WELD

What Happens When You Follow Your Passion for Welding?

Nov 9, 2026 ·24 min

V Wenham didn’t wait years to start making connections in the welding industry. In relatively short amount of time, she went from graduating welding school and competing at SkillsUSA to becoming a weld process specialist at Airgas, training with industry experts, and getting involved in AWS code committees. In this episode, V shares how genuine curiosity, a willingness to introduce herself, and a love of welding helped open doors she never expected. If you’re finishing welding school or wondering how to take the next step in your career, this conversation explores why asking questions and taking initiative can take you further than waiting for an opportunity to find you. What You’ll Learn How a question about an aluminum weld at SkillsUSA led to a conversation with Airgas leadership and a new career opportunity. What V has learned from traveling the country and training with welding equipment manufacturers and industry experts. How she became an applicant member of AWS committees focused on structural aluminum and laser welding. What goes into reviewing welding codes, from technical details to choosing language that makes sense to the people using them. Why she uses everyday examples of metalwork and corrosion to help people understand welding and manufacturing. Why making decisions, admitting what you don’t know, and being willing to fail can help you move forward in your welding career. V Wenham is a weld process specialist with Airgas based in Appleton, Wisconsin, and a graduate of Saint Paul College’s welding program. Her work with Airgas’s Advanced Fabrication division has given her opportunities to deepen her technical knowledge through training across the country. She is also an applicant member of the AWS D1.2 structural aluminum welding code committee and the C7C laser welding subcommittee. Her story offers a practical look at how curiosity and intentional connections can help new welders find opportunities beyond the shop floor. Connect With V Wenham Ins...

Fighting For What Welders Deserve

Nov 2, 2026 ·25 min

Nathan Montes spent 12 years as a Texas rig welder before building Slickman Welding Apparel. Now, he’s using his voice in the industry to ask a question a lot of welders are feeling: What happens when the cost of doing the work keeps climbing, but the pay doesn’t? In this episode, Nathan returns to the WELD Podcast to break down the Wage Wobble movement, why he started it, and what he hopes it can accomplish. We talk about the real cost of running a welding rig, his changing perspective on unions, and why earning a big check doesn’t always mean you’re getting ahead. What You'll Learn Why Nathan started the Wage Wobble movement and how it grew from an online conversation into an in-person gathering in Monahans, Texas. How fuel, equipment, consumables, insurance, and other expenses can eat into a rig welder’s take-home pay. The four paths Nathan presented for pursuing better wages: holding out, negotiating a formal agreement, joining a union, or forming a new one. How conversations with pipeline welders’ Local 798 challenged his previous assumptions about unions. Why worker classification, access to health insurance, and retirement benefits belong in the conversation about welding pay. What Nathan says has happened since the first gathering, why individual participation matters, and where he hopes the movement goes next. Nathan is the owner and founder of Slickman Welding Apparel, a former rig welder, and a former fabrication business owner. Alongside the Wage Wobble conversation, he shares how a stinger design he’d been thinking about for seven years finally became a finished electrode holder. His perspective brings together life under the hood, the realities of running a business, and a push to help welders build more sustainable careers. Connect With Nathan Slickman Welding Apparel: slickmanweldingapparel.comFacebook: Nathan Montes https://www.facebook.com/nathan.montes.7Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/n8_da_gr8_/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nastyynateW...

Making The Most Of Your First Fabtech

Oct 19, 2026 ·13 min

Heading to FABTECH for the first time? Think of it as Comic-Con for welders. From meeting the people you follow online to trying equipment you might never get your hands on back home, there’s a lot more to the show than walking past booths and collecting stickers. In this episode, Beau shares his tips for making the most of FABTECH, including what to pack, how to plan your time on the floor, and why some of the best connections happen after the show closes. With FABTECH 2026 heading to Las Vegas October 21–23, this is your first-timer’s game plan for showing up prepared and leaving inspired. What You'll Learn Why FABTECH is about more than equipment, and how meeting welders, creators, and educators can help you find your next goal. What to handle before you arrive, from registration and badges to packing comfortable shoes, water, snacks, and a light backpack. Why stickers and business cards still matter, and why you should have a backup plan for sharing your contact information. How Beau approaches the show floor, including walking every aisle, keeping track of booths to revisit, and finding smaller brands beyond the big displays. Why it’s worth trying unfamiliar equipment, watching live demos, and jumping into booth competitions, even if the technology isn’t something you’ll use every day. How to plan for food and after-hours events, including the FABTECH Kickoff Party at the House of Blues. Why sticking around until the end of the last day could lead to a few extra samples for your shop. Come Say Hey Beau will be filming WELD Podcast interviews throughout the week at the American Welding Program booth, S39095. Stop by, say hello, and connect with the Weld.com crew. Fabtech Kickoff Party Join Weld.com, WeldPorn, Blue Demon, the Arc Junkies Podcast, and other industry partners for an evening of giveaways and connecting with the welding community. Wednesday, October 21, 2026 7–10 PM House of Blues at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas Bring your FABTECH badge for entry. Get...

From Self Taught Welder to TIG Artist

Oct 5, 2026 ·16 min

TIG Devil Diesel  (Diesel D'Souza) known online as TIG Devil, is a self-taught welder and TIG welding artist whose work turns stainless steel into detailed, colorful artwork and dimensional metal sculptures. In this episode, he shares how he went from picking up a MIG welder at work to becoming a full-time welder, earning CWB certifications, learning stick and TIG welding, and eventually building a recognizable name in the TIG art world. He also gets real about the years of trial and error behind his work, why persistence matters more than instant results, and how putting yourself out there at trade shows can lead to commissions, partnerships, and new opportunities. What You’ll Learn How TIG Devil went from being self-taught on a MIG welder to becoming a full-time welder and earning CWB certifications. Why he prefers stick welding for much of his heavy-equipment work, while TIG became the foundation of his artistic work. Why TIG art takes patience, repetition, and a willingness to walk away, reset, and come back when progress feels slow. The difference between creating flat TIG art and building dimensional or 3D stainless-steel pieces. How he approaches commissions and generates business by talking about his work everywhere he goes, not just online. Why trade shows are one of the best places for welders and artists to meet people, learn from others, and create real opportunities. How to approach brand partnerships and sponsorships with a long-term mindset, and why you have to follow through once you make a commitment. TIG troubleshooting advice for welders who are running too hot, discoloring stainless, or burning through material. How experienced welders and artists can help others grow without encouraging them to copy someone else’s style. Why mistakes, discomfort, and getting out of your comfort zone are all part of becoming a better welder and artist. TIG Devil is a self-taught welder, CWB-certified welder, fabricator, and TIG artist. He creates custom stainle...

Why One Conversation Can Change a Welding Career

Sep 28, 2026 ·25 min

Daniela Torelli didn’t take the traditional path into welding. After realizing a career as a veterinary technician would not give her the financial independence she wanted, she started looking through the skilled trades, and welding stood out. In this episode, Daniela, Membership Services Lead for the CWB Association and the welder and artist behind Think Pink Welding, talks about mentorship, community, and why one conversation can change someone’s entire career path. From learning the hard way without a clear roadmap to becoming a resource for new welders across Canada, Daniela shares why mentorship does not have to be formal or complicated. Sometimes, it is simply answering a message, welcoming someone into the shop, sharing honest advice, or giving somebody the confidence to take the next step. What You'll Learn How Daniela found welding after exploring career paths that could offer more financial independence and long-term opportunity. Why her path into the trade felt unconventional, and how that experience helps her guide younger welders today. How an early connection with a woman ironworker became one of Daniela’s first experiences with mentorship. Why mentorship does not need to mean holding someone’s hand or telling them exactly what to do. How a few encouraging words helped one welding student push through test-day anxiety and successfully pass her weld test. Why responding to questions, being approachable, and welcoming people into the industry can make a major difference in retaining new welders. What the CWB Association does to connect welding professionals, students, educators, and industry members across Canada. How CWB Association chapters create opportunities through networking events, technical presentations, student outreach, and community meetups. Why Daniela believes the welding industry needs both mentors and mentees to keep the next generation moving forward. How Think Pink Welding gives Daniela a creative outlet through metal art, fabrication...

The Welding Problems Most Shops Overlook

Sep 21, 2026 ·23 min

Michael Klee’s path into welding started with a skateboard rail. After growing up around his father’s machine shop, Michael learned to stick weld so he could build his own rail—and that one project turned into a 23-year career in the welding industry. In this episode, Michael joins us in person at the show floor to talk about his path from shop work and welding technology school into automation, sales, applications, and his current role as a Welding Specialist with Messer Gases in Ontario. We get into real-world troubleshooting, common setup mistakes, shielding gas choices, high-deposition processes, cobots, handheld laser welding safety, and what shops need to have in place before investing in automation. What You’ll Learn How a homemade skateboard rail helped Michael discover welding and set him on a new career path. How he moved through shop work, automation, sales, and applications before becoming a Welding Specialist with Messer Gases. How Messer specialists help shops evaluate their current welding process and identify opportunities to improve throughput, reduce spatter, and eliminate unnecessary grinding. Why the numbers displayed on a welding machine do not always reflect what is happening at the arc. Why common issues often come down to incorrect machine setup, drive rolls, contact tips, wire selection, gas flow, or shielding gas choice. What welders need to understand about short-circuit, globular, and spray transfer when selecting a shielding gas mixture. How shops can use process changes, wire selection, and gas mixtures to reduce spatter and increase welding speed. Where handheld laser welding fits, why it is a powerful process, and why safety procedures need to be taken seriously. Why cobots can be a practical entry point into automation for the right shop. How high-deposition processes like dual shield, submerged arc welding, and modern heavy-deposition MIG systems help shops put down more metal with fewer passes. Why there is no single career path...

Why Welding Engineers Need to Listen to Welders

Sep 14, 2026 ·20 min

Milena Stevanov is one of the owners of GS Engineering, a structural consulting firm supporting fabrication, welding quality programs, structural design, and more. In this episode, she shares how she and her business partner acquired the company they once interned for, what it takes to become a welding engineer, and why the best results happen when engineers and welders work together. What You’ll Learn ● How Milena and her business partner went from interns at GS Engineering to acquiring and leading the company. ● Why mentorship, family-business experience, and a strong support system were critical in making the transition to ownership. ● What GS Engineering does, from structural design and equipment certifications to retained welding-engineering support. ● What a welding engineer actually does and how they help clients build quality-control programs, develop procedures, and troubleshoot production issues. ● Why practical feedback from welders and fabricators matters just as much as calculations, codes, and engineering requirements. ● How Milena approaches the classic welder-versus-engineer relationship by listening first, explaining the “why,” and working toward practical solutions. ● Why process choices matter when qualifying welding procedures, and how understanding the pros and cons helps shops make better decisions. ● A realistic look at the pathway into welding engineering, including welding-inspector training, metallurgy knowledge, mentorship, shop exposure, and working with clients. ● Why young people entering the industry should seek mentors, surround themselves with supportive people, and explore the many career paths available in welding. Milena Stevanov is a civil engineer and co-owner of GS Engineering, a structural consulting firm serving clients across Canada, the United States, and Europe. Along with structural design, certifications, and industrial consulting, GS Engineering provides welding-engineering support to fabrication clients, helping them...

New to Welding? How to Get Hired, Upskill, and Find Your Niche

Aug 31, 2026 ·21 min

Montana Woolley’s welding career has taken her from a first-day beginner in the booth to shop work, inspection, supervision, and now education with CWB Education. In this episode, she shares how following curiosity, showing up ready to learn, and staying open to new opportunities helped her find a career path that keeps evolving. What You’ll Learn ● How Montana went from having zero tool experience to falling in love with welding through a pre-apprenticeship program. ● Why working in smaller fabrication shops gave her experience with a wide variety of projects, processes, and problem-solving. ● What she learned by moving from welding into visual inspection, supervision, and education. ● How CWB Education builds custom training programs around real shop challenges, quality issues, and workforce goals. ● Why inspection can be a strong pathway for welders who are also interested in becoming supervisors. ● How micro-credentials can make welding theory and inspection education more approachable for people working while they upskill. ● Montana’s advice for new welders: look at the jobs available in your area, choose a process to focus on, learn the theory, and introduce yourself to shops in person. ● Why welding is such a versatile trade, from structural work and inspection to custom fabrication, artistic projects, and new technology like laser welding. ● How Montana turns scrap and drop material into garden trellises, metal bugs, dragonflies, and other whimsical welding art. Montana Woolley works with CWB Education, where she oversees custom training programs and public courses. She helps companies identify training needs, build curriculum around specific welding and quality challenges, and create practical education pathways for welders looking to grow into inspection, supervision, and other roles in the industry. Connect With Montana Woolley ● CWB Education: https://www.cwbgroup.org/education ● CWB Group: https://www.cwbgroup.org/ ● For questions about CWB Education tr...

Let Your Work Speak For Itself with Al Theriault

Aug 24, 2026 ·36 min

Al Theriault built 575 Custom Fabrications the hard way: first as a welder, then as an inspector, then in sales, and finally by turning a garage shop into a full-time fabrication business. If you’re a welder thinking about going out on your own, trying to price custom work better, or figuring out how to turn skill into a sustainable business, this episode is packed with practical advice and real-world perspective. What You'll Learn How Al went from welding and inspection into sales before deciding to go all in on fabrication. Why he built 575 Customs as a tiny garage shop and reinvested every dollar back into tools and capability. How he prices custom work based on materials, complexity, lead time, and the real value of the job. Why finishing, material choice, and corrosion prevention matter just as much as the weld itself. How his inspection background shaped the way he thinks about blueprints, metallurgy, efficiency, and quality control. Al is the owner and operator of 575 Customs, also known online as the 575 Shop, where he shares behind-the-scenes looks at his work and custom fabrication projects. After years in welding, inspection, and sales, he now focuses on one-off custom pieces, TIG work, finesse fabrication, and finishing details that make a project last. Connect With Al Theriault Instagram @the.575.shop https://www.instagram.com/the.575.shop/  YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@575customs  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p/575-Customs-100088256534836/  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 #fabrication #weldingbusiness #the575shop

Bringing Metal Animals To Life with Sarah Stork

Aug 17, 2026 ·17 min

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 Instagram @sarah_stork ⁠https://www.instagram.com/sarah_stork_/⁠  TikTok @sarah_stork_ ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@sarah_stork_?lang=en⁠  Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/sarah.scott.33865/⁠  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...

Don't Wait For Welding Opportunities, Make Them!

Aug 11, 2026 ·27 min

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 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trent-konrad-13950765/  www.cwbgroup.org  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 Stories

Aug 3, 2026 ·12 min

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 LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-laing11/⁠  Instagram: @lainggerr ⁠https://www.instagram.com/lainggerr/⁠  TikTok: @lainggerrr ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@lainggerrr⁠ Two Bolts Short Of A Flange Podcast: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6pmLbiTozQOjsh4d7fun2s?si=fc6f8fc7c08d4e06⁠  YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TwoBoltsShortofaFlange⁠  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 Welding

Jul 27, 2026 ·22 min

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 Website: https://sewingwithfirewelding.com/  Instagram: @sewingwithfirewelding https://www.instagram.com/sewingwithfirewelding/  TikTok: @sewingwithfirewelding https://www.tiktok.com/@sewingwithfirewelding  YouTube: @sewingwithfirewelding5627 https://www.youtube.com/@sewingwithfirewelding5627  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...

The #1 Thing Holding Welders Back Isn’t Skill… It’s This

Jul 20, 2026 ·23 min

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 Website: WeldTux.com Instagram: @weldtux https://www.instagram.com/weldtux/  Download The Weld App iOS: App Store https://goweld.link/AppleApp Android: Google Play https://goweld.link/Android  If this show has helped y...

Welding Innovation Has A New Home

Jul 13, 2026 ·14 min

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 Mehlenbacher

Jul 6, 2026 ·24 min

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...

Aerospace Welding Is Really About This...

Jun 29, 2026 ·34 min

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 cou...

How Welders Can Build a Career Without a College Degree

Jun 22, 2026 ·15 min

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...

The Fabrication Lessons You Only Learn Once You’re on the Clock

Jun 8, 2026 ·23 min

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. #Wel...

If You Can Dream It, You Can Drive It | Mini Mayhem Event Spotlight

May 26, 2026 ·24 min

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 Patsis

May 18, 2026 ·11 min

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 Stories

May 11, 2026 ·27 min

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 Trade

May 1, 2026 ·14 min

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,...

Why Backyard Welding Events Might Be the New Shop Class

Apr 27, 2026 ·10 min

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 #Fa...

You Don’t Need a Fancy Shop to Build Metal Sculptures That Sell

Apr 20, 2026 ·17 min

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 Stone

Apr 13, 2026 ·26 min

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: @harrisonstoneWebsite: ahweldingservices.com Connect with Beau Wigington: Instagram: @beaudiditwelding Download the WELD App: iOS: https://foxly.link/m6jqqaAndroid: 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 Wulk

Apr 6, 2026 ·21 min

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 Massive

Mar 30, 2026 ·21 min

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 Of

Mar 23, 2026 ·14 min

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 Johnson

Mar 16, 2026 ·36 min

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 Side

Mar 9, 2026 ·22 min

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?

Mar 2, 2026 ·42 min

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 Adams

Feb 23, 2026 ·21 min

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 Scrapfest

Feb 16, 2026 ·22 min

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 DiResta

Feb 9, 2026 ·19 min

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 Shop

Jan 26, 2026 ·19 min

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 Edition

Jan 19, 2026 ·21 min

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 James

Jan 5, 2026 ·17 min

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/ ...

WELD 2025 Recap | Viral Welding Hacks, Iron Man Hood, And More!

Dec 29, 2025 ·21 min

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 Cameras

Dec 15, 2025 ·18 min

Job In Welding OUTSIDE Just Welding

Dec 8, 2025 ·16 min

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 Engin...

Homegrown 4X4 Van Conversions with The Swim Shop

Dec 1, 2025 ·17 min

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 -...

Some Of The Best Welding Education Advice We've Gotten... So Far

Nov 24, 2025 ·31 min

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 Marc Levin Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/b9USCroNxYb  Instagram - @welderundergound https://www.instagram.com/welderunderground/  Nate Bowman Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/Fm1dGXvNxYb  Instagram -  @weldscientist https://www.instagram.com/weldscientist/  Jason Becker Full EP - https://spo...

Some Of The Best Welding Career Stories We've Heard.... So Far

Nov 15, 2025 ·48 min

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-wayShop welding as a launch pad, learning MIG aluminum at night, and stacking TIG reps until it clicksUnion entry routes, testing in late, and navigating attitudes when you do not start at Year 1Rig welder vs single-hand: what the truck changes about pay, expectations, alloys, and accountabilityUnderwater work safety, crew size, comms with cranes, tables, and why diver discipline mattersMoney talk without the fluff: per diem, overtime, and avoiding debt on lift kits and rimsNetworking that works: texts, referrals, timing, and demonstrating value before the testParenting 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 - h...

The Best Metal Art Advice We've Gotten.... So Far

Nov 10, 2025 ·40 min

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 Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/S5uuhqQW6Xb  Instagram - @raeripple https://www.instagram.com/raeripple  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@rae.ripple Website - www.raeripple.com David Madero Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/...

Some Of The Best Welding Business Advice We've Gotten.... So Far

Nov 3, 2025 ·36 min

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 Conne...

Finding Prime Cuts with Hero Machine Co.

Oct 20, 2025 ·29 min

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’...

Where Is Your Welding Business Losing Money?

Oct 13, 2025 ·18 min

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...

Open Root Pipe Welding At The Click Of Button with Novarc Technologies

Oct 6, 2025 ·18 min

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 Website - https://www.novarctech.com/  Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/novarctech/  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/novarctech  X - https://x.com/novarctech  LinkedIn - https://ca.linkedin.com/company/novarc-technologi...

CNC Precision Anywhere The Job Takes You with CN-Seamless

Sep 29, 2025 ·18 min

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...