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:
Pipefitters Local 636 (Detroit) – Robert’s local - https://pipefitters636.org/
Blue Demon copper TIG filler wire – used for copper bracelets- https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Demon-ERCu-Copper-welding/dp/B00I4BXMPC?th=1
Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20 - https://foxly.link/t8aJ0M
Guest's Content & Contact:
Instagram - @carpwelding https://www.instagram.com/carpwelding/
TikTok - @carpwelding https://www.tiktok.com/@carpwelding
Connect with Beau Wigington
Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding
E-Mail : beauw@weld.com
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