workplace culture, and asking questions matter just as much as technical ability in welding.


About Kayla

Kayla Vander Molen is a pressure welder by trade, a welding examiner and instructor with the Boilermakers, and a contributor to educational content through the CWB. Her background includes field welding, union training, mentorship, and a strong focus on helping welders avoid the mistakes, unsafe habits, and dead-end paths that can hold them back.

She also talks about the importance of keeping skills local, supporting strong workplace culture, and creating more access to practical welding education for people entering the trade.


Thank you to this weeks sponsor Abicor Binzel

Learn more about the iBOTone https://goweld.link/abicorpod


Connect with Kayla

Download The Weld App

iOS: App Store https://goweld.link/AppleApp

Android: Google Play https://goweld.link/Android 


If this show has helped your welding career, leaving a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts helps other welders find it.


#WeldingPodcast #WeldingCareer #Boilermaker #PressureWelding #WeldingEducation #UnionWelding #WeldingInstructor #WeldingMentorship #WeldingLife #TradeSkills


Welding Innovation Has A New Home13 juil. 202600:14:04

The welding industry is changing fast, and if you want to keep up, it is not about learning one process anymore. In this episode of WELD, Beau Wigington takes a look inside the brand new CWB Group Center of Innovation in Milton, Canada, during its grand opening to see how training, technology, and industry partnerships are shaping the future of the trade.


Beau talks with leaders from CWB Group about the new innovation hub, the weld shop, the EV repair training area, and the Canadian Collision Repair Academy. From advanced inspection methods and automation to practical training for newcomers and upskilling welders, this episode shows why facilities like this matter for the next generation of technicians and fabricators.


In this episode, you will learn:

  • How CWB Group is bringing innovation, training, and industry partnerships under one roof.

  • What the innovation hub is showcasing, including cobots, simulators, laser welding, and ultrasonic phased array technology.

  • Why phased array ultrasonic testing is a major step forward in weld inspection and traceability.

  • How the new EV repair center is preparing technicians for the safety demands of working on electric vehicles.

  • What the Canadian Collision Repair Academy teaches about structural repair, aluminum welding, and manufacturer procedures.

  • How the new weld shop is being used for hands-on training, testing, and government-funded education programs.


This episode also explores Industry 4.0 and what it means for welding, automation, robotics, and AI in a field that still depends on strong manual skills. The big takeaway is simple: the future of welding will reward people who can adapt, learn, and work across more than one discipline.


Facilities like the CWB Center of Innovation are more than impressive buildings. They are a sign of where the industry is headed, and why training, access to new technology, and collaboration between manufacturers, educators, and welders are becoming more important than ever.

More Than Just Handrails | Ian Mehlenbacher06 juil. 202600:24:31

Ian Mehlenbacher is a Red Seal Welder for the Niagara Parks Commission, and his job is anything but ordinary.

If you're a welder who wants to see what it looks like to work on iconic infrastructure, custom fabrication, and one-of-a-kind projects every single day, this episode shows you exactly what that career can look like.


In this episode, you'll learn:

  • What the Red Seal certification actually is and how it differs from the American apprenticeship system, including why it's competency-based rather than hour-based.

  • How Ian apprenticed at Niagara Parks and how going to school for welding technology allowed him to skip ahead in his apprenticeship and get his foot in the door.

  • The wide variety of work Ian does at the park, from fabricating the iconic railings at the Falls and converting them to stainless steel, to building custom truck beds, repairing cast iron park benches, and supporting underwater welders.

  • How Ian and his mentor Ed tackled the Aero Car canopy conversion, replacing old mild steel infrastructure with stainless steel with no blueprints, just problem-solving and a rented roller.

  • Why working with aluminum, stainless, and mild steel on a regular basis sets Ian apart from welders who only get to touch those materials once in a while.

  • How the CWB Hamilton Association is breaking down barriers to get young people into trades, donating to 22 schools this past year and bringing parents and students in for hands-on welding seminars.


Ian Mehlenbacher is a Red Seal Welder with the Niagara Parks Commission, where he maintains and fabricates infrastructure across 56 kilometers of parkland surrounding Niagara Falls. He is also the chair of the CWB Association Hamilton Chapter, where he works to connect students, parents, and employers to grow the next generation of skilled tradespeople. His perspective is especially valuable for welders curious about the Red Seal path, non-production welding careers, or getting involved in their local welding community.


Connect with Ian Mehlenbacher / CWB Hamilton:

https://www.cwbgroup.org/advocacy/membership/chapters/hamilton-chapter


Download the WELD App:

iOS: App Store https://goweld.link/AppleApp

Android: Google Play https://goweld.link/Android


If this show has helped your welding career, leaving a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts takes 30 seconds and helps other welders find it.


#WeldingPodcast #WeldingCareer #WeldingJobs #WELD #TradeLife #WeldingLife #RedSeal #CanadianWelding #NiagaraFalls #WeldingEducation #CWB #Apprenticeship #Fabrication


Aerospace Welding Is Really About This...29 juin 202600:34:24

Mohamed Amer has spent 15 years climbing every rung of the aerospace welding world, from the shop floor to engineering, inspection, sales, and management, and now he helps manufacturers break into one of the most compliance-driven sectors in the industry.


If you're a welder looking for a cleaner environment, better pay, and a long-term career path, or a shop owner wondering what it actually takes to get aerospace certified, this episode gives you a real, no-fluff look at what that world requires.


In this episode, you'll learn:

  • What aerospace welding actually is and why it's about far more than the weld itself, covering everything from pre-weld compliance and procedure qualifications to post-weld inspection and traceability.

  • Why material traceability is a massive deal in aerospace, including how filler material heat lot numbers, tungsten, argon flow rates, and cleaning procedures all have to be documented on the traveler.

  • How a shop gets aerospace certified, starting with a gap assessment, building out a quality system like AS9100, and earning NADCAP (National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program) accreditation through an external audit body.

  • Where most shops fall short on compliance, from WPS applicability and machine setup on the shop floor to the flow-down of customer requirements reaching inspectors.

  • Why aerospace is one of the best career paths for welding students, with clean, temperature-controlled environments, competitive pay, and clear paths into inspection, quality, and management roles.


Mohamed Amer is the owner of Amer Welding Solutions, a consultancy that helps manufacturers enter the aerospace welding market and elevate their overall welding processes. With 15 years of experience spanning shop floor work, machining, engineering, inspection, sales, and management, Mohamad brings a full-picture perspective on what it takes to build a compliant, high-performing aerospace welding operation. He also volunteers at schools across the country to introduce students to aerospace welding opportunities, free of charge, because he believes the trade can take anyone further than they think.


Sponsors:

Save 20% on American Welding Program courses with code WELD20 at checkout at AmericanWeldingProgram.org


Connect with Mohamad Amer:

LinkedIn: Mohamed Amer https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohamed-amer-2bbb1b57/

Website: https://amer-welding-solutions.com/ 


Connect with Beau Wigington:

Instagram: @beaudiditwelding


Download the WELD App:

iOS: App Store https://goweld.link/AppleAppAndroid: Google Play https://goweld.link/Android


#WeldingPodcast #WeldingCareer #AerospaceWelding #WELD #AerospaceManufacturing #WeldingEducation #WeldingJobs #Fabrication


How Welders Can Build a Career Without a College Degree22 juin 202600:15:48

Justin LaFond built a welding career the hard way — through shop work, sales, field experience, and learning how to solve problems most people overlook.

If you’re a welder trying to figure out your next move, avoid expensive career mistakes, or understand what opportunities exist beyond the booth, this episode gives you a real-world look at where welding can take you.


In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Justin went from welding in a family shop to becoming a field application engineer at ESAB

• Why the lack of a college degree became a challenge — and how experience, reputation, and networking helped him move forward

• What simple shop issues cause the most welding problems, including liners, feedability, ground clamps, and overlooked consumables

• Why auto-set machines and simplified welding technology can help shops but also leave welders without the fundamentals

• How different regions of the U.S. offer different welding opportunities, from manufacturing and shipyards to pipe, tanks, heavy equipment, and structural work


Justin LaFond is a field application engineer with ESAB who brings a practical, boots-on-the-ground perspective from years in welding, fabrication, distribution, sales, and technical support. His background includes general fabrication, structural work, stainless, heavy equipment repair, cryogenic certifications, and years of helping welders and shops troubleshoot real problems in the field. His path is especially valuable for welders who want to understand how far the trade can take them without following a traditional college route.


Connect with Justin LaFond:

Instagram: @justin_esab

TikTok: @justin.lafond7


Connect with Beau Wigington:

Instagram: @beaudiditwelding


Download the WELD App:

iOS: App Store https://goweld.link/AppleApp Android: Google Play https://goweld.link/Android


If this show has helped your welding career, leaving a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts takes 30 seconds and helps other welders find it.

#WeldingPodcast #WeldingCareer #WeldingJobs #WELD #TradeLife #WeldingLife #WeldingTips #WeldingEducation #WeldingTools #Fabrication


The Fabrication Lessons You Only Learn Once You’re on the Clock08 juin 202600:23:56

EJ Naegeli moved across the country for a welding job, and two years later she’s building custom hot rods, race cars, and a whole new level of confidence.

If you’re a welder starting a new job, learning fabrication on the clock, or wondering whether taking a big career leap is worth it, this episode gives you a real look at what that growth actually feels like.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How EJ handled the first month at Chuckles Garage while learning the tools, shop flow, and expectations of a professional custom car shop.

• Why fabrication confidence takes time even when your welding skills are already solid.

• What EJ learned about speed, fit-up, and efficiency when working on professional-level builds where time matters.

• How custom engine swaps and race car projects force fabricators to problem-solve without a perfect template.

• Why working on your own project car can build the confidence and reps you need to grow faster at work.

EJ Naegeli is a metal fabricator and welder at Chuckles Garage in Northern California, where she works on custom hot rods, race cars, engine swaps, exhaust systems, chassis modifications, and one-off fabrication projects. Since her last appearance on WELD, she’s grown from preparing for a big career move to building her own fabrication style inside a high-level custom shop. Her perspective is especially valuable for welders who are learning how to balance quality, speed, confidence, and pressure in a real shop environment.

Sponsors:

Save 20% on American Welding Program courses with code WELD20 at checkout at AmericanWeldingProgram.org

Connect with EJ Naegeli:

Instagram: @ej_was_here

YouTube: @ej_was_here

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ejnaegeli

TikTok: @ej_was_here_


Connect with Beau Wigington:

Instagram: @beaudiditwelding

Download the WELD App:

iOS: App Store Android: Google Play

If this show has helped your welding career, leaving a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts takes 30 seconds and helps other welders find it.

#WeldingPodcast #WeldingCareer #WeldingJobs #WELD #TradeLife #WeldingLife #Fabrication #MetalFab #WomenWhoWeld #CustomCars


If You Can Dream It, You Can Drive It | Mini Mayhem Event Spotlight26 mai 202600:24:04

Mini Mayhem brings out the kind of builds that show what welding is really good for: making weird ideas work, fixing what breaks, and learning by doing.If you’re a welder, fabricator, student, or garage builder looking for real-world inspiration beyond the booth, this episode shows how mini bikes, go-karts, electric builds, and trackside repairs can sharpen your skills.More about Mini MayhemMini Mayhem is a yearly event at Busco Beach where builders bring mini bikes, four-wheelers, dirt bikes, go-karts, electric machines, and homemade creations to ride, race, test, and break. John describes it as a free-for-all event built around camping, group rides, a drag strip takeover, night rides, and seeing what people built in the off-season.This episode features builders including Scuba Man, Brad from Big Nasty Bikes, Zach from Cars and Cameras, Brandon and Russ from Mini Metal Fab, and several other garage fabricators showing how welding connects directly to creativity, problem-solving, and motorsports.Special thanks to ESAB for making our repair station possible - https://esab.com/us Check Out The Builders We Talked WithBig Nasty Bikes - https://bignastybikes.com/ Rattle Can Customs - https://www.youtube.com/c/rattlecancustoms Rather B Welding - https://www.youtube.com/@ratherBweldingChris Chadbircated - https://www.youtube.com/@Chadbricated Mini Metal Fab - https://www.youtube.com/@MiniMetalFab CarsandCameras - https://www.youtube.com/@CarsandCameras Connect with Beau Wigington:Instagram: @beaudiditweldingDownload the WELD App:iOS: App Store https://foxly.link/m6jqqa Android: Google Play https://foxly.link/cYEXjL If you enjoyed the show please leave us a review to help reach more welders looking to learn.#WeldingPodcast #minimayhem #minibike #gokart #fabrication

Turning Old Car Parts Into Cold Hard Art With Tom Patsis18 mai 202600:11:32

Tom Patsis turns old license plates, flywheels, camshafts, rims, and swap meet finds into custom trophies with real racing history built into every piece.


If you’re a welder, fabricator, car builder, or creative maker trying to figure out how welding skills can lead to unique work, this episode shows what that process actually looks like.

In this episode, you’ll learn:


• How to spot parts at a swap meet that can become strong, eye-catching trophy pieces

• Why Tom looks for weight, balance, color, and story when choosing materials for a custom build

• How to negotiate with vendors without breaking the budget on specialty parts

• What to consider when joining different metals and choosing the right welding process

• How Tom built a trophy business from fabrication skills he developed in the racing world


Tom Patsis is a trophy builder, fabricator, and the Season 1 winner of Metal Shop Masters on Netflix. His work blends welding, racing history, found objects, and custom fabrication into trophies shipped to customers around the world. For WELD listeners, Tom’s story is a reminder that welding skills can open doors far beyond a traditional shop job.


Connect with Tom Patsis:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coldhardart/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/coldhardart 

Website: https://coldhardart.com/ 


Connect with Beau Wigington:

Instagram: @beaudiditwelding


Download the WELD App:

iOS: App Store https://foxly.link/m6jqqa 

Android: Google Play https://foxly.link/cYEXjL 


If you enjoyed this episode leave us a review to help us inspire more welders out there.


#WeldingPodcast #trophybuild #fabrication #WELD #coldhardart


Gotta Start Somewhere: First Welding Job Stories11 mai 202600:27:36

Your first welding job might not be the cleanest, highest-paying, or most glamorous job, but it can teach you more than school ever could.

If you’re fresh out of welding school, getting ready to apply, or trying to figure out how to land your first real welding job, this episode gives you real stories from welders who have been there.


In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to get your foot in the door even when you don’t have years of welding experience yet

• Why your first job may involve more grinding, helping, and learning than actual welding at first

• What real welders learned after leaving school and stepping into shops, fabrication work, pressure vessels, aluminum, and field repairs

• How taking a chance on the right opportunity can open jobs you didn’t even know were possible, including overseas welding work

• Why finding the right people, mentors, and work environment can shape the direction of your welding career


This episode brings together some of Beau’s favorite first welding job stories from past WELD Podcast guests, including Liv Taylor Dodge, Austin Hargett, Nate Bowman, Donny Spara, Korissa Morgan, Jonathon Herrera, EJ Naegeli, Brett Fenning, and Keenan Maines. Each story gives a different look at how welders get started, what they learn fast, and why the first job is often less about the paycheck and more about building experience, confidence, and direction.


Connect with Beau Wigington:

Instagram: @beaudiditwelding


Download the WELD App:

iOS: App Store https://foxly.link/m6jqqa 

Android: Google Play https://foxly.link/cYEXjL 


If this show has helped your welding career, leaving a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts takes 30 seconds and helps other welders find it.


#WeldingPodcast #WeldingCareer #WeldingJobs #WELD #WeldingEducation

From Welding Booth to Robot Cell: Learning the Next Skill in the Trade01 mai 202600:14:57

Robotic welding is not replacing skilled welders, it is creating a new lane for welders who understand the puddle, the process, and how to work safely around automation.If you are a welder thinking about robotics, automation, or a career shift that builds on your hands-on welding skills, this episode shows what that path can actually look like.In this episode, you’ll learn:How GTCC’s new GMAW robotic welding course teaches students to program and operate Panasonic TM1100 robots with Miller Continuum weldersWhy robotic welding still depends on real welding knowledge, including parameters, puddle control, part prep, and knowing what a good weld should look likeWhat students learn first when stepping into robotics, from pendant controls and robot axes to home positions, approach points, and safe movement inside the cellHow proper fit-up, jigging, and part preparation can make or break production welding with a robotWhy safety, limiters, reamers, anti-spatter systems, and return-to-home programming matter before anyone starts chasing speed or production numbersZebidiah Downey is a welding instructor at GTCC and a pipe welder by background who is helping build the school’s robotic GMAW welding curriculum. He brings a hands-on welder’s perspective to automation, showing students that robotics is not about abandoning the trade, it is about applying welding fundamentals in a new environment. His approach keeps the focus on safety, skill, process knowledge, and helping welders become more marketable as the industry changes.Learn more about GTCC:Website: https://gtcc.edu/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guilford_tech/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GTechCC/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/guilfordtech/ X: https://x.com/_gtcc Connect with Beau Wigington:Instagram: @beaudiditweldingDownload the WELD App:iOS: App Store https://foxly.link/m6jqqa Android: Google Play https://foxly.link/cYEXjL If this show has helped your welding career, leaving a 5-star review, takes 30 seconds and helps other welders find it.#WeldingPodcast #WeldingJobs #WELD #WeldingEducation #WeldingSchool

Why Backyard Welding Events Might Be the New Shop Class27 avr. 202600:10:56

Backyard welding events are giving first-timers the kind of hands-on shop experience that many schools no longer offer.

If you’re a welder, maker, teacher, fabricator, or someone who wants to help more people get into the trades, this episode shows what can happen when a community opens the shop doors and lets people learn by doing.


In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why community-based maker events can help fill the gap left by disappearing shop classes

• How Sparks and Sawdust gave woodworkers and beginners a chance to weld on a real Santa Maria grill build

• What makes learning on an actual project different from practicing beads on flat plate

• How Papa Chad kept his first event simple, hands-on, and focused on learning instead of turning it into a big production

• Why welders, fabricators, and makers can play a bigger role in bringing new people into the trades


Papa Chad is a maker, builder, and host of Sparks and Sawdust in Phoenix City, Alabama. His property brings together a welding shop, wood shop, sawmill pad, custom pizza oven, and enough equipment to give first-timers a real hands-on experience. What makes his perspective valuable is that he is not trying to impress anybody — he is creating a place where people can try new skills, build something real, and leave better than they came in.


Connect with Papa Chad:

Instagram: @AlabamaPapaChad

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Papa_Chad 

Website: PapaChad.com


Connect with Tom from Phoenix Wood Shop:

Instagram: @PhoenixWoodShop


Connect with Chris from Green Money Fab

Instagram: @GreenMoneyFab


Connect with Beau Wigington:

Instagram: @beaudiditwelding


Download the WELD App:

iOS: App Store https://foxly.link/m6jqqa 
Android: Google Play https://foxly.link/cYEXjL


If this show has helped your welding career, leaving a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts takes 30 seconds and helps other welders find it.


#WeldingPodcast #WeldingCareer #WeldingJobs #WELD #TradeLife #WeldingLife #WeldingEducation #WeldingSchool #Fabrication #MetalFab


You Don’t Need a Fancy Shop to Build Metal Sculptures That Sell20 avr. 202600:17:38

Jackson Williams is building large-scale steel sculptures with handmade bending tools, a MIG welder, and a small corner of a shared shop.

If you're a welder thinking about getting into metal art, starting small, or building something original without buying a shop full of equipment, this episode will show you what actually matters.


• Learn how Jackson builds full-size animal sculptures from half-inch round bar using mostly hand bending and simple jigs

• See how he scales reference images on the floor to lay out a framework before skinning a sculpture with rod

• Understand why shared shop space can be a smarter move than trying to outfit your own shop from scratch

• Hear how posting his work online and saying yes to Fabtech helped create momentum and new opportunities

• Take away Jackson’s best advice for beginners: start small, play around, and fix anything that is not right


Jackson Williams is a steel sculptor based in Asheville, building wildlife and figure sculptures from round bar with a style that emphasizes motion, anatomy, and flow. He developed his craft working alongside his father, sculptor Chris Williams, before carving out his own direction in steel rod sculpture. What makes his work stand out to WELD listeners is how much he’s able to create with basic tools, strong fundamentals, and a clear artistic eye.


Connect with Jackson Williams:

Instagram: @williamssculpture https://www.instagram.com/williamssculpture/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/williamssculpture/ 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@williamssculpture 

Website: https://www.williamssculpture.com/ 


Connect with Beau Wigington:

Instagram: @beaudiditwelding

Download the WELD App:

iOS: WELD App on the App Store https://foxly.link/m6jqqa 

Android: WELD App on Google Play https://foxly.link/cYEXjL 


If this show has helped your career, leaving a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts takes 30 seconds and helps other welders find it.


Welding, Health Setbacks, and the Hustle to Keep Going with Harrison Stone13 avr. 202600:26:32

Harrison Stone started his welding business at 24, but staying in the trade has meant learning how to work through serious health challenges, protect himself on the job, and build income beyond just welding.

If you're a welder thinking about going out on your own, getting into mobile work, or trying to build a business that can survive real-life setbacks, this episode will give you a more honest picture of what that path looks like.


In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Harrison went from welding school to running his own business in just a few years
• Why safety, respirators, and pacing matter more when your health is already working against you
• What mobile welders need to understand about overhead, helpers, tool costs, and jobsite prep
• How Harrison uses social media to land brand deals and create income outside of fabrication jobs
• Why younger welders should think beyond one paycheck and build multiple income streams early


Harrison Stone is a welder, fabricator, and business owner who built his operation out of his grandfather’s old shop while navigating POTS and the physical demands of welding work. He has experience in TIG production welding, fabrication, mobile jobs, and content creation for welding and tool brands. His story stands out because it gives listeners a realistic look at building a welding business while dealing with health challenges, overhead, and the pressure to keep moving forward.


Sponsors:

Save 20% on American Welding Program courses with code WELD20 at AmericanWeldingProgram.org.


Connect with Harrison Stone:

Instagram: @harrisonstone
Website: ahweldingservices.com


Connect with Beau Wigington:

Instagram: @beaudiditwelding


Download the WELD App:

iOS: https://foxly.link/m6jqqa
Android: https://foxly.link/cYEXjL


Subscribe for weekly episodes from the welding world. New episode every week.


If this show has helped your career, leaving a 5-star review where you listen to your podcasts takes 30 seconds and helps other welders find it.

Stop Chasing Clout with Aaron Wulk06 avr. 202600:21:16

In this episode, host Beau Wigington chats with Aaron Wulk about his path from race team fabrication to welding education and metal art, how competitions like SkillsUSA shape the industry, and why putting your work out into the world matters even when you are not chasing attention. Aaron also shares practical advice on learning welding, understanding metallurgy, choosing materials for sculpture, and preparing for competition.


Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20

Use code WELD20 at checkout for eligible courses - https://foxly.link/9T3dtc 


Connect with Aaron Wulk

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-wulk-cwi-cwe-648958151  

Instagram - @black_mirror_sculptures https://www.instagram.com/black_mirror_sculptures/ 


Connect with Beau Wigington

Instagram: @beaudiditwelding — https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding 

 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington 

 E-mail: beauw@weld.com


Cutting Thick Steel: What Actually Changes When the Plate Gets Massive30 mars 202600:21:27

In this episode, host Beau Wigington chats with Chuck Faught from Flametech Scorpion about what it really takes to cut thick metal with oxy-fuel equipment. Using Chuck’s flame-covered torch throne as the backdrop, they break down the differences between torch styles, how oxygen flow affects cutting capacity, when to use long torches, and why fuel gas choice matters more than most people think. They also get into flashback arrestors, hose restrictions, and safety considerations that can directly affect cut quality in the field.


Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20

Use code WELD20 at checkout for eligible courses - https://foxly.link/9T3dtc 


Connect with Chuck Faught 

Instagram: @lucky_chuckie https://www.instagram.com/lucky_chuckie/ 

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/chuck-faught-26431480/ 

Flametech Scorpion: @flametech_scorpion https://www.instagram.com/flametech_scorpion/ 

Website: https://flametechnologies.com/ 


Connect with Beau Wigington

Instagram: @beaudiditwelding — https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding 

 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington 

 E-mail: beauw@weld.com


Ranking Every Welding Process We Could Think Of23 mars 202600:14:22

In this episode, host Beau Wigington breaks down 27 different welding processes and ranks them by utility, accessibility, and overall cool factor. From shop staples like MIG, TIG, stick, and flux core to niche processes like atomic hydrogen, electron beam, and thermite welding, Beau gives his honest take on which methods are the most practical, which are the most interesting, and which ones are just plain fun to talk about.


Whether you’re new to welding or already deep in the trade, this episode is a great overview of how many different paths exist in the welding world, and why some processes earn a permanent place in the conversation.


Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20Use code WELD20 at checkout for eligible courses - https://foxly.link/9T3dtc


Connect with Beau Wigington

Instagram: @beaudiditwelding — https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington

E-mail: beauw@weld.com


Watch The Video Version Of The Podcast - https://youtu.be/ATdFcSDQ8UM

Starting Your Own School & Building Your Own Cars w/ Scott Raabe & Ian Johnson16 mars 202600:36:08

In this week's podcast, we go back to Fabtech 2024 where Beau sits down at the  @esabweldingandcutting   booth with Scott Raabe to talk about the path way to starting his school Precision Welding Academy, and then Ian Johnson pops by to talk about what you need to get started in automotive fabrication. 


Connect with Scott Raabe

Instagram 

@scott_raabe https://www.instagram.com/scott_raabe/

@precisionweldingacademy https://www.instagram.com/precisionweldingacademy/

Precision Welding Academy Website - https://www.precisionweldingacademy.com/


Connect with Ian Johnson

Instagram

@ianfrombigtiregarage https://www.instagram.com/ianfrombigtiregarage/


Connect with Beau

Weld App @beaudidit

Instagram @beaudiditwelding

Email - ⁠Beauw@weld.com⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Using Your Welding Skills To Build Income On The Side09 mars 202600:22:31

Host Beau Wigington visits the home shop of Sean Flottman, better known as Dabswellington, to break down the process behind stainless TIG art. Sean shares practical advice on stainless prep, filler metal choice, chill plates, tungsten setup, gas coverage, and weld planning so listeners can better understand how to create color, contrast, and clean finished artwork with a TIG torch.


The episode also features Robert Carpenter, a journeyman pipe fitter who makes copper welder bracelets on the side. He explains how he builds bracelets from ground wire, forms braid patterns, welds in side rails, and polishes each piece into a finished wearable product. Together, their stories show how welding skills can move beyond the jobsite and into creative work, personal projects, and side income opportunities.


Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20

Use code WELD20 at checkout for eligible courses - https://foxly.link/9T3dtc 


Connect with Sean Flottman

Instagram - @dabswellington https://www.instagram.com/dabswellington/ 

Etsy - https://www.etsy.com/shop/Dabswellington 


Connect with Robert Carpenter

Instagram - @carpwelding https://www.instagram.com/carpwelding/ 

Etsy - https://www.etsy.com/shop/CarpWelding 


Connect with Beau Wigington

Instagram: @beaudiditwelding — https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding 

 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington 

 E-mail: beauw@weld.com


What Does It Take to Manufacture Welding Gear in the USA?02 mars 202600:42:49

In this episode we're on location with Michael Furick inside his shop where he manufactures TIG cups, gas lenses, and fabrication tools like bead rollers. Michael walks us through how a product idea turns into something he can actually build at scale, and how he’s streamlined production by creating machines that do the work his hands used to do, boosting speed and tightening up quality control.


We also get into the process behind making glass TIG cups, what it takes to manufacture in the USA, and the mindset that separates hobby projects from real businesses. If you’re a welder, a shop owner, or a career changer thinking about going independent one day, this is a blueprint for playing the long game: investing in tools, building systems, and making decisions today that set you up for freedom later.


Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20

Use code WELD20 at checkout for eligible courses - https://foxly.link/9T3dtc


Connect with Michael Furick

Instagram - @mfurick https://www.instagram.com/mfurick/ 

Website - https://furickcup.com/ 


Connect with Beau Wigington

Instagram: @beaudiditwelding — https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding 

 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington 

 E-mail: beauw@weld.com

Inside CT Race Worx: Where Race Winning UTVs Are Born with Daniel Adams23 févr. 202600:21:33

What does it really take to build a UTV that can survive King of the Hammers?

This week on the Weld Podcast, Beau Wigington heads to CT Race Worx to sit down with Daniel Adams, better known as @phockerfabs, to get an inside look at what it takes to build off road machines that don’t just look good, they finish races.

Daniel walks us through their machine shop where precision parts are made in house and trusted on some of the top performing UTVs in the country. Then we step into the fabrication side to break down how they prep material for roll cages, why their tab and slot method matters, and how attention to fit up can make or break a race build.

If you’ve ever wondered how to get into the off road racing world as a welder or fabricator, Daniel shares what shops are really looking for and how to position yourself to land a job in the industry.

From raw tubing to race ready monsters, this episode pulls back the curtain on what it takes to build at the highest level.


Connect with Dan

Instagram - @phockerfabs https://www.instagram.com/phockerfabs/ 

@ctraceworx https://www.instagram.com/ctraceworx/

Website - https://ctraceworx.com/ 


Connect with Beau Wigington

Instagram: @beaudiditwelding — https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding 

 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington 

 E-mail: beauw@weld.com


From Trash To Treasure: What It's Like Building For Scrapfest16 févr. 202600:22:23

In this episode, host Beau Wigington sits down with four Scrapfest artists to break down what the event is really like, how the categories work, what you can win, and why turning scrap into sculpture can be good for both your wallet and your head.Learn more about Scrapfest - https://scrapfest.com/ Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20Use code WELD20 at checkout for eligible courses - https://foxly.link/9T3dtcConnect with the artists from this week’s episode - Jonny SniderInstagram - @jonnysweld https://www.instagram.com/jonnysweld/ Andrew SandstedtInstagram - @stalartist https://www.instagram.com/stalartist/ Steve KostInstagram - @dads357 https://www.instagram.com/dads357/ Tom AdamsInstagram - @tommy_atoms https://www.instagram.com/tommy_atoms/ Connect with Beau WigingtonInstagram: @beaudiditwelding — https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington E-mail: beauw@weld.com

Every Tool Has A Story with Jimmy DiResta09 févr. 202600:19:53

In this episode, host Beau Wigington chats with maker Jimmy DiResta about the tools that shaped his craft, from a rescued line-shaft drill press to heavy old bandsaws, and the down-to-earth methods he uses to restore, retrofit, and actually use vintage machines in a modern welding workflow.


Connect with Jimmy DiResta

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jimmydiresta/

Facebook: http://facebook.com/diresta/

YouTube:  @jimmydiresta 


Connect with Beau

Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington

E-mail: beauw@weld.com

One Truck, Every Trade | Dave Doherty’s Mobile Shop26 janv. 202600:19:41

Welding might be the headline skill on a service truck, but it's never the whole story. On this week's Podcast, Beau Wigington climbs into Dave Doherty's service truck to see just how many trades live inside one rolling toolbox. We explore the diverse skills and equipment necessary to operate a welding rig and handle a range of industrial jobs, highlighting the importance of a well-equipped work truck and the role of a field mechanic. If you've ever wondered what it really takes to run a service rig, this episode is for you!


Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20

Use code WELD20 at checkout for eligible courses - https://foxly.link/9T3dtc


Connect with Dave 

Dave “DTB Fabrication” Doherty

Instagram: @dtb_fabrication https://www.instagram.com/dtb_fabrication/

Facebook: Dave Doherty

Connect with Beau

Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding

 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington

 E-mail: beauw@weld.com


High Level Skills Nobody Knows About: The Boilermaker Edition19 janv. 202600:21:45

In this week's podcast host Beau Wigington explores the career path of a Boilermaker within the welding industry while attending the National Boilermaker Apprenticeship Championships, highlighting the diverse skill set required for this industrial profession. We discuss "what is a boilermaker" and the importance of a "boilermakers apprenticeship" for those interested in "skilled trades." We learned that Boilermakers are a little bit of everything, incorporating elements of rigging, welding, cutting, and fabrication, making it a comprehensive "welding apprenticeship" opportunity for any aspiring "welder."Key Topics Covered:- What a Boilermaker is (rigging, layout, planning, tube rolling, waterwall “Dutchman” repairs) and why welding is only ~10–15% of the trade.- How recruiting for the boilermakers apprenticeship works at the high-school level and why tuition-free training changes families’ trajectories.- The “apply now” process through BNAP, finding your local, and why initiative matters (call, visit, show up).- First-year expectations: heights, tight spaces, heavy machinery, union basics (dues, benefits, dispatch).- Skill progression: Stick plate → positions → MIG/flux-core structure → TIG (freehand & walking the cup).- Work realities: outages, 12-hour shifts, precise repairs, x-ray quality, and packing out.- Career growth: no seniority; apprentices who show up and lead can run work and become foremen fast.- Finding your niche: some chase welding certs; others fall in love with rigging or planning and excel there.Learn More About Joining The BoilermakersBoilermakers National Apprenticeship Program - https://www.bnap.com/ Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20Use code WELD20 at checkout for eligible courses - https://foxly.link/9T3dtcConnect with Beau WigingtonInstagram: @beaudiditwelding — https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington E-mail: beauw@weld.com

Stop Buying Welding Gear You Don’t Need with Anthony James05 janv. 202600:17:13

At Fabtech, host Beau Wigington sits down with Anthony James aka “Meltin Metal Anthony” for a straight-shooting talk on where new and growing welding businesses burn cash, and what to buy instead. From grinders and torches to hoods, PPE, and shop layout, Anthony shares the gear that survives abuse, the stuff that fails fast, and practical ways to vet products at a trade show. They also dig into laser welding, automation, and how to prep your skills (and team) for the next decade.


Key Topics Discussed

  • Tools that pay for themselves vs. tools that fail: why cheap grinders and bargain rods often cost more long-term; when a low-cost flux-core box can still earn its keep.

  • Welders & try-before-you-buy: using shows like Fabtech to demo MIG/TIG/stick, and the limits of testing engine drives on the floor.

  • Torches that stay true: hard-earned opinions on Victor and older Smith gear; why some newer replacements disappointed.

  • PPE that protects (and fits): pitfalls of bargain-bin clothing; the case for US-made textiles and consistent QC.

  • Hoods that survive abuse: long-term experience with an auto-dark model (Optrel mentioned) vs. thin shells and short-lived lenses.

  • Shop-build mistakes: poor layout planning, forgetting utilities (power, heat, downdraft, 3-phase alternatives), and failing to size for tables, forklifts, and workflow.

  • Hiring & weld tests: “mess up the settings” as a practical screen for true competence.

  • Laser welding & automation: what’s impressive now, code limitations today, and why technicians who can dial in machines will thrive.

  • Mindset for growth: adapt or get left behind—how risk sports, preparation, and owning your quirks translate to business.

Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20

Use code WELD20 at checkout for eligible courses - https://foxly.link/9T3dtc


Connect with Anthony James

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/meltinmetalmobile/ 

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@MeltinMetalAnthony 

Website - https://meltinmetal.net/ 


Connect with Beau Wigington

Instagram: @beaudiditwelding — https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington E-mail: beauw@weld.com


WELD 2025 Recap | Viral Welding Hacks, Iron Man Hood, And More! 29 déc. 202500:21:03

In this special 2025 recap episode of the WELD Podcast, host Beau Wigington is joined by Austin Hargett (Dr. Weldz) to look back on one of the biggest years yet for Weld.com.

We break down some of our top performing videos of the year including Testing Viral Welding Hacks, Getting Dross Free Cuts with Plasma, and The Ultimate Guide to Weaving 7018. We also reflect on some of our favorite trips from 2025, from laser welding in Florida with Rex Alexandre, to visiting BZI in Utah, attending the Yeti Welding Competition, fly fishing out west, and asking Bo Jackson a question at Fabtech.

We wrap things up with Maker Camp, where Dave took home Top Welder, and revisit some of our most memorable social media moments from the year. If you followed WELD in 2025, this episode ties it all together. If you are new, it is the perfect place to start.


Key Topics Discussed

Testing viral welding hacks and what actually works

Plasma cutting tips for dross free cuts

How to properly weave 7018 stick electrodes

Laser welding in Florida with Rex Alexandre

Visiting BZI and attending the Yeti Welding Competition

Fabtech highlights and meeting Bo Jackson

Maker Camp recap and Top Welder winner

Viral welding social media moments from 2025


Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20

Use code WELD20 at checkout for eligible courses - https://foxly.link/9T3dtc


Connect with Austin Hargett

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dr.weldz/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-hargett-2545ba20a

Email - Austinh@weld.com


Connect with Beau Wigington

Instagram: @beaudiditwelding — https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington

E-mail: beauw@weld.com


Download the WELD App: https://foxly.link/Qj0VEa


This Is Your Sign To Build A Go-Kart with Cars And Cameras15 déc. 202500:18:19











































Job In Welding OUTSIDE Just Welding08 déc. 202500:16:31

In this episode, host Beau Wigington chats with

Justin Lafond — applications engineer (ESAB) who calls the role the “Swiss Army knife” of welding support.

Kaeleigh Wilkins — 3M Metalworking Application Engineer who moved from sales into a highly technical role without an engineering degree.

Frank Vargas — national sales leader focused on relationship-driven technical selling in welding distribution.

Cody Vigeant (American Welding Program) — on what makes a great instructor in today’s rapidly changing trade.

Austin Hargett (“Dr. Welds”) — on staying energized as a welding instructor and balancing life, side work, and the classroom.


Key Topics Covered:

Why many high-pay welding careers don’t require holding a stinger every day (inspection, applications, distribution, education).

Applications engineering: field problem-solving, process development, training, and customer saves—plus the reality of travel.

No engineering degree? Mapping hands-on welding experience to technical job descriptions (Kaeleigh’s playbook).

Distributor roles: technical sales and “solution finder” jobs that value people skills and fluent welding lingo.

Teaching welding: avoiding burnout, finding the “small wins,” and staying current with robots/cobots.

Future-proofing: adaptability and cross-process literacy as automation spreads.


Memorable Quotes:

“We’re the Swiss Army knives… expected to do all of it, anywhere, anytime.” — Justin Lafond

“You can’t really learn our job unless you’re out there in the field doing it.” — Justin Lafond

“I’m the only person on the team without an engineering degree… you can still be a fit if your experience matches the need.” — Kaeleigh Wilkins

“The welding trade is moving at the speed of light—instructors have to stay keyed in.” — Cody Vigeant

“The little wins from former students are what keep you going.” — Austin Hargett


Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20 https://foxly.link/9T3dtc


Guest Contacts:

Justin Lafond - Applications Engineering (ESAB)

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-lafond-5a650b313

Kaeleigh Wilkins - Application Engineering (3M)

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaeleigh-wilkins 

Frank Vargas - National Sales Manager (Uniweld)

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-vargas-0273a173 

Cody Vigeant -  Manager of Education Solutions (American Welding Program)

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-v-b4a857145 

Austin Hargett (“Dr. Welds”) - Brand Ambassador / Operations Manager (Weld.com)

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-hargett-2545ba20a 


Connect with Beau Wigington

Instagram: @beaudiditwelding — https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington

Email: beauw@weld.com

Download the WELD App: https://foxly.link/Qj0VEa

Homegrown 4X4 Van Conversions with The Swim Shop01 déc. 202500:17:12

In this episode, host Beau Wigington visits Justin and Seth Williams of SwimShop 4x4 to unpack how they convert GM G-Series vans into capable four-wheel-drive rigs, and the MIG welding habits that keep those projects rolling.

Key Topics Covered

  • Why van conversions? The rock-n-roll roots, “rolling living room” ethos, and first builds that sparked a business.

  • Unibody reality check: why G-Series vans aren’t body-on-frame, and what that changes in your fab plan.

  • The jig story: cutting a donor van’s underbody, flipping it, and welding it to a table to build 126+ kits consistently.

  • Bolt-on vs weld-on: using existing van holes, minimizing welds to two key pieces, and where welding is still essential.

  • MIG setup in the shop: clean metal, penetration, heat/wire adjustments, and why “don’t zoom in” can still be structurally sound.

  • Parts sourcing workflow: diffs, transfer cases, running gear—how junkyards and Marketplace make the puzzle come together.

  • Square-body compatibility: designing around ¾-ton Suburban geometry so catalog parts actually fit.

  • Learning by doing: confidence, mistakes, and reading the puddle—why pinstripers make quick MIG learners.

  • Community + momentum: YouTube documentation, events, and how niche builds find their people.

  • Working with family: keeping shared interests, sharing space, and growing a shop together.

Memorable Quotes

  • “It’s a rolling living room… you can do wild paint, shag carpet—I had to have a van.”

  • “We thought they had frames… then we realized it’s a unibody. Whole different animal.”

  • “We cut the van’s underbody out, flipped it, welded it to a table—that’s our jig.”

  • “Everything’s bolt-in using factory holes—only two pieces need welding.”

  • “With MIG: clean metal, good penetration. When it clicked, it clicked.”

  • “Just because it’s not pretty doesn’t mean it won’t hold—don’t zoom in.”

  • “Anything that bolts onto a square-body truck fits our kit.”


Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses

Use code WELD20 at checkout for eligible courses - https://foxly.link/9T3dtc


Connect with The Swim Shop 4x4

Connect With Beau Wigington

- Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington

- E-mail: beauw@weld.com

Some Of The Best Welding Education Advice We've Gotten... So Far24 nov. 202500:31:20

In this episode, host Beau Wigington chats with Mark Levin, Nate Bowman, Jason Becker, Adam Stretch, Justin Nixon, and Austin Hargit about welding education that matches today’s work, how accredited testing actually runs, and practical technique myths, so you can pass tests, pick the right training path, and build a career you’re proud of.


Key Topics Covered

  • Apprenticeship that pays: Why Welder Underground hires 18–28-year-olds at $15/hr to learn and how “show up on time + bring enthusiasm” beats prerequisites.

  • Realities of training: Traditional school vs. modern apprenticeship; teaching through a live 18-ft sculpture build bound for Paris.

  • “Teach for the job”: Why MIG dominates entry-level work and how to prepare for it without ditching stick/TIG fundamentals.

  • Test day without panic: What hold points are, why skipping one is an automatic fail, and how an ATF routes your test.

  • Certificate vs. certification: What actually counts in industry and the paperwork/logistics behind true certs.

  • Technique myths with evidence: Push vs. drag (short-circuit vs. spray), polarity (DC+ vs. DC−) explained in plain language.

  • Flux-core with shielding gas: Why it can look good yet break brittle—what’s happening in the flux chemistry.

  • Inspection mindset: Basing welds on data and repeatability “10 times out of 10,” not opinions.

  • Career ladders: From welder to CWI/SCWI, plus where NDT and phased-array UT fit.

  • Social media as a help line: Getting accurate guidance vs. filtered hype; how to vet advice.

Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20

Use code WELD20 at checkout for eligible courses - https://foxly.link/9T3dtc


Guests’ Content & Contact

Connect with Beau Wigington

Instagram: @beaudiditwelding — https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington

E-mail: beauw@weld.com

Some Of The Best Welding Career Stories We've Heard.... So Far15 nov. 202500:48:44

In this episode, host Beau Wigington chats with pipeline, shop, union, rig, and underwater welders about getting started, choosing a path, managing money, and building a reputation that keeps you working.


Key Topics Covered

  • Pipeline reality for new grads, why most start as helpers, and how prior plant work translates to the right-of-way
  • Shop welding as a launch pad, learning MIG aluminum at night, and stacking TIG reps until it clicks
  • Union entry routes, testing in late, and navigating attitudes when you do not start at Year 1
  • Rig welder vs single-hand: what the truck changes about pay, expectations, alloys, and accountability
  • Underwater work safety, crew size, comms with cranes, tables, and why diver discipline matters
  • Money talk without the fluff: per diem, overtime, and avoiding debt on lift kits and rims
  • Networking that works: texts, referrals, timing, and demonstrating value before the test
  • Parenting and welding paths: why some stick to shops, shipyards, or offshore rotation for balance


Memorable Quotes

  • “All you got is your name. Everything you do affects the work you are going to get.” — Joel Welch
  • “I burned through pallets of aluminum wire and TIG’d couplings all day until it clicked.” — Keenan Maines
  • “People are going to have a problem when you test in late. Prove what you can do and keep it moving.” — Laura King
  • “Commercial diving is safe when you respect the procedure. Most problems start with the diver.” — Jordan Moreno
  • “The machine does not start until 400 dollars.” — Kenny Stu
  • “If I cannot afford to buy two, I cannot afford to buy one.” — Hunter Wilson
  • “Overtime and per diem are the math behind ‘welders make money’.” — Liv Taylor Dodge


Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20

Use code WELD20 at checkout for eligible courses - https://foxly.link/9T3dtc


Guests’ Content & Contact

Joel Welch

Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/ZVKXL0w5eYb

Instagram - @welchwelding https://www.instagram.com/welchwelding/


Keenan Maines

Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/AZ5msfE5eYb

Instagram - @metalsmasherart https://www.instagram.com/metalsmasherart/


Stan Sherwin

Full EP -https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/8OTdMaF5eYb

​Instagram: @ss_custom_welding https://www.instagram.com/ss_custom_welding/


Laura King

Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/LEpJGFG5eYb

Instagram - @lauraxking https://www.instagram.com/lauraxking/


Jordan Moreno

Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/OsB9IRM5eYb

Instagram - @thatclassy_diver https://www.instagram.com/thatclassy_diver/


Jonathon Herrera

Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/ZGfRkNN5eYb

Instagram - @jonathon_herrera23 https://www.instagram.com/jonathon_herrera23/


Kenny Stewart

Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/yYzZlbS5eYb

Instagram - @kenny.steww https://www.instagram.com/kenny.steww/


Hunter Wilson

Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/5Y7wLXV5eYb

Instagram - @texaspipeliner35 https://www.instagram.com/texaspipeliner35/


Liv Taylor Dodge

Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/xXxAua15eYb

Instagram - @livtaylordodge https://www.instagram.com/livtaylordodge/


Connect with Beau Wigington

Instagram: @beaudiditwelding — https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington

E-mail: beauw@weld.com

The Best Metal Art Advice We've Gotten.... So Far10 nov. 202500:40:38

Host Beau Wigington revisits standout moments from metal artists who turned sparks into careers. You will hear practical safety, process, and career advice from creators who weld sculptures, bikes, tanks, wildlife art, and even giant instruments. 


Key Topics Covered

  • Why “failures” are usually redirections and how to use them to grow your craft

  • Oxy-acetylene as a lost-but-powerful gateway to understanding metal behavior

  • Oxy-fuel safety, from first-time “pops” to tank awareness and best practices

  • TIG art workflow, tracing with a laser, clamps vs welding down, and chill plates

  • Getting consistent color in stainless TIG art using cup size and gas lenses

  • Welding copper for fuel tanks, heat control, filler strategy, and leak risk

  • Letting the sculpture “tell you” what to build, and iterating without fear

  • Using CAD to plan scrap-metal builds when materials are unpredictable

  • Promotion that works for artists, from mags and photos to simple outreach

  • Why networking at industry events can unlock commissions and collaborations

  • “Failures are not failures, they are redirections. Walk through those chapters, even the bad ones.” — Rae Ripple

  • “Oxy-acetylene is a great gateway process. You are one with the metal, watching fusion happen.” — David Madero

  • “For TIG art, I clamp to a chill plate. I hate grinding, so I avoid welding pieces down.” — Clint Evashkevich

  • “I make my own copper filler from the base metal so the polish hides the seam.” — Jesse James

  • “No two-dimensional picture does a sculpture justice. CAD helped me see it from all angles.” — Rich Quinn



    • Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20

    Use code WELD20 at checkout for eligible courses - https://foxly.link/9T3dtc


    • Connect With The Guests

      Rae Ripple


    • David Madero


    • Clint Evashkevich


    • Jesse James


    • Rich Quinn


    • Billy Moulton Day

    • Ivan Iler

  • Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ivanilerstudios 


    Codie Aljets


    • Connect with Beau Wigington

    Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington

    E-mail: beauw@weld.com

    Download the WELD App: https://foxly.link/Qj0VEa


    Some Of The Best Welding Business Advice We've Gotten.... So Far03 nov. 202500:36:49

    In this episode, host Beau Wigington pulls together the most practical, hard-won business advice shared on WELD over the past three years—everything from getting your first customers and pricing your time, to choosing insurance, building a team, and using short-form video to keep orders flowing. 


    Key Topics Covered

    • Why reliability beats “stacking dimes” perfectionism for business growth (show up, do what you say)

    • Budgeting and bootstrapping: paying down debt, selling online, and reinvesting in tools

    • Social media that sells: consistent short-form posting, showing your face, and treating content as a product

    • Getting legal and protected: LLCs, accountants, business banking, and choosing the right insurance broker

    • Knowing when to hire: escaping burnout, delegating office work, and building a small, capable team

    • Culture that retains welders: safe shops, good lighting, respect, and clear values people can rally around

    • Mobile welding startup basics: van setup, Google Ads, word of mouth, and keeping a “day-job safety net”

    • Skill growth for beginners: daily reps, letting learning compound, and not chasing “perfect”

    • Sales fundamentals: websites, clear branding, phone numbers on trucks, and simple prospecting habits

  • Memorable Quotes

    • “You don’t have to be the best welder on earth. Show up on time, do what you say, and be a person of your word.” — Anthony (Melton Metal Anthony)

    • “If you’re a maker on YouTube, the video is the product—not the project.” — John Malecki

    • “We couldn’t afford marketing—so we posted. Consistently.” — Jason & Miranda (Shass on Smoke)

    • “File the LLC, hire a good accountant, and stop trying to do it all alone.” — Luke Labdie

    • “Get decent insurance and learn the terms they want to hear—answer only what’s asked.” — Kevin Johnson (JMW Fabrication)

    • “If you want a world-class team, create the kind of place world-class people want to work.” — Matthew Nix (Nix Industrial)

    Save 20% On American Welding Program Courses

    Use code WELD20 - https://foxly.link/9T3dtc


  • Connect With The Guests

    • Anthony James 

    • Connect with Beau Wigington

    Finding Prime Cuts with Hero Machine Co.20 oct. 202500:29:35

    In this episode, host Beau Wigington chats with Adam Heffner (Hero Machine Co.) about his unconventional journey from a third-generation butcher to ironworker to fabricator, and why many small shops hit a tipping point where a 2 kW fiber laser on single-phase power outperforms plasma for cost, time, and quality. Recorded at FABTECH from the Hero Machine Co. booth, Adam breaks down real numbers on consumables, cleanup time, and when to make the jump from plasma to laser.

    Key Topics Covered:

    • Business is a trade, too: why fab skills need business skills to turn into profit.

    • From side hustle to shop: working “7-10s” for three years to de-risk going full-time.

    • Insurance realities: how coverage limits push new shops toward non-critical work early on.

    • Plasma → Laser math: the break-even window around 40–55 cutting hours/month.

    • Consumables & cleanup: plasma (~$30/1,000 pierces + ~1 hr cleanup per cutting hour) vs. laser ($6 lower lens/week + ~5 minutes cleanup per cutting hour).

    • Power & air you already have: running a 2 kW laser on 220V single-phase with a standard ~10 HP compressor + dryer.

    • Cut capacity: 2 kW fiber laser cutting 5/8" mild steel—and why power isn’t the whole story.

    • Build vs. buy: lessons from DIY presses and tables, and why support/QC matter.

    • Supply chain + QC: avoiding bait-and-switch by inspecting at the source.

    • Winning architectural work: translating “pretty” drawings into constructible submittals, staying on schedule, and protecting margin when delays escalate.

    • Systems that scale: MRP, workstations, and process flow so the shop runs on rails.

    • The “Hero” idea: giving small shops a superpower that lets them price competitively and win bids.

    Memorable Quotes:

    • “Business is a trade, just like metal fabrication.”

    • “If you’re cutting more than ~40–55 hours a month, you really should have a laser.”

    • “You can unplug your plasma table and be cutting 5/8" mild steel on a 2 kW fiber laser, on single-phase 220V.”

    • “My mantra was: make the means of production.”

    • “I didn’t want to die with a dream.”

    Learn more Hero Machine Co.

    Connect with Beau Wigington

    Where Is Your Welding Business Losing Money?13 oct. 202500:18:15

    Host Beau Wigington chats with Bill Pharmer (National Senior Director of Advanced Fabrication, Airgas) and Bryan Thomas (National Director of Package Gas Services, Airgas) at FABTECH about unlocking the hidden cost of welding. You’ll hear how to spot leaks in your workflow including spatter, over-welding, wrong gas selection, slow change-outs, and how small fixes compound into cleaner welds, faster throughput, and healthier margins.


    Key Topics Covered:

    • Why labor dominates cost per weld foot (≈85–90%) and how to focus on the variables that actually move profit.

    • Baseline first: measure wire-feed speed, amperage/voltage, travel speed, gas flow, gas type, burn time, and consumable usage.

    • Operator Factor (arc-on time ÷ total time) as the north-star KPI for rework and throughput.

    • Common profit leaks: loose electrical connections and resistance, poor gas-to-wire ratios, excessive gas flow (“blasting”), and “75/25 for everything.”

    • Over-welding math that hurts: a weld spec’d at 3/16" laid at 5/16" is ~78% more labor, wire, and gas, for zero added value.

    • KPIs that tell on your process: wire-to-contact-tip ratio, gas-to-wire ratio, melt-off rates, and contact-tip consumption patterns.

    • ARCAL® in five mixes (Prime, Flux, Speed, Force, Chrome): when to choose each to improve cleanliness, penetration, and speed without helium guesswork.

    • Change-out efficiency: how Viper (valve-integrated pressure regulator) and quick-connects cut 10–15 minute bottle swaps, protect calibration, and maintain consistent flow to low pressure.

    • Tracking improvement: digital welding efficiency analysis when available; simple manual logs and calculations when it’s not.

    • Change management that sticks: coach, show results, and iterate—don’t just “turn the knobs and leave.”


    Memorable Quotes:

    • “Spatter is rework and that does nothing but eat up the labor piece.”

    • “Labor is at least 85% of your cost per weld foot; gas and wire are the small slice.”

    • “If it’s over-welded by 1/16", you’ve over-welded it by ~78% too much labor, too much wire, too much gas.”

    • “The first thing everyone blames is “bad gas ". I promise you it’s usually not that.”


    Learn More About Airgas


    Connect with Beau Wigington

    Open Root Pipe Welding At The Click Of Button with Novarc Technologies06 oct. 202500:18:32

    In this episode, host Beau Wigington chats with Alexander Purvis, Senior Welding & Automation Engineer at Novarc Technologies, about pairing TipTIG with a spool welding robot (SWR) to boost pipe-shop speed, consistency, and operator safety.


    Key Topics Covered:

    • Learning curve & training: 1–1.5 hours to get comfortable for hands-on folks; standard onboarding is one week for three operators (3:1 trainer ratio).

    • Fit-up tolerance: Built to handle real-shop conditions (nominal 3/32" root opening; workable from ~1/16" to heavy 1/8") without demanding “perfect” hi-lo.

    • Low-maintenance mechanics: Air-powered manipulator (no hydraulics; sealed bearings) to cut downtime.

    • Assist vs autonomy: AI reads variable root opening/hi-lo in real time and switches among seven root-save levels to keep the root on track.

    • Process flexibility: Dual-torch MIG option (short-circuit root → flux-core fill/cap) and a TipTIG hot-wire TIG package for stainless/critical work.

    • Where it fits: Prefab spools for mechanical contractors, expanding into oil & gas and nuclear work.

    • Safety & ergonomics: Operate 4–5 ft from the arc, reduce fume exposure (especially on stainless/hex-chrome), and ditch the “bent-over all day” posture.

    • Operator buy-in: Find a shop “champion,” then let them own the cell and rack up reps.

    • Throughput story: One SWR operator reportedly laid ~158 in/day, edging five manual welders combined (~148–150 in).

    • See it yourself: Demo-on-demand videos and an in-person Customer Experience Center (Houston).


    Memorable Quotes:

    • “We don’t expect a perfect fit up… the system accommodates that variance.”

    • “Set it on a tack, press start, and the operator can walk away.”

    • “He out-welded five manual operators,158 inches in a day.”


    Learn more about the SWR from Novarc Technologies


    Connect with Beau Wigington

    CNC Precision Anywhere The Job Takes You with CN-Seamless29 sept. 202500:18:06

    In this weeks episode, Beau Wigington & Austin Hargett visit the CN-Seamless booth at Fabtech to chat with Josh Cooper (CEO) and Sam Marcom (COO) to unpack how a class project at NC State turned into a portable CNC cutting system built for welders in the field.Key Topics Covered:Origin Story: How three classmates (Josh, Sam, and Dario) turned a senior design idea into CN-Seamless and the Mach 1 portable CNC.Why It Works in the Field: Off-the-shelf components, low upfront tooling, and a form factor that mounts anywhere—flat plate, vertical, even overhead.No G-Code Needed: A welder-friendly, four-step workflow—Design → Place → Materials → Run—plus DXF import, built-in shape library, and on-the-fly speed slider.Cleaner Cuts, Faster: Preloaded parameters by material/thickness, improved piercing (no oxy-fuel “plunge”), and practical tips for getting a clean kerf on day one.Mounting Options: Electromagnet base for steel, vacuum suction for aluminum/stainless, and pipe magnets for round work.Attachments & What’s Next: Oxy-fuel and plasma today; a beveling attachment (circles, arcs, complex profiles) in the pipeline—backward-compatible with Mach 1.Real-World Feedback Loop: How shop visits, FaceTime support, and customer videos drive software updates (dozens shipped) and new shape templates (fish plates, pin flags, gussets).Social to Sales: From ~500 to 100k+ combined followers after creators started testing it; why “see it in person” still matters.Buying & Lead Times: Website + select distributors (e.g., Arc3 Gases, Earlbeck, Airgas/Linde). Small team scaling production; typical lead time targeted at a few weeks.Future Tools: Concepts for a pin-lancing machine and a beam crawler for shops that don’t need a full beam line.Memorable Quotes:“We really try not to call it a robot—it’s a tool you’d keep in your back pocket… just with a tablet.”“Making it so you don’t have to see a single line of G-code—that was the hardest (and most important) part.”“Customers told us what shapes they cut every day. We added templates so they can just pick, place, and run.”=Check Out The CN-Seamless Products Mentioned In The PodcastCN-Seamless Website - https://foxly.link/Y9vM8zConnect with CN-SeamlessInstagram - @cn_seamless https://www.instagram.com/cn_seamless/ TikTok - @cn_seamless https://x.com/cn_seamless YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@CN-Seamless Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553048445096 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/cn-seamless-inc/ Connect with Beau WigingtonInstagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington E-Mail : beauw@weld.com

    Bringing Sculptures To Life Through Texture with David Madero22 sept. 202500:19:14

    In this episode, host Beau Wigington chats with artist David Madero (@madero_co) live at FABTECH in the Walter Surface Technologies booth. They dig into stainless MIG for sculptural texture, a step-by-step path to mirror polish (without those heartbreaking last-step scratches), and where automation fits in for grinding and finishing.


    Key Topics Covered:

    • Mirror polish without surprise scratches: working through ~5–6 abrasives and why a consistent sequence matters.

    • Why he chose MIG on stainless (coming from oxy/acetylene) and what that unlocked for texture.

    • Shielding gas on stainless MIG: opting for straight CO₂ to encourage artistic porosity and surface character.

    • Pre-polish prep that won’t bite you: why sandblasting can pit stainless and how wire wheels & careful prep help.

    • Tool stack for speed: Walter Big Buff, Linemate for line effects/cross-hatching, plus a powerful die grinder and wire brush.

    • Workflow for the neurospicy welder: using strict, written step-by-step instructions to avoid backtracking.

    • Automation vs. artistry: PushCorp’s automated grinding and the question of “can a robot grind with soul?”

    • Safety & visibility: welding hood with side windows and gel-pack headgear for comfort and awareness.

    • Community matters: why Walter’s “big company that feels like family” vibe supports creative work.

    • Future builds: figurative pieces shaped with grinder-carved textures and cross-hatched finishes.


    Memorable Quotes:

    • “Don’t sandblast when you want a mirror finish.”

    • “I’m looking for those happy accidents, that texture most welders try to avoid.”

    • “People still appreciate hand-made, it has soul.”

    • “With the right sequence, those last-step scratches don’t show up.”


    Check Out The Walter Products Mentioned In The Podcast


    Connect with David Madero


    Connect With Walter Surface Technologies


    Connect with Beau Wigington


    Download the WELD App:

    Trail Welding That Works: Battery, Stick & Backup Plans with SendItRubi08 sept. 202500:17:26

    In this weeks episode, host Beau Wigington chats with SendItRubi, a car builder, race car driver, and founder of Send It Nation and the Welders Foundation about real-world trail repairs, building off-road rigs on a budget, and creating opportunities for new welders.


    Key Topics Covered:

    • Field fixes that hold: why most trail repairs default to stick, and when a ratchet strap and recovery plan are the right call

    • What’s in Rubi’s trail-welding kit: portable TIG/stick options, grinder, hood, PPE, and a couple of universal brackets/plate

    • Battery-powered vs. alternator-driven welders: Elevate vs. Premier Power, plus old-school battery welding

    • “Bougie on a budget”: sourcing junkyard axles and Marketplace parts without sacrificing safety

    • Budgeting a first build vs. a race build: where the big dollars actually go

    • Events that move the needle: why face-to-face at SEMA, PRI, and King of the Hammers beats posting from home

    • PRI vs. SEMA for fabricators: which is better for workshops, one-on-one brand time, and hands-on learning

    • Skills that pay in off-road fabrication: consistent MIG/TIG/stick, out-of-position welding, body support, and visibility (good hood!)

    • Entering a male-dominated space: taking yourself seriously, choosing the right rooms, and being coachable

    • The Welders Foundation: scholarships, bootcamps, and gear that remove barriers for new welders


    Memorable Quotes:

    • “You don’t want to carry too much stuff… the Elevate with a grinder, a hood, and a long-sleeve shirt, you can fix most things.”

    • “There are some boogers that hold really good… but you don’t know what you don’t know.”

    • “Seat time is everything, whether it’s in the driver’s seat or under the hood.”


    Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20

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    Connect with SendItRubi


    Connect with Beau Wigington


    Download the WELD App:

    Skills Based Training Vs Career Degree Path with Aaron Wulk01 sept. 202500:22:00

    In this episode, host Beau Wigington chats with Aaron Wulk, Director of Applied Technical Programs at South Piedmont Community College, about real-world Inconel tips, ATF certification, and how to choose the right career track in welding.


    Key Topics Covered:

    • Inconel vs. carbon steel fundamentals: shielding gas (100% argon vs. 75/25), puddle behavior (sluggish vs. fluid), voltage pitfalls, and trusting the puddle.

    • Hot cracking explained: why rapid heat dissipation makes welds brittle, and how preheat/postheat and heat input control (TIG vs. MIG) help.

    • Process selection by application: when MIG on Inconel makes sense (e.g., heavy foundry repairs) and why TIG often offers better heat control.

    • Common mistakes: impatience, poor cleaning, and skipping interpass cleanup—how these quietly ruin otherwise good work.

    • Stick on Inconel: why it’s “ropey,” erratic, and just plain difficult—and how to approach it if you must.

    • Where you’ll find Inconel: aerospace, nuclear, high-performance automotive, corrosive/chemical plants, and foundry reclamation.

    • Career-driven vs. degree-driven training: stackable short-term certificates, evening classes, and how to upskill without pausing your life.

    • ATF (Accredited Testing Facility) basics: QA manuals, heat numbers, procedure control, documentation, and why it’s a resume builder (not a bypass).

    • Certs that travel vs. in-house: six-month renewal realities and why portable credentials matter when you change jobs.

    • Thriving in your first shop: “be quiet and listen,” pick up tricks from veterans, and plug into a community that levels everyone up.

    • Metal art & learning by making: how aesthetics, controlled “mistakes,” and SkillsUSA sculpture build real process understanding.


    Memorable Quotes:

    • “Trust that the puddle is doing its job.”

    • “Stick welding Inconel? It’s gonna suck… more erratic, ropey puddle.”

    • “Be quiet and listen. You don’t know everything about welding on day one.”

    • “If you’re helping that person be better, you’re helping the whole industry be better.”


    Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20


    Connect with Aaron Wulk


    Connect with Beau Wigington


    Download the WELD App:

    Apprentice to Journeyman: The Reality of ‘Sixth Period’ and What Comes Next with Robert Carpenter25 août 202500:18:58

    In this episode, host Beau Wigington chats with Robert Carpenter (Carp Welding)—a pipefitter and stainless TIG art creator—about his path into Pipefitters Local 636 (Detroit), what a sixth-period apprentice actually does on the job, and why he chose union life to stay close to home. 


    Key Topics Covered:

    • Why Robert chose the union: home nightly, benefits that keep continuity from job to job.

    • What “laid off” really means in the union—and how the hall gets you back working.

    • Apprentice responsibilities: working under a journeyman, proving you can weld to earn more hood time.

    • Getting real welding time: how company choice affects whether you actually weld.

    • TIG art and bracelets: making stainless and copper pieces without burning out.

    • Welding copper bracelets: cleanliness, gas/cup, and dialing amperage with a foot pedal.

    • Avoiding creator burnout: setting order limits when social posts take off.

    • Career crossroads: staying an employee vs. starting a pipefitting/mechanical business.

    • Work-life balance: finding a non-welding escape (hello, sport bike) to stay fresh.


    Memorable Quotes:

    • As an apprentice, you’re always working with a journeyman—but you’re doing all the work.”

    • “You get laid off the first time, it’s gonna feel like a breakup… but it’s not personal.”

    • “I like showing up, putting my hood down, and clocking out. Sometimes I like not having a ton of that stress.”


    Practical Takeaways (Welding Pain Points Solved)

    • Union stability 101: Layoffs are often just a slowdown; call the hall and get re-dispatched—sometimes by Monday.

    • Insurance that follows you: In the union, you’re not re-starting benefits at each new site; work and coverage stay centralized.

    • Earn your arc time: Demonstrate ability early so journeymen hand you more welding (not just fitting).

    • If you want to weld, choose your contractor wisely: Some shops barely weld; others are 40 hours under the hood.

    • Copper bracelet TIG basics: Start ultra-clean to avoid pitting/porosity, use 100% argon and a larger cup, set machine high (~220 A available) but actually run around ~60 A with foot control so you’ve got headroom.

    • Beat burnout on side gigs: Repetition is real, set order caps and batch work so socials don’t turn into 70 overnight deadlines..


    Resources Mentioned:


    Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20 - https://foxly.link/t8aJ0M


    Guest's Content & Contact:


    Connect with Beau Wigington


    Download the WELD App:


    https://foxly.link/Qj0VEa

    Single-Hand vs Rig Welder: Pay, Tools, and Expectations with Kenny Stewart18 août 202500:18:43

    In this episode, host Beau Wigington chats with Kenny Stewart, a 23-year-old combo rig welder out of Houston, TX. Kenny shares how he pivoted from music school to welding in just five years, the real differences between single-hand and rig welding, why he chose plant specialty work over pipeline, and how humility, curiosity, and smart gear choices (hello, laser level) accelerated his growth.


    Key Topics Covered:

    • Single-hand vs rig welder: pay structure, what the company supplies vs what you bring, and expectations on fit-up and fabrication

    • The three rig-welder lanes: pipeline, plant specialty, and small mobile welding business—what the day-to-day looks like in each

    • Why plant/shutdown work can offer big checks without living on the road

    • Getting started from zero: trade school choice, being a “sponge,” and landing a first job before graduation

    • Breaking in without connections: using LinkedIn/Indeed/ZipRecruiter and saying “yes” to that first test

    • Learning exotic alloys (Inconel, stainless, duplex): ask questions, study, then practice under the hood

    • Fitting your own work: takeoffs, layout, and why fabricating skills boost your rate and reputation

    • The cost trap: why buying a big truck and brand-new machine on day one can set you back

    • Pipeline reality check: gatekeeping, difficulty getting hired, and why the welds themselves aren’t always the hard part

    • Helper → Welder progression: how to be the helper everyone wants (stay ahead, ask, learn)

    • Most-used tool right now: laser level for fast, clean elevations and layout in crowded plants


    Memorable Quotes:

    • “Ego in this game will kill you.”

    • “They’re not paying you just for your hand—they’re paying for your hand, head, truck, and tools.”

    • “At some point, watching videos won’t weld it. You’ve got to get under the hood.”

    • “Don’t go into debt for a big truck and a shiny machine before you’ve got the work.”

    • “Experience means more than the piece of paper.”

    • “I like sleeping in my own bed—and still pulling big checks.”


    Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20 https://foxly.link/t8aJ0M


    Guest's Content & Contact:


    Connect with Beau Wigington


    Download the WELD App:

    From Spatter to Speed - Modern Welding Tech Explained with Kris Scherm11 août 202500:20:22

    In this episode, host Beau Wigington speaks with Kris Sherm, the Global Business & Product Director for Manual Plasma Products at ESAB. Kris shares insights on how advanced welding technologies, especially pulse spray transfer, can drastically improve productivity, reduce waste, and offset labor shortages in manufacturing. If you're still using outdated welding machines, this episode will show you why that may be costing you more than you think.


    Key Topics Covered:

    • Why upgrading to pulse spray saves money long term

    • How modern welders are easier to learn on and faster to train with

    • The evolution of welders: from transformer-based to synergic pulse

    • Reducing spatter, smoke, and wire waste with advanced machines

    • Why faster travel speed means better welds with less heat input

    • Advice for choosing trustworthy welding education resources

    • Using welding machine performance to boost your shop's profitability


    Memorable Quotes:

    • Your old welder might still work fine, but it’s costing you dearly.”

    • “We're managing individual droplets going into the weld—not guessing, timing them perfectly.”

    • “If you want pro-level results, you need pro-level gear—and to act like a pro.”


    Resources Mentioned

    • ESAB University: Hundreds of welding training modules to explore modern techniques and equipment.https://www.esab.com

    • ESAB Welders & Cutting Systems: Discover the Warrior Edge and Speed Pulse technology.https://www.esab.com


    Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20


    Connect with Beau Wigington


    Download the WELD App:

    Secrets to Success at SkillsUSA National Welding Championships04 août 202500:22:02

    In this episode, host Beau Wigington travels to Atlanta, Georgia, for the SkillsUSA National Championships. He speaks with competitors, instructors, volunteers, and judges to uncover the excitement, challenges, and valuable insights from competing on a national level.

    Key Topics Covered:

    • Insights on overcoming nerves and succeeding in welding competitions.

    • Essential preparation strategies and tips from competitors and instructors.

    • Diverse competition categories including individual welding, team fabrication, leadership, welding sculpture, and American Spirit.

    • Surprising benefits and unexpected challenges faced by contestants.

    • Advice for first-time competitors and the lifelong value of participating in SkillsUSA.

    Memorable Quotes:

    • "Put yourself on a strong time limit in the shop before you get here, and make sure you don't deviate from that." – Carter Livingston

    • "Just go for it and you might win." – V Wenham

    • "Every time you go out to a job site, you're going to be competing for the job. Getting yourself out there for a competition is only going to better prepare you." – Josh Smith


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    Finding Time To Grow Your Welding Business with Ashley Dunlap28 juil. 202500:17:51

    In this episode, host Beau Wigington chats with Ashley Dunlap, the founder of Ashe's Custom Welding. Ashley shares her journey of balancing a full-time job while launching her own welding business. She discusses her path into welding, the challenges of entrepreneurship, sourcing materials for her unique creations, and effectively using social media for promotion.


    Key Topics Covered:

    • Balancing a full-time welding job with entrepreneurship

    • Practical advice for mastering TIG welding techniques

    • Sourcing materials creatively for custom welding projects

    • Leveraging social media effectively without advanced tech skills

    • Navigating the initial challenges of starting a welding business


    Memorable Quotes:

    • “Practice your filler rod. If you have that muscle memory down, you can focus more on the weld.”

    • “There is no balance. It's very tricky… I'd be answering emails during breaks, welding after shifts until the sun goes down.”

    • “Make sure you love what you do, because you won’t see money right away. It’s a very long process.”


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    Cheat Codes To Finding Success In Welding with Max Ceron21 juil. 202500:46:35

    In this episode, host Beau Wigington sits down with Max Ceron, Executive Director of the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) Association, to explore actionable ways welders of every experience level can give back, mentor others, and strengthen the industry we all rely on.

    Key Topics Covered:

    • Community service as the career “cheat code” for welders

    • Practical volunteer paths: Skills competitions, AWS/CWB chapters & school outreach

    • Busting mentorship myths—why you don’t need decades of experience to help

    • “Trades-adjacent” networking: suppliers, educators, inspectors, vendors

    • Building inclusive shop cultures that attract and retain talent

    • Inspiring the next generation by showcasing welding success stories

    • Lessons from international outreach in Ghana and Canada’s far north

    • Level-up strategies when you feel you’ve plateaued at work

    Memorable Quotes:

    • “If you want to make your life easy, help others—that’s the cheat code.” – Max Ceron

    • “Networks don’t come to you; you’ve got to get out there and connect.” – Max Ceron

    • “Never run away from a job—always run toward the next one.” – Max Ceron

    Resources Mentioned:

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    Max's Content & Contact:

    Connect with Beau Wigington

    Download the WELD App:

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