In this episode, host Beau Wigington chats with
Justin Lafond — applications engineer (ESAB) who calls the role the “Swiss Army knife” of welding support.
Kaeleigh Wilkins — 3M Metalworking Application Engineer who moved from sales into a highly technical role without an engineering degree.
Frank Vargas — national sales leader focused on relationship-driven technical selling in welding distribution.
Cody Vigeant (American Welding Program) — on what makes a great instructor in today’s rapidly changing trade.
Austin Hargett (“Dr. Welds”) — on staying energized as a welding instructor and balancing life, side work, and the classroom.
Key Topics Covered:
Why many high-pay welding careers don’t require holding a stinger every day (inspection, applications, distribution, education).
Applications engineering: field problem-solving, process development, training, and customer saves—plus the reality of travel.
No engineering degree? Mapping hands-on welding experience to technical job descriptions (Kaeleigh’s playbook).
Distributor roles: technical sales and “solution finder” jobs that value people skills and fluent welding lingo.
Teaching welding: avoiding burnout, finding the “small wins,” and staying current with robots/cobots.
Future-proofing: adaptability and cross-process literacy as automation spreads.
Memorable Quotes:
“We’re the Swiss Army knives… expected to do all of it, anywhere, anytime.” — Justin Lafond
“You can’t really learn our job unless you’re out there in the field doing it.” — Justin Lafond
“I’m the only person on the team without an engineering degree… you can still be a fit if your experience matches the need.” — Kaeleigh Wilkins
“The welding trade is moving at the speed of light—instructors have to stay keyed in.” — Cody Vigeant
“The little wins from former students are what keep you going.” — Austin Hargett
Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20 https://foxly.link/9T3dtc
Guest Contacts:
Justin Lafond - Applications Engineering (ESAB)
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-lafond-5a650b313
Kaeleigh Wilkins - Application Engineering (3M)
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaeleigh-wilkins
Frank Vargas - National Sales Manager (Uniweld)
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-vargas-0273a173
Cody Vigeant - Manager of Education Solutions (American Welding Program)
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cody-v-b4a857145
Austin Hargett (“Dr. Welds”) - Brand Ambassador / Operations Manager (Weld.com)
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-hargett-2545ba20a
Connect with Beau Wigington
Instagram: @beaudiditwelding — https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington
Email: beauw@weld.com
Download the WELD App: https://foxly.link/Qj0VEa
In this episode, host Beau Wigington visits Justin and Seth Williams of SwimShop 4x4 to unpack how they convert GM G-Series vans into capable four-wheel-drive rigs, and the MIG welding habits that keep those projects rolling.
Key Topics Covered
Why van conversions? The rock-n-roll roots, “rolling living room” ethos, and first builds that sparked a business.
Unibody reality check: why G-Series vans aren’t body-on-frame, and what that changes in your fab plan.
The jig story: cutting a donor van’s underbody, flipping it, and welding it to a table to build 126+ kits consistently.
Bolt-on vs weld-on: using existing van holes, minimizing welds to two key pieces, and where welding is still essential.
MIG setup in the shop: clean metal, penetration, heat/wire adjustments, and why “don’t zoom in” can still be structurally sound.
Parts sourcing workflow: diffs, transfer cases, running gear—how junkyards and Marketplace make the puzzle come together.
Square-body compatibility: designing around ¾-ton Suburban geometry so catalog parts actually fit.
Learning by doing: confidence, mistakes, and reading the puddle—why pinstripers make quick MIG learners.
Community + momentum: YouTube documentation, events, and how niche builds find their people.
Working with family: keeping shared interests, sharing space, and growing a shop together.
Memorable Quotes
“It’s a rolling living room… you can do wild paint, shag carpet—I had to have a van.”
“We thought they had frames… then we realized it’s a unibody. Whole different animal.”
“We cut the van’s underbody out, flipped it, welded it to a table—that’s our jig.”
“Everything’s bolt-in using factory holes—only two pieces need welding.”
“With MIG: clean metal, good penetration. When it clicked, it clicked.”
“Just because it’s not pretty doesn’t mean it won’t hold—don’t zoom in.”
“Anything that bolts onto a square-body truck fits our kit.”
Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses
Use code WELD20 at checkout for eligible courses - https://foxly.link/9T3dtc
Connect with The Swim Shop 4x4
Instagram - @theswimshop4x4 https://www.instagram.com/theswimshop4x4/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@theswimshop4x4
Website - https://www.theswimshop4x4.com/
Connect With Beau Wigington
- Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington
- E-mail: beauw@weld.com
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://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/YZs86gBNxYb
Instagram: @arcjunkiespodcast https://www.instagram.com/arcjunkiespodcast/
Adam Streich
Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/SjMHDYGNxYb
Instagram - @akstreich https://www.instagram.com/akstreich/
Justin Mixon
Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/VEG22HKNxYb
Instagram - @thatclassy_diver https://www.instagram.com/thatclassy_diver/
Austin Hargett
Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/UCaeIVQNxYb
Instagram - @dr.weldz https://www.instagram.com/dr.weldz/
Connect with Beau Wigington
Instagram: @beaudiditwelding — https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington
E-mail: beauw@weld.com
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
Memorable Quotes
Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20
Use code WELD20 at checkout for eligible courses - https://foxly.link/9T3dtc
Guests’ Content & Contact
Joel Welch
Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/ZVKXL0w5eYb
Instagram - @welchwelding https://www.instagram.com/welchwelding/
Keenan Maines
Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/AZ5msfE5eYb
Instagram - @metalsmasherart https://www.instagram.com/metalsmasherart/
Stan Sherwin
Full EP -https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/8OTdMaF5eYb
Instagram: @ss_custom_welding https://www.instagram.com/ss_custom_welding/
Laura King
Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/LEpJGFG5eYb
Instagram - @lauraxking https://www.instagram.com/lauraxking/
Jordan Moreno
Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/OsB9IRM5eYb
Instagram - @thatclassy_diver https://www.instagram.com/thatclassy_diver/
Jonathon Herrera
Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/ZGfRkNN5eYb
Instagram - @jonathon_herrera23 https://www.instagram.com/jonathon_herrera23/
Kenny Stewart
Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/yYzZlbS5eYb
Instagram - @kenny.steww https://www.instagram.com/kenny.steww/
Hunter Wilson
Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/5Y7wLXV5eYb
Instagram - @texaspipeliner35 https://www.instagram.com/texaspipeliner35/
Liv Taylor Dodge
Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/xXxAua15eYb
Instagram - @livtaylordodge https://www.instagram.com/livtaylordodge/
Connect with Beau Wigington
Instagram: @beaudiditwelding — https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington
E-mail: beauw@weld.com
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/e/RybaimdX6Xb
Instagram - @madero.co https://www.instagram.com/madero_co/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@MaderoCo
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/madero-co.
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MaderoCo/
Clint Evashkevich
Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/lIhNTjkX6Xb
Instagram: @theonyxgrovecompany https://www.instagram.com/theonyxgrovecompany/
TikTok: @the_onyx_grove_company https://www.tiktok.com/@the_onyx_grove_company
Website: https://www.theonyxgrovecompany.com/
Jesse James
Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/XrpB0HoX6Xb
Website https://jessejames.com/
West Coast Choppers https://westcoastchoppers.com/
Instagram @popeofwelding https://www.instagram.com/popeofwelding
Outlaw TV - https://otlw.tv/
Rich Quinn
Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/4FJ46mxX6Xb
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/quinn_metal_art/
Scrapfest - https://scrapfest.com/
Billy Moulton Day
Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/U7cMDZKW6Xb
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/w.moultonday_sculpture
Website - https://www.wmdsculpture.co.uk/
Ivan Iler
Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/GIOKmTPX6Xb
Website - https://www.ivanilerstudios.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ivan_iler
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ivanilerstudios
Codie Aljets
Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/a3xmakJybYb
Website - https://www.codiealjetsart.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sagecountrycustoms
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/codie.aljets/
Connect with Beau Wigington
Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington
E-mail: beauw@weld.com
Download the WELD App: https://foxly.link/Qj0VEa
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
“If you’re a maker on YouTube, the video is the product—not the project.” — John Malecki
“We couldn’t afford marketing—so we posted. Consistently.” — Jason & Miranda (Shass on Smoke)
“File the LLC, hire a good accountant, and stop trying to do it all alone.” — Luke Labdie
“Get decent insurance and learn the terms they want to hear—answer only what’s asked.” — Kevin Johnson (JMW Fabrication)
“If you want a world-class team, create the kind of place world-class people want to work.” — Matthew Nix (Nix Industrial)
Save 20% On American Welding Program Courses
Use code WELD20 - https://foxly.link/9T3dtc
Connect With The Guests
Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/kal9F3kNUXb
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/meltinmetalmobile/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHt5K7OkaBivUMvwn9W9ppw
Website - https://meltinmetal.com/
Jason & Miranda Chiasson
Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/LQanfTINUXb
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chiassonsmoke/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmthizFiUZOPJGHSDLQl4-A
Website - https://www.chiassonsmoke.com/
John Malecki
Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/ZYAlnNONUXb
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/john_malecki/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@John_Malecki
Website - johnmalecki.com
Luke Labdie
Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/8mb48DwOUXb
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/aaweldfab/
Website - https://aaweldfab.com/
Kevin Johnson
Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/E7z6nEdPUXb
Welding Business Owners Podcast - https://www.weldingbusinessownerspodcast.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/weldingbusinessownerspodcast/?hl=en
Fabricator Olympics - https://www.fabricatorolympics.com/
Oliver Adamson
Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/lFvs4LbQUXb
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/citizen_build/?hl=en
Website - https://citizenbuild.co/
Matthew Nix
Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/OpFUQohQUXb
Website - https://www.nixcompanies.com/
Calvin Gordon
Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/eN8uN3kQUXb
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/arconewelding/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ARCONEWELDING
Website - https://www.arc1welding.com/
Connect with Beau Wigington
In this episode, host Beau Wigington chats with Adam Heffner (Hero Machine Co.) about his unconventional journey from a third-generation butcher to ironworker to fabricator, and why many small shops hit a tipping point where a 2 kW fiber laser on single-phase power outperforms plasma for cost, time, and quality. Recorded at FABTECH from the Hero Machine Co. booth, Adam breaks down real numbers on consumables, cleanup time, and when to make the jump from plasma to laser.
Key Topics Covered:
Business is a trade, too: why fab skills need business skills to turn into profit.
From side hustle to shop: working “7-10s” for three years to de-risk going full-time.
Insurance realities: how coverage limits push new shops toward non-critical work early on.
Plasma → Laser math: the break-even window around 40–55 cutting hours/month.
Consumables & cleanup: plasma (~$30/1,000 pierces + ~1 hr cleanup per cutting hour) vs. laser ($6 lower lens/week + ~5 minutes cleanup per cutting hour).
Power & air you already have: running a 2 kW laser on 220V single-phase with a standard ~10 HP compressor + dryer.
Cut capacity: 2 kW fiber laser cutting 5/8" mild steel—and why power isn’t the whole story.
Build vs. buy: lessons from DIY presses and tables, and why support/QC matter.
Supply chain + QC: avoiding bait-and-switch by inspecting at the source.
Winning architectural work: translating “pretty” drawings into constructible submittals, staying on schedule, and protecting margin when delays escalate.
Systems that scale: MRP, workstations, and process flow so the shop runs on rails.
The “Hero” idea: giving small shops a superpower that lets them price competitively and win bids.
Memorable Quotes:
“Business is a trade, just like metal fabrication.”
“If you’re cutting more than ~40–55 hours a month, you really should have a laser.”
“You can unplug your plasma table and be cutting 5/8" mild steel on a 2 kW fiber laser, on single-phase 220V.”
“My mantra was: make the means of production.”
“I didn’t want to die with a dream.”
Learn more Hero Machine Co.
Website - https://heromachineco.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574579615110
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heromachineco
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3LhWJjQrF4bmbdffkSbE8A
Connect with Beau Wigington
Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding
E-Mail : beauw@weld.com
Host Beau Wigington chats with Bill Pharmer (National Senior Director of Advanced Fabrication, Airgas) and Bryan Thomas (National Director of Package Gas Services, Airgas) at FABTECH about unlocking the hidden cost of welding. You’ll hear how to spot leaks in your workflow including spatter, over-welding, wrong gas selection, slow change-outs, and how small fixes compound into cleaner welds, faster throughput, and healthier margins.
Key Topics Covered:
Why labor dominates cost per weld foot (≈85–90%) and how to focus on the variables that actually move profit.
Baseline first: measure wire-feed speed, amperage/voltage, travel speed, gas flow, gas type, burn time, and consumable usage.
Operator Factor (arc-on time ÷ total time) as the north-star KPI for rework and throughput.
Common profit leaks: loose electrical connections and resistance, poor gas-to-wire ratios, excessive gas flow (“blasting”), and “75/25 for everything.”
Over-welding math that hurts: a weld spec’d at 3/16" laid at 5/16" is ~78% more labor, wire, and gas, for zero added value.
KPIs that tell on your process: wire-to-contact-tip ratio, gas-to-wire ratio, melt-off rates, and contact-tip consumption patterns.
ARCAL® in five mixes (Prime, Flux, Speed, Force, Chrome): when to choose each to improve cleanliness, penetration, and speed without helium guesswork.
Change-out efficiency: how Viper (valve-integrated pressure regulator) and quick-connects cut 10–15 minute bottle swaps, protect calibration, and maintain consistent flow to low pressure.
Tracking improvement: digital welding efficiency analysis when available; simple manual logs and calculations when it’s not.
Change management that sticks: coach, show results, and iterate—don’t just “turn the knobs and leave.”
Memorable Quotes:
“Spatter is rework and that does nothing but eat up the labor piece.”
“Labor is at least 85% of your cost per weld foot; gas and wire are the small slice.”
“If it’s over-welded by 1/16", you’ve over-welded it by ~78% too much labor, too much wire, too much gas.”
“The first thing everyone blames is “bad gas ". I promise you it’s usually not that.”
Learn More About Airgas
Unlocking the Hidden Cost of Welding™ program - https://www.airgas.com/industries/metal-fabrication/products-and-services/unlocking-hidden-cost-of-welding
ARCAL™ Gas - https://www.airgas.com/solutions/arcal
Contact the Advanced Fabrication team at Airgas - AdvancedFab@airgas.com
Website - https://www.airgas.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/airgasusa/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/airgas
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/airgas
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzsrLNYAZh7VzLUbgxLLrhw
Connect with Beau Wigington
Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding
E-Mail : beauw@weld.com
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
LinkedIn - https://ca.linkedin.com/company/novarc-technologies-inc-
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChc6v5nXWaUU5g9eakabdNw
Connect with Beau Wigington
Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding
E-Mail : beauw@weld.com
In this weeks episode, Beau Wigington & Austin Hargett visit the CN-Seamless booth at Fabtech to chat with Josh Cooper (CEO) and Sam Marcom (COO) to unpack how a class project at NC State turned into a portable CNC cutting system built for welders in the field.Key Topics Covered:Origin Story: How three classmates (Josh, Sam, and Dario) turned a senior design idea into CN-Seamless and the Mach 1 portable CNC.Why It Works in the Field: Off-the-shelf components, low upfront tooling, and a form factor that mounts anywhere—flat plate, vertical, even overhead.No G-Code Needed: A welder-friendly, four-step workflow—Design → Place → Materials → Run—plus DXF import, built-in shape library, and on-the-fly speed slider.Cleaner Cuts, Faster: Preloaded parameters by material/thickness, improved piercing (no oxy-fuel “plunge”), and practical tips for getting a clean kerf on day one.Mounting Options: Electromagnet base for steel, vacuum suction for aluminum/stainless, and pipe magnets for round work.Attachments & What’s Next: Oxy-fuel and plasma today; a beveling attachment (circles, arcs, complex profiles) in the pipeline—backward-compatible with Mach 1.Real-World Feedback Loop: How shop visits, FaceTime support, and customer videos drive software updates (dozens shipped) and new shape templates (fish plates, pin flags, gussets).Social to Sales: From ~500 to 100k+ combined followers after creators started testing it; why “see it in person” still matters.Buying & Lead Times: Website + select distributors (e.g., Arc3 Gases, Earlbeck, Airgas/Linde). Small team scaling production; typical lead time targeted at a few weeks.Future Tools: Concepts for a pin-lancing machine and a beam crawler for shops that don’t need a full beam line.Memorable Quotes:“We really try not to call it a robot—it’s a tool you’d keep in your back pocket… just with a tablet.”“Making it so you don’t have to see a single line of G-code—that was the hardest (and most important) part.”“Customers told us what shapes they cut every day. We added templates so they can just pick, place, and run.”=Check Out The CN-Seamless Products Mentioned In The PodcastCN-Seamless Website - https://foxly.link/Y9vM8zConnect with CN-SeamlessInstagram - @cn_seamless https://www.instagram.com/cn_seamless/ TikTok - @cn_seamless https://x.com/cn_seamless YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@CN-Seamless Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553048445096 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/cn-seamless-inc/ Connect with Beau WigingtonInstagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington E-Mail : beauw@weld.com
In this episode, host Beau Wigington chats with artist David Madero (@madero_co) live at FABTECH in the Walter Surface Technologies booth. They dig into stainless MIG for sculptural texture, a step-by-step path to mirror polish (without those heartbreaking last-step scratches), and where automation fits in for grinding and finishing.
Key Topics Covered:
Mirror polish without surprise scratches: working through ~5–6 abrasives and why a consistent sequence matters.
Why he chose MIG on stainless (coming from oxy/acetylene) and what that unlocked for texture.
Shielding gas on stainless MIG: opting for straight CO₂ to encourage artistic porosity and surface character.
Pre-polish prep that won’t bite you: why sandblasting can pit stainless and how wire wheels & careful prep help.
Tool stack for speed: Walter Big Buff, Linemate for line effects/cross-hatching, plus a powerful die grinder and wire brush.
Workflow for the neurospicy welder: using strict, written step-by-step instructions to avoid backtracking.
Automation vs. artistry: PushCorp’s automated grinding and the question of “can a robot grind with soul?”
Safety & visibility: welding hood with side windows and gel-pack headgear for comfort and awareness.
Community matters: why Walter’s “big company that feels like family” vibe supports creative work.
Future builds: figurative pieces shaped with grinder-carved textures and cross-hatched finishes.
Memorable Quotes:
“Don’t sandblast when you want a mirror finish.”
“I’m looking for those happy accidents, that texture most welders try to avoid.”
“People still appreciate hand-made, it has soul.”
“With the right sequence, those last-step scratches don’t show up.”
Check Out The Walter Products Mentioned In The Podcast
Walter Surface Technologies Finishing Tools - https://foxly.link/SLZ32J
Walter Surface Technologies Grinding Tools - https://foxly.link/mhF6s9
Walter Surface Technologies Abrasives - https://foxly.link/CS6grF
Walter Surface Technologies Welding Hoods - https://foxly.link/uWo6yg
Connect with David Madero
Instagram - @madero_co https://www.instagram.com/madero_co/
TikTok - @madero_co https://www.tiktok.com/@madero_co
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@MaderoCo
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/MaderoCo
Connect With Walter Surface Technologies
Website - https://www.walter.com/us/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/WalterSurfaceTech
Instagram - @waltersurfacetech https://www.instagram.com/waltersurfacetech/
TikTok - @waltersurfacetech https://www.tiktok.com/@waltersurfacetech
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/walter-surface-technologies
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPYqYBAv0JZD0Zg0cm0sXcg
Connect with Beau Wigington
Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding
E-Mail : beauw@weld.com
Download the WELD App:
In this weeks episode, host Beau Wigington chats with SendItRubi, a car builder, race car driver, and founder of Send It Nation and the Welders Foundation about real-world trail repairs, building off-road rigs on a budget, and creating opportunities for new welders.
Key Topics Covered:
Field fixes that hold: why most trail repairs default to stick, and when a ratchet strap and recovery plan are the right call
What’s in Rubi’s trail-welding kit: portable TIG/stick options, grinder, hood, PPE, and a couple of universal brackets/plate
Battery-powered vs. alternator-driven welders: Elevate vs. Premier Power, plus old-school battery welding
“Bougie on a budget”: sourcing junkyard axles and Marketplace parts without sacrificing safety
Budgeting a first build vs. a race build: where the big dollars actually go
Events that move the needle: why face-to-face at SEMA, PRI, and King of the Hammers beats posting from home
PRI vs. SEMA for fabricators: which is better for workshops, one-on-one brand time, and hands-on learning
Skills that pay in off-road fabrication: consistent MIG/TIG/stick, out-of-position welding, body support, and visibility (good hood!)
Entering a male-dominated space: taking yourself seriously, choosing the right rooms, and being coachable
The Welders Foundation: scholarships, bootcamps, and gear that remove barriers for new welders
Memorable Quotes:
“You don’t want to carry too much stuff… the Elevate with a grinder, a hood, and a long-sleeve shirt, you can fix most things.”
“There are some boogers that hold really good… but you don’t know what you don’t know.”
“Seat time is everything, whether it’s in the driver’s seat or under the hood.”
Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20
See all the courses available to start learning today - https://foxly.link/t8aJ0M
Connect with SendItRubi
Instagram - @SendItRubi https://www.instagram.com/senditrubi/
TikTok - @senditrubi https://www.tiktok.com/@senditrubi
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@SENDITNATION
Website - senditnation.com
Welders Foundation - welders.ai
Connect with Beau Wigington
Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding
E-Mail : beauw@weld.com
Download the WELD App:
In this episode, host Beau Wigington chats with Aaron Wulk, Director of Applied Technical Programs at South Piedmont Community College, about real-world Inconel tips, ATF certification, and how to choose the right career track in welding.
Key Topics Covered:
Inconel vs. carbon steel fundamentals: shielding gas (100% argon vs. 75/25), puddle behavior (sluggish vs. fluid), voltage pitfalls, and trusting the puddle.
Hot cracking explained: why rapid heat dissipation makes welds brittle, and how preheat/postheat and heat input control (TIG vs. MIG) help.
Process selection by application: when MIG on Inconel makes sense (e.g., heavy foundry repairs) and why TIG often offers better heat control.
Common mistakes: impatience, poor cleaning, and skipping interpass cleanup—how these quietly ruin otherwise good work.
Stick on Inconel: why it’s “ropey,” erratic, and just plain difficult—and how to approach it if you must.
Where you’ll find Inconel: aerospace, nuclear, high-performance automotive, corrosive/chemical plants, and foundry reclamation.
Career-driven vs. degree-driven training: stackable short-term certificates, evening classes, and how to upskill without pausing your life.
ATF (Accredited Testing Facility) basics: QA manuals, heat numbers, procedure control, documentation, and why it’s a resume builder (not a bypass).
Certs that travel vs. in-house: six-month renewal realities and why portable credentials matter when you change jobs.
Thriving in your first shop: “be quiet and listen,” pick up tricks from veterans, and plug into a community that levels everyone up.
Metal art & learning by making: how aesthetics, controlled “mistakes,” and SkillsUSA sculpture build real process understanding.
Memorable Quotes:
“Trust that the puddle is doing its job.”
“Stick welding Inconel? It’s gonna suck… more erratic, ropey puddle.”
“Be quiet and listen. You don’t know everything about welding on day one.”
“If you’re helping that person be better, you’re helping the whole industry be better.”
Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20
Check out all the courses available here - https://foxly.link/t8aJ0M
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/
Learn more about South Piedmont Community College - https://spcc.edu/
Connect with Beau Wigington
Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding
E-Mail : beauw@weld.com
Download the WELD App:
In this episode, host Beau Wigington chats with 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
Download the WELD App:
In this episode, host Beau Wigington chats with Kenny Stewart, a 23-year-old combo rig welder out of Houston, TX. Kenny shares how he pivoted from music school to welding in just five years, the real differences between single-hand and rig welding, why he chose plant specialty work over pipeline, and how humility, curiosity, and smart gear choices (hello, laser level) accelerated his growth.
Key Topics Covered:
Single-hand vs rig welder: pay structure, what the company supplies vs what you bring, and expectations on fit-up and fabrication
The three rig-welder lanes: pipeline, plant specialty, and small mobile welding business—what the day-to-day looks like in each
Why plant/shutdown work can offer big checks without living on the road
Getting started from zero: trade school choice, being a “sponge,” and landing a first job before graduation
Breaking in without connections: using LinkedIn/Indeed/ZipRecruiter and saying “yes” to that first test
Learning exotic alloys (Inconel, stainless, duplex): ask questions, study, then practice under the hood
Fitting your own work: takeoffs, layout, and why fabricating skills boost your rate and reputation
The cost trap: why buying a big truck and brand-new machine on day one can set you back
Pipeline reality check: gatekeeping, difficulty getting hired, and why the welds themselves aren’t always the hard part
Helper → Welder progression: how to be the helper everyone wants (stay ahead, ask, learn)
Most-used tool right now: laser level for fast, clean elevations and layout in crowded plants
Memorable Quotes:
“Ego in this game will kill you.”
“They’re not paying you just for your hand—they’re paying for your hand, head, truck, and tools.”
“At some point, watching videos won’t weld it. You’ve got to get under the hood.”
“Don’t go into debt for a big truck and a shiny machine before you’ve got the work.”
“Experience means more than the piece of paper.”
“I like sleeping in my own bed—and still pulling big checks.”
Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20 https://foxly.link/t8aJ0M
Guest's Content & Contact:
Instagram: @kenny.steww https://www.instagram.com/kenny.steww/
TikTok: @kennystew https://www.tiktok.com/@kennystew
Connect with Beau Wigington
Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding
E-Mail : beauw@weld.com
Download the WELD App:
In this episode, host Beau Wigington speaks with Kris Sherm, the Global Business & Product Director for Manual Plasma Products at ESAB. Kris shares insights on how advanced welding technologies, especially pulse spray transfer, can drastically improve productivity, reduce waste, and offset labor shortages in manufacturing. If you're still using outdated welding machines, this episode will show you why that may be costing you more than you think.
Key Topics Covered:
Why upgrading to pulse spray saves money long term
How modern welders are easier to learn on and faster to train with
The evolution of welders: from transformer-based to synergic pulse
Reducing spatter, smoke, and wire waste with advanced machines
Why faster travel speed means better welds with less heat input
Advice for choosing trustworthy welding education resources
Using welding machine performance to boost your shop's profitability
Memorable Quotes:
Your old welder might still work fine, but it’s costing you dearly.”
“We're managing individual droplets going into the weld—not guessing, timing them perfectly.”
“If you want pro-level results, you need pro-level gear—and to act like a pro.”
Resources Mentioned
ESAB University: Hundreds of welding training modules to explore modern techniques and equipment.https://www.esab.com
ESAB Welders & Cutting Systems: Discover the Warrior Edge and Speed Pulse technology.https://www.esab.com
Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20
Basic & Intermediate Wire Process Welding - https://foxly.link/t8aJ0M
Connect with Beau Wigington
Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding
E-Mail : beauw@weld.com
Download the WELD App:
In this episode, host Beau Wigington travels to Atlanta, Georgia, for the SkillsUSA National Championships. He speaks with competitors, instructors, volunteers, and judges to uncover the excitement, challenges, and valuable insights from competing on a national level.
Key Topics Covered:
Insights on overcoming nerves and succeeding in welding competitions.
Essential preparation strategies and tips from competitors and instructors.
Diverse competition categories including individual welding, team fabrication, leadership, welding sculpture, and American Spirit.
Surprising benefits and unexpected challenges faced by contestants.
Advice for first-time competitors and the lifelong value of participating in SkillsUSA.
Memorable Quotes:
"Put yourself on a strong time limit in the shop before you get here, and make sure you don't deviate from that." – Carter Livingston
"Just go for it and you might win." – V Wenham
"Every time you go out to a job site, you're going to be competing for the job. Getting yourself out there for a competition is only going to better prepare you." – Josh Smith
Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20
Welding Symbols Course https://foxly.link/t8aJ0M
Connect with Beau Wigington
Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding
E-Mail : beauw@weld.com
Download the WELD App:
In this episode, host Beau Wigington chats with Ashley Dunlap, the founder of Ashe's Custom Welding. Ashley shares her journey of balancing a full-time job while launching her own welding business. She discusses her path into welding, the challenges of entrepreneurship, sourcing materials for her unique creations, and effectively using social media for promotion.
Key Topics Covered:
Balancing a full-time welding job with entrepreneurship
Practical advice for mastering TIG welding techniques
Sourcing materials creatively for custom welding projects
Leveraging social media effectively without advanced tech skills
Navigating the initial challenges of starting a welding business
Memorable Quotes:
“Practice your filler rod. If you have that muscle memory down, you can focus more on the weld.”
“There is no balance. It's very tricky… I'd be answering emails during breaks, welding after shifts until the sun goes down.”
“Make sure you love what you do, because you won’t see money right away. It’s a very long process.”
Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20
See all the courses available here - https://foxly.link/t8aJ0M
Guest's Content & Contact:
Instagram: @ashes_customwelding https://www.instagram.com/ashes_customwelding/
TikTok: @ashes_customwelding https://www.tiktok.com/@ashes_customwelding
Website: https://ashescustomwelding.com/
Connect with Beau Wigington
Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding/
Email: beauw@weld.com
WELD App: @beaudidit
Download the WELD App:
In this episode, host Beau Wigington sits down with Max Ceron, Executive Director of the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) Association, to explore actionable ways welders of every experience level can give back, mentor others, and strengthen the industry we all rely on.
Key Topics Covered:
Community service as the career “cheat code” for welders
Practical volunteer paths: Skills competitions, AWS/CWB chapters & school outreach
Busting mentorship myths—why you don’t need decades of experience to help
“Trades-adjacent” networking: suppliers, educators, inspectors, vendors
Building inclusive shop cultures that attract and retain talent
Inspiring the next generation by showcasing welding success stories
Lessons from international outreach in Ghana and Canada’s far north
Level-up strategies when you feel you’ve plateaued at work
Memorable Quotes:
“If you want to make your life easy, help others—that’s the cheat code.” – Max Ceron
“Networks don’t come to you; you’ve got to get out there and connect.” – Max Ceron
“Never run away from a job—always run toward the next one.” – Max Ceron
Resources Mentioned:
CWB Association Membership - https://www.cwbgroup.org/
Skills Canada - https://www.skillscompetencescanada.com/en/
SkillsUSA - https://www.skillsusa.org/
Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20
See all the courses at here - https://foxly.link/t8aJ0M
Max's Content & Contact:
Instagram: @askmax75 https://www.instagram.com/askmax75/
CWB Association Podcast - https://cwbapodcast.buzzsprout.com/
Connect with Beau Wigington
Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding/
Email: beauw@weld.com
WELD App: @beaudidit
Download the WELD App: