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:
Instagram: @kenny.steww https://www.instagram.com/kenny.steww/
TikTok: @kennystew https://www.tiktok.com/@kennystew
Connect with Beau Wigington
Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding
E-Mail : beauw@weld.com
Download the WELD App:
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
Basic & Intermediate Wire Process Welding - https://foxly.link/t8aJ0M
Connect with Beau Wigington
Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding
E-Mail : beauw@weld.com
Download the WELD App:
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
Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20
Welding Symbols Course https://foxly.link/t8aJ0M
Connect with Beau Wigington
Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding
E-Mail : beauw@weld.com
Download the WELD App:
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.”
Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20
See all the courses available here - https://foxly.link/t8aJ0M
Guest's Content & Contact:
Instagram: @ashes_customwelding https://www.instagram.com/ashes_customwelding/
TikTok: @ashes_customwelding https://www.tiktok.com/@ashes_customwelding
Website: https://ashescustomwelding.com/
Connect with Beau Wigington
Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding/
Email: beauw@weld.com
WELD App: @beaudidit
Download the WELD App:
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:
CWB Association Membership - https://www.cwbgroup.org/
Skills Canada - https://www.skillscompetencescanada.com/en/
SkillsUSA - https://www.skillsusa.org/
Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20
See all the courses at here - https://foxly.link/t8aJ0M
Max's Content & Contact:
Instagram: @askmax75 https://www.instagram.com/askmax75/
CWB Association Podcast - https://cwbapodcast.buzzsprout.com/
Connect with Beau Wigington
Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding/
Email: beauw@weld.com
WELD App: @beaudidit
Download the WELD App:
In this episode, host Beau Wigington takes listeners to the Yeti Welding Competition in Spanish Fork, Utah, where he speaks with competitors, judges, spectators, and the man behind Yeti Welding, Dillon Hales. Competitors share their biggest challenges, surprises, and strategies for success, providing invaluable insight into what it takes to thrive in a welding competition.
Key Topics Covered:
Common pitfalls competitors faced, including 3G vertical welding, time constraints, and reading welding symbols
Advice from experienced welding instructors on competition preparation
The importance of cleanliness, consistency, and weld tie-ins during judging
Dylan Hale’s journey of building Yeti Welding from a farm workshop to a successful fabrication business
Networking and community-building within the welding industry
Memorable Quotes:
"Fail early, fail often, and pay attention. Because in the real world, there's going to be a next time." – Jared Massic, High School Welding Instructor
"I just want [my students] to know they can do hard things. Putting myself in this nervous situation, doing something difficult, I know I can do hard things too." – Jared Massic
"Most welders know how to weld, but they don't know how to run a business." – Dillon Hales, Owner of Yeti Welding
Resources Mentioned:
Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20
Welding Symbols Course – Gain confidence reading welding symbols https://foxly.link/t8aJ0M
Guest's Instagram & Contact:
Dillion Hales: @yeti_welding https://www.instagram.com/yeti_welding/
Rodrigo Rodarte: @RRfab https://www.instagram.com/rr_fab/ , @overkillracingandchassis https://www.instagram.com/overkillracingandchassis/
Jared Massic: @mass.welds https://www.instagram.com/mass.welds/ , @mmhs_welding https://www.instagram.com/mmhs_welding/
Kamryn Price (Athena Welding): @athenaweldingcco https://www.instagram.com/athenaweldingco/
Michael Swanson: @dark.arcllc https://www.instagram.com/dark.arcllc/
Jacob Tobler: @barracuda.fabrication https://www.instagram.com/barracuda.fabrication/
Tyson Nelson: @fineironllc https://www.instagram.com/fineironllc/
Michael Miller: https://www.amfab-steel.com/
Benjamin Cornaby: @benjamincornaby https://www.instagram.com/benjamincornaby/
Connect with Beau Wigington
Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding/
Email: beauw@weld.com
WELD App: @beaudidit
Download the WELD App:
In this episode, host Beau Wigington chats with John Malecki, former NFL player turned successful YouTube creator and entrepreneur in the maker space. John shares his unexpected journey from professional football to building custom furniture and creating engaging content on YouTube. He provides valuable insights on overcoming perfectionism, implementing metalwork into woodworking projects, and growing a successful brand online.
Key Topics Covered:
Transitioning from professional sports to woodworking and content creation
Tips for makers to effectively incorporate metalwork into their projects
Essential advice for aspiring YouTubers and content creators
The importance of storytelling and audience engagement over perfectionism
John's favorite projects, including building smokers and custom furniture
Development of his successful brand, Shop Shades
Memorable Quotes:
“I didn’t quit football to become a maker. I'm a maker out of necessity.”
“If you want to win on YouTube, stop making content for you and start making it for your audience.”
“We need more people with their hands on welders and their hands on tools—we're in dying trades.”
Resources Mentioned:
SmokerBuilder.com: Kits and resources for building smokers (SmokerBuilder.com)
Shop Shades: Stylish and comfortable safety glasses (johnmalecki.com)
Creator Playbook: John's mentorship program for content creators (johnmalecki.com)
Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20
See all the different courses you can start learning today - https://foxly.link/t8aJ0M
Check out all of John Malecki’s Content
Website - johnmalecki.com
Build YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@John_Malecki
Unscrewed YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@JohnMaleckiUnscrewed
Instagram - @john_malecki - https://www.instagram.com/john_malecki/
Connect with Beau Wigington
Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding/
Email: beauw@weld.com
WELD App: @beaudidit
Download the WELD App:
In this week’s episode, host Beau Wigington speaks with Jason Corder, a 28-year veteran of Ironworkers Local 433 in Los Angeles and current Welding Program Manager for Iron Workers International. Jason shares insights into the comprehensive role of an iron worker, union benefits, the apprenticeship process, and advice for aspiring tradespeople.
Key Topics Covered:
What differentiates ironworkers from traditional welders
Overview of the iron worker apprenticeship and journeyman progression
Common welding processes in ironworking (SMAW, FCAW)
Misconceptions about climbing tests and height fears
Modern practices and the legacy of riveting
Job stability, overtime opportunities, and vacation structures
Advantages of joining the Iron Workers Union, including paid maternity leave
Essential skills and attitudes for success in the ironworking trade
Typical jobs and responsibilities of ironworkers
Earning potential and pay structure for ironworkers
Memorable Quotes:
“The biggest thing in any skilled trade is have the heart and show up.”
“Women make better welders than men...the attention to detail.”
“My job as a foreman is to find out where that person is gonna make the most money for themselves and the company's gonna make money at the same time.”
Resources Mentioned:
Iron Workers International: Official website for more information about apprenticeships and careers https://www.ironworkers.org
Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20:
Basic Shielded Metal Arc Welding - https://foxly.link/xelOeb
Jason Corder Contact:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-corder-493a89249/
Email: jcorder@iwintl.org
Connect with Beau Wigington
Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding/
Email: beauw@weld.com
WELD App: @beaudidit
Download the WELD App:
In this episode, host Beau Wigington chats with Adrian Benitez, welding instructor at SteelTech Academy, part of the BZI group of companies. Adrian shares how he unexpectedly landed his role, what it's like training new welders in structural steel, and why attitude matters more than experience. From self-shielded flux core tips to game-changing tech like the Beam Champ, Adrian dives deep into what makes BZI different—and why it might be the right place for your next welding job.
Key Topics Covered:
Adrian’s unique journey from California to SteelTech Academy
The role of bilingual training in welding education
Why knowing how to use a grinder is harder than most think
Differences between self-shielded and dual-shield flux core welding
What the Beam Champ is and how it makes jobs safer and faster
How BZI builds structures from the top down
Training structure and certifications offered by SteelTech Academy
Day-to-day life for welders working field jobs at BZI
Safety investments and personal gear provided by BZI
Advice for newcomers breaking into structural welding
Memorable Quotes:
“I thought I was gonna go in the field to weld—but I landed at SteelTech Academy instead.”
“People call us wire monkeys, but high deposition never lies.”
“Amateurs do it until they get it right. Professionals do it until they don’t get it wrong.”
Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20
Basic Wire Process Welding - https://foxly.link/t8aJ0M
Guest's Content & Contact:
Instagram: @meadrian1717 https://www.instagram.com/meadrian1717/
Connect with Beau Wigington
Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding/
Email: beauw@weld.com
WELD App: @beaudidit
Download the WELD App:
https://foxly.link/Qj0VEa
In this episode, Beau Wigington chats with Jason Becker, former host of Weld.com and current owner of Underground Metalworks and Weld Works Training Center as well as host of the Arc Junkies Podcast. Jason shares expert insights and practical advice on successfully preparing for and passing welding certification tests, emphasizing critical techniques, common pitfalls, and essential tools for welders at all experience levels.
Key Topics Covered:
The importance of understanding and following hold points in welding tests
Common weld test failures and how to avoid them
Essential preparation techniques for test plates
Recommended specialty tools for welding tests
Differences between bend tests and x-ray tests
How to maintain your welding certifications
Practical advice for managing test anxiety and maintaining consistency
Memorable Quotes:
"Prep is 80% of a successful weld."
"Test day is not the day to add flare—weld like you do every day."
"Practice until you can't get it wrong."
Resources Mentioned:
Underground Metalworks: Welding classes and booth rentals in Orlando, Florida https://underground-metalworks.com
Weld Works Training Center: Accredited testing facility for welding certifications https://weldworkstestinglabs.com/
Weld Metals Online: Welding test practice kits https://weldmetalsonline.com
Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20
Basic Inspection Concepts and Methods - https://foxly.link/tbRDjA
Visual Inspection: Tools and Techniques - https://foxly.link/QMlJmd
Weld Faults: Inspection and Causes - https://foxly.link/9T3dtc
Guest's Content & Contact:
Instagram:
@arcjunkiespodcast https://www.instagram.com/arcjunkiespodcast/
@underground_metal_works https://www.instagram.com/underground_metal_works/
Websites
Connect with Beau Wigington:
● Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding/
● Email: beauw@weld.com
● WELD App: @beaudidit
Download the WELD App:
In this episode, host Beau Wigington speaks with Guy Seguin, a welding educator at Algonquin College in Ottawa, Ontario, and creator behind Sewing with Fire Welding. Guy shares practical insights into side gigs welders can pursue, common projects to tackle for extra income, and essential considerations for successful side jobs.
Key Topics Covered:
Most common side gigs welders encounter
Essential tools and skills for successful welding side jobs
Avoiding costly mistakes on projects
Pricing jobs effectively and setting appropriate rates
Liability concerns and how to manage risk in welding side projects
Selecting the right welding equipment for side jobs
Memorable Quotes:
"Any transferable skill is valuable. If you've got laboring experience or anything that can transfer over to welding, apply that first."
"You don’t need a fancy fixture table; a concrete floor, a square, and a measuring tape can be just as effective."
"Start slow, acquire tools, and build your skills and reputation steadily—slow and steady wins the race."
Save 20% On American Welding Program Courses With WELD20
Guest's Content & Contact:
Instagram: @sewingwithfirewelding https://www.instagram.com/sewingwithfirewelding/
TikTok: @sewingwithfirewelding https://www.tiktok.com/@sewingwithfirewelding
Take Guy’s Free Course - https://foxly.link/j7xUUD
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrvmeZtqtbTAaiXlrqwKfXw
Connect with Beau Wigington:
Instagram: @beaudiditwelding
Email: beauw@weld.com
WELD App: @beaudidit
Download the WELD App:
In this week’s episode, Beau Wigington chats with Brian Baer, owner of Baer Welding in Providence, Utah. Brian shares insights on transforming Baer Welding from a small residential-focused business into a company handling major corporate projects and high-end ornamental fabrication. Brian discusses the importance of company culture, strategic business transitions, and integrating automation to enhance efficiency.
Key Topics Covered:
Shifting business focus from residential to large-scale commercial and ornamental projects
Implementing automation to reduce errors and improve efficiency
Importance and impact of company culture and social media
Strategies for bidding projects accurately and profitably
Training new employees on specialized alloy welding
Memorable Quotes:
“Quality, quality, quality, and efficiency. Always thinking the next step ahead.”
“Social media has improved our company culture and helped recruit the next generation of fabricators.”
“Automation didn't get rid of people, it got rid of the mistakes.”
Resources Mentioned:
Automated Layout Technologies: Manufacturer of automated layout and fabrication tables - https://www.automatedlayout.com/
Save 20% On American Welding Program Courses With WELD20
Find the course thats right for you here - https://foxly.link/t8aJ0M
Guest's Content & Contact:
Instagram: @baerwelding https://www.instagram.com/baerwelding/
Website: https://baerwelding.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BaerWelding
Connect with Beau Wigington:
Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding/
Email: beauw@weld.com
WELD App: @beaudidit
Download the WELD App:
In this week’s episode, Beau Wigington chats with Mason Bongers and Dallas Reed, Application Engineers at Prima Power Laserdyne, from inside one of their advanced laser cells. Mason and Dallas share insights into laser welding, cutting-edge drilling applications, and their personal journeys into laser technology.
Key Topics Covered:
Differences between continuous wave (CW) and quasi-continuous wave (QCW) lasers.
Importance of gas flow in laser welding.
Prima Power Laserdyne’s Vulcan project, a high-power laser competing with electron beam welding.
Laser drilling applications for aerospace components.
Advice for newcomers interested in becoming laser application engineers.
Overcoming challenges in laser programming and machine operation.
Memorable Quotes:
“Gas flow is incredibly important. I've done welds where I'm changing things every single time and it just looks terrible. I change the gas flow a little bit—perfect weld.” – Mason Bongers
“This isn't an unskilled position where you're just pressing a button and letting it run. We need people that can look at the welds, holes, and cuts and say, 'This is good, this is bad, let's change this.'” – Mason Bongers
“You say I can't, but I'm gonna find a way to do it.” – Dallas Reed
Resources Mentioned:
Prima Power Laserdyne Website: Explore products, studies, and technical resources https://foxly.link/a7DvIr
Prima Power Laserdyne YouTube Channel: Tutorials and demonstrations https://foxly.link/Yiu8il
Google Scholar: Recommended resource for academic research papers on laser technology https://scholar.google.com
Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20
Check out all the different courses available - https://foxly.link/t8aJ0M
Connect with Beau Wigington:
Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding/
Email: beauw@weld.com
WELD App: @beaudidit
Download the WELD App:
In this week’s episode, Beau Wigington speaks with Alex Rogers, an entry-level tender and diver who recently graduated from The Ocean Corporation in Houston, Texas. Alex shares his firsthand experience of entering the exciting and challenging world of commercial diving and underwater welding, highlighting what newcomers can expect from training, job opportunities, and life offshore.
Key Topics Covered:
What commercial diving school entails, from dive science and construction to underwater welding and burning.
Transitioning from diving school to working offshore: securing jobs, necessary certifications, and specialized offshore training.
Day-to-day realities of working offshore, including schedules, work expectations, safety standards, and life aboard diving vessels and rigs.
Personal adjustments required for living offshore, including handling long shifts, confined spaces, and staying connected with family.
Insights into saturation diving and the supportive roles entry-level divers provide.
Memorable Quotes:
“An underwater welding job is pretty few and far between. You're more likely to do underwater burning than actual welding.”
“The rules are written in blood—safety is paramount. Everyone wants to make it home safe and in the same state they came out there.”
“You really gotta be dedicated to it. If you're considering it, do your homework ahead of time, commitment is key.”
Resources Mentioned:
The Ocean Corporation: Commercial diving school in Houston, known for excellent training and job placement assistance - https://oceancorp.com/
Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20
Basic Inspection Concepts and Methods - https://foxly.link/tbRDjA
Basic Shielded Metal Arc Welding - https://foxly.link/xelOeb
Alex Roger’s Content & Contact:
Instagram: @alex.rog_ https://www.instagram.com/alex.rog_/
Connect with Beau Wigington:
Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding/
Email: beauw@weld.com
WELD App: @beaudidit
Download the WELD App:
In this episode, Beau Wigington sits down with Clint Evashkevich from The Onyx Grove Company, a talented TIG artist known for creating stunning stainless steel artworks. Clint shares his journey transitioning from heavy industrial welding by day to intricate TIG art at night, exploring how his work incorporates unique techniques to achieve vibrant colors and precise textures. He discusses his setup, from laser etching to chilling plates, and reveals common pitfalls and essential tips for aspiring metal artists. Clint also highlights the collaborative spirit within the TIG art community and his partnership with his wife, who complements his metalwork with woodworking.
Key Topics Covered:
Memorable Quote:
Recommended American Welding Program Courses
Clint Evashkevich’s Content & Contact:
Connect with Beau Wigington:
Download the WELD App:
In this week’s episode, Beau Wigington chats with Miguel Millan, aka Datboimiggz, a tank welder, about essential advice for stepping onto welding jobsites, key insights into tank welding, common pitfalls to avoid to keep your job, and how networking can lead to new opportunities.
Key Takeaways:
Getting Started in Welding: Miguel's journey from roofing with his father to discovering welding and transitioning into tank welding.
Jobsite Essentials: The importance of awareness, trust, active listening, and managing complacency to stay safe and valuable on a jobsite.
PPE Requirements: Critical PPE items you must have and why safety compliance is essential for your long-term health and employment.
Jobsite Conduct: How improper cell phone use, failing to follow site rules, and lack of awareness can quickly end your career.
Finding Welding Jobs: Practical tips for finding new jobs, networking effectively, and presenting yourself professionally to employers.
Tank Welding Insights: Unique challenges, required skillsets, typical schedules, and practical welding test expectations for tank welders.
Increasing Your Jobsite Value: Miguel’s tips on how to stand out positively, help your crew, and adapt to your foreman’s preferences to become invaluable on the job.
Entrepreneurship in PPE: Miguel shares his journey of launching his PPE brand, handling challenges with logistics, and his personal inspiration behind the designs and color schemes.
Miguel Millan’s Advice for Welders:
Always be ready to adapt; flexibility is crucial.
Be proactive and helpful to keep the job moving forward.
Make safety and proper PPE use a top priority for long-term career sustainability.
Miguel Millan's Contact Information:
Instagram: @datboimiggz https://www.instagram.com/datboimiggz
TikTok: @datboimiggz https://www.tiktok.com/@datboimiggz
Website for PPE Gear: https://datboimiggz.com/
Related Courses From The American Welding Program
Basic Shielded Metal Arc Welding - https://foxly.link/xelOeb
Basic Wire Process Welding - https://foxly.link/XXJUk1
Connect with Beau Wigington:
Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding/
Email: beauw@weld.com
WELD App: @beaudidit
Download the WELD App:
In this episode, Beau Wigington chats with William England, a seasoned blacksmith turned fabricator, who shares how his background in traditional blacksmithing significantly elevated his fabrication skills, particularly in creating ornamental ironwork. He reveals simple yet effective blacksmithing techniques that can drastically increase the value and uniqueness of fabrication projects.
Key Topics Covered:
Transitioning Careers: William shares his journey from corporate America, where he was involved with innovative tech products, to discovering his passion for metalwork and fabrication.
Blacksmithing Basics: Introduction to essential blacksmithing skills like twisting metal, tapering, and shaping iron to add ornamental value and functionality.
Ornamental Ironwork: Detailed exploration of ornamental ironwork, highlighting its aesthetic and practical value in modern fabrication projects.
Essential Tools and Techniques: Advice on affordable and accessible tools (hammers, anvils, twisting wrenches) and basic techniques to create impressive ornamental metal features.
Forge Types: Pros and cons of using coal, propane, and induction forges, and recommendations on which might be best for beginners.
Material Sources: Tips on sourcing metal affordably, including utilizing scrapyards, flea markets, and online retailers like King Metals for ready-made ornamental components.
Skill Development: Importance of precision and hammer accuracy in blacksmithing and how to practice effectively.
Resources Mentioned:
Forge Groups & Conferences:
Southern Ohio Forge and Anvil (SOFA) – Quad State
Appalachian Area Chapter of Blacksmiths
Local hammer-ins and workshops for practical learning experiences
American Welding Program Metallurgy and Material Specifications - https://foxly.link/bc6EHP
William England Content & Contact:
Instagram: @england_ironworks https://www.instagram.com/england_ironworks/
Connect with Beau Wigington:
Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding/
Email: beauw@weld.com
WELD App: @beaudidit
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In this weeks episode, we’re diving deep into welding consistency as Beau Wigington chats with Alex Seibert, known on social media as @CrapOutWelds. Alex specializes in both MIG and TIG welding in the aerospace industry as well as off-road fabrication. In this episode, he shares valuable insights into dialing in perfect welds, mastering the “stacked dime” technique, and crucial fabrication tips he’s learned from years of experience across multiple industries.
Key Topics Covered:
Alex’s Welding Journey
How Alex got started welding at Palomar Community College.
The origin story behind his unique username, “Crap Out Welds.”
Achieving Consistent Welds
Tips for mastering stacked dime welds with MIG.
Why controlling your puddle (wet vs. sluggish) is critical for consistency.
Alex’s unique MIG technique, resembling “roller coaster” cursive e’s, to achieve perfect dimes.
The importance of rhythm and how using a metronome or music playlists could help maintain consistent weld patterns.
TIG Techniques
Manipulating filler rod and torch motion to perfect your TIG welds.
Tips on pulsing your foot pedal and filler dips for consistent results.
Fabrication Essentials
Key skills every fabricator needs, including accurate layout and precise measuring.
Practical clamping tools that every fabricator should have in their workshop.
Advice for handling sheet metal and avoiding common pitfalls with thin-gauge welding.
The importance of creating a detailed build plan to avoid fabrication mishaps.
Strength vs. Aesthetics
Alex discusses the debated topic of stringers vs. stacked dimes, clarifying when each is appropriate and why being proficient in both techniques is essential.
Memorable Quotes:
“The best way to master welding consistency is through repetition. Keep practicing, keep asking questions, and absorb as much information as you can.” – Alex Seibert
Related Courses From The American Welding Program
Basic Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Theory (GTAW/TIG 101) - https://foxly.link/dEyNvQ
Basic Wire Process Welding (GMAW,FCAW)- https://foxly.link/yGkYhL
Alex Seibert's Content & Contact:
Instagram: @crapoutwelds https://www.instagram.com/crapoutwelds/
TikTok: @crapoutwelds https://www.tiktok.com/@crapoutwelds?lang=en
Connect with Beau Wigington
Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding/
Email: BeauW@weld.com
WELD App: @beaudidit
Download the WELD App:
https://foxly.link/b7xDzp
In this week’s episode, Beau Wigington chats with Tim Luskin from Tim Welds, a welding and mechanical engineer specializing in aerospace. Tim dives into his unique journey into aerospace, detailing the processes, metals, and meticulous standards involved. He also shares jobs in the aerospace field on the NDT side that people often overlook and gives us some insight into the inspiration of starting his YouTube channel Tim Welds
Key Topics Discussed:
What is Aerospace Welding?
Exploring gas turbine engines for jets and land-based turbines.
Welding exotic metals like nickel alloys and stainless steels.
Getting started in Aerospace:
Importance of TIG welding and other processes like electron beam and laser welding.
Advice on gaining industry experience through entry-level positions.
Welding Tests & Qualifications:
Typical tests in aerospace welding, dealing with thin materials and precision.
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT):
Careers in inspection, dye penetrant testing, ultrasonic inspection, and more.
Engineering & Welding Intersection:
How welders can transition into engineering roles.
Understanding how engineers design welds considering fatigue, corrosion, and real-world applications.
Metallurgy in Welding:
Insight into the chemistry behind welds, sensitization, and alloy selection.
Misconceptions Between Welders and Engineers:
The importance of effective communication and collaboration.
Tim's Journey & YouTube Channel:
Starting Tim Welds, transitioning from projects to educational content.
Favorite projects including V8-powered cordless drill and custom-built go-karts.
Quotes:
“Get a job somewhere doing what you think you want to do—even if it's deburring parts. Getting in the door is the first step.” – Tim Luskin
“Engineers who've worked as welders or machinists are typically way better engineers.” – Tim Luskin
Recommended Resources:
Connect with Tim Luskin:
YouTube: Tim Welds - https://www.youtube.com/@TimWelds
Instagram: @timwelds - https://www.instagram.com/timwelds
Website: TimWelds.com - https://timwelds.com
Connect with Beau Wigington:
Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding/
Email: BeauW@weld.com
WELD App: @beaudidit
Download the WELD App:
In this episode, Beau Wigington chats with Brianna Harbinson, a skilled sanitary and stainless steel welder based in Denver, Colorado. Brianna shares her inspiring journey of overcoming a severe brain injury and rediscovering her passion for metalwork by mastering the intricate skills of stainless steel welding. She highlights the nuances of welding in the sanitary industry, her approach to precise fabrication, managing distortion, and ensuring weld quality through meticulous purging and preparation techniques.
Key Topics Covered:
Memorable Quotes:
“Your brain is a muscle, and you just have to retrain it.”
“What you do on one side, you must do on the other to manage distortion.”
“Be hungry to learn and dedicated to doing things right the first time.”
Resources Mentioned:
Purge Plugs: Tools for sanitary welding https://www.purgeplugs.com/
Helpful YouTube Videos:
Fighting Stainless Steel Distortion While TIG Welding Nozzles https://youtu.be/HKX3p9sYnlI
How To Get Gold TIG Welds On Stainless Steel https://youtu.be/1pNj30wGV9M
Brianna’s Content & Contact:
Instagram: @_ravnoye_welds
Website: https://www.rmaart.com/
Connect with Beau:
- Instagram: @beaudiditwelding
- Email: Beauw@weld.com
- WELD App: @beaudidit
Download the WELD App:
