In this week’s episode, Beau Wigington chats with Brian Baer, owner of Baer Welding in Providence, Utah. Brian shares insights on transforming Baer Welding from a small residential-focused business into a company handling major corporate projects and high-end ornamental fabrication. Brian discusses the importance of company culture, strategic business transitions, and integrating automation to enhance efficiency.

Key Topics Covered:

• Shifting business focus from residential to large-scale commercial and ornamental projects

• Implementing automation to reduce errors and improve efficiency

• Importance and impact of company culture and social media

• Strategies for bidding projects accurately and profitably

• Training new employees on specialized alloy welding

Memorable Quotes:

• “Quality, quality, quality, and efficiency. Always thinking the next step ahead.”

• “Social media has improved our company culture and helped recruit the next generation of fabricators.”

• “Automation didn't get rid of people, it got rid of the mistakes.”

Resources Mentioned:

• Automated Layout Technologies: Manufacturer of automated layout and fabrication tables - https://www.automatedlayout.com/ 

Save 20% On American Welding Program Courses With WELD20

• Find the course thats right for you here - https://foxly.link/t8aJ0M 

Guest's Content & Contact:

• Instagram: @baerwelding https://www.instagram.com/baerwelding/ 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/baer-welding-co/ 

• Website: https://baerwelding.com/ 

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BaerWelding 

Connect with Beau Wigington:

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

• Email: [email protected] 

• WELD App: @beaudidit

Download the WELD App:

https://foxly.link/b7xDzp 

In this week’s episode, Beau Wigington chats with Mason Bongers and Dallas Reed, Application Engineers at Prima Power Laserdyne, from inside one of their advanced laser cells. Mason and Dallas share insights into laser welding, cutting-edge drilling applications, and their personal journeys into laser technology.

Key Topics Covered:

• Differences between continuous wave (CW) and quasi-continuous wave (QCW) lasers.

• Importance of gas flow in laser welding.

• Prima Power Laserdyne’s Vulcan project, a high-power laser competing with electron beam welding.

• Laser drilling applications for aerospace components.

• Advice for newcomers interested in becoming laser application engineers.

• Overcoming challenges in laser programming and machine operation.

Memorable Quotes:

• “Gas flow is incredibly important. I've done welds where I'm changing things every single time and it just looks terrible. I change the gas flow a little bit—perfect weld.” – Mason Bongers

• “This isn't an unskilled position where you're just pressing a button and letting it run. We need people that can look at the welds, holes, and cuts and say, 'This is good, this is bad, let's change this.'” – Mason Bongers

• “You say I can't, but I'm gonna find a way to do it.” – Dallas Reed

Resources Mentioned:

• Prima Power Laserdyne Website: Explore products, studies, and technical resources https://foxly.link/a7DvIr

• Prima Power Laserdyne YouTube Channel: Tutorials and demonstrations https://foxly.link/Yiu8il

• Google Scholar: Recommended resource for academic research papers on laser technology https://scholar.google.com

Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20

• Check out all the different courses available - https://foxly.link/t8aJ0M

Connect with Beau Wigington:

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

• Email: [email protected] 

• WELD App: @beaudidit

Download the WELD App:

https://foxly.link/b7xDzp 

In this week’s episode, Beau Wigington speaks with Alex Rogers, an entry-level tender and diver who recently graduated from The Ocean Corporation in Houston, Texas. Alex shares his firsthand experience of entering the exciting and challenging world of commercial diving and underwater welding, highlighting what newcomers can expect from training, job opportunities, and life offshore.

Key Topics Covered:

• What commercial diving school entails, from dive science and construction to underwater welding and burning.

• Transitioning from diving school to working offshore: securing jobs, necessary certifications, and specialized offshore training.

• Day-to-day realities of working offshore, including schedules, work expectations, safety standards, and life aboard diving vessels and rigs.

• Personal adjustments required for living offshore, including handling long shifts, confined spaces, and staying connected with family.

• Insights into saturation diving and the supportive roles entry-level divers provide.

Memorable Quotes:

• “An underwater welding job is pretty few and far between. You're more likely to do underwater burning than actual welding.”

• “The rules are written in blood—safety is paramount. Everyone wants to make it home safe and in the same state they came out there.”

• “You really gotta be dedicated to it. If you're considering it, do your homework ahead of time, commitment is key.”

Resources Mentioned:

• The Ocean Corporation: Commercial diving school in Houston, known for excellent training and job placement assistance - https://oceancorp.com/

Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20

• Basic Inspection Concepts and Methods - https://foxly.link/tbRDjA

• Basic Shielded Metal Arc Welding - https://foxly.link/xelOeb

Alex Roger’s Content & Contact:

• Instagram: @alex.rog_ https://www.instagram.com/alex.rog_/

Connect with Beau Wigington:

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

• Email: [email protected] 

• WELD App: @beaudidit

Download the WELD App:

https://foxly.link/b7xDzp 

In this episode, Beau Wigington sits down with Clint Evashkevich from The Onyx Grove Company, a talented TIG artist known for creating stunning stainless steel artworks. Clint shares his journey transitioning from heavy industrial welding by day to intricate TIG art at night, exploring how his work incorporates unique techniques to achieve vibrant colors and precise textures. He discusses his setup, from laser etching to chilling plates, and reveals common pitfalls and essential tips for aspiring metal artists. Clint also highlights the collaborative spirit within the TIG art community and his partnership with his wife, who complements his metalwork with woodworking.

Key Topics Covered:

• ​How to effectively set up TIG art projects using laser etching.
• ​Importance of using chill plates like steel and copper to manage heat distortion.
• ​Layering techniques to achieve depth and realism in TIG art.
• ​Mastering color control through cup sizes and gas flow.
• ​Common TIG art mistakes, such as clear coating colors, and how to avoid them.
• ​Practical advice for newcomers on getting started in TIG art without expensive tools.
• ​Insights into Clint's creative process and his collaborative work with his wife at The Onyx Grove Company.

Memorable Quote:

• ​"Just do it. If you've got a TIG torch, find any piece of steel and play. Draw something simple, practice lines, and just experiment. It’s the best way to learn."                               - Clint Evanshkevich

Recommended American Welding Program Courses

• ​Basic Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Theory - https://foxly.link/Uy3PrA 
• ​Intermediate Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Theory - https://foxly.link/N6xR8p  

Clint Evashkevich’s Content & Contact:

• ​Instagram: @theonyxgrovecompany https://www.instagram.com/theonyxgrovecompany/ 
• ​YouTube: http://www.facebook.com/theonyxgrovecompany 
• ​Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/theonyxgrovecompany 
• ​TikTok: @the_onyx_grove_company https://www.tiktok.com/@the_onyx_grove_company 
• ​Website: https://www.theonyxgrovecompany.com/ 

Connect with Beau Wigington:

• ​Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding/ 
• ​Email: [email protected] 
• ​WELD App: @beaudidit

Download the WELD App:

https://foxly.link/b7xDzp 

In this week’s episode, Beau Wigington chats with Miguel Millan, aka Datboimiggz, a tank welder, about essential advice for stepping onto welding jobsites, key insights into tank welding, common pitfalls to avoid to keep your job, and how networking can lead to new opportunities. 

Key Takeaways:

• Getting Started in Welding: Miguel's journey from roofing with his father to discovering welding and transitioning into tank welding.

• Jobsite Essentials: The importance of awareness, trust, active listening, and managing complacency to stay safe and valuable on a jobsite.

• PPE Requirements: Critical PPE items you must have and why safety compliance is essential for your long-term health and employment.

• Jobsite Conduct: How improper cell phone use, failing to follow site rules, and lack of awareness can quickly end your career.

• Finding Welding Jobs: Practical tips for finding new jobs, networking effectively, and presenting yourself professionally to employers.

• Tank Welding Insights: Unique challenges, required skillsets, typical schedules, and practical welding test expectations for tank welders.

• Increasing Your Jobsite Value: Miguel’s tips on how to stand out positively, help your crew, and adapt to your foreman’s preferences to become invaluable on the job.

• Entrepreneurship in PPE: Miguel shares his journey of launching his PPE brand, handling challenges with logistics, and his personal inspiration behind the designs and color schemes.

Miguel Millan’s Advice for Welders:

• Always be ready to adapt; flexibility is crucial.

• Be proactive and helpful to keep the job moving forward.

• Make safety and proper PPE use a top priority for long-term career sustainability.

Miguel Millan's Contact Information:

• Instagram: @datboimiggz https://www.instagram.com/datboimiggz

• TikTok: @datboimiggz https://www.tiktok.com/@datboimiggz

• Website for PPE Gear: https://datboimiggz.com/

Related Courses From The American Welding Program

Basic Shielded Metal Arc Welding - https://foxly.link/xelOeb

Basic Wire Process Welding - https://foxly.link/XXJUk1

Connect with Beau Wigington:

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

• Email: [email protected] 

• WELD App: @beaudidit

Download the WELD App:

https://foxly.link/b7xDzp 

In this episode, Beau Wigington chats with William England, a seasoned blacksmith turned fabricator, who shares how his background in traditional blacksmithing significantly elevated his fabrication skills, particularly in creating ornamental ironwork. He reveals simple yet effective blacksmithing techniques that can drastically increase the value and uniqueness of fabrication projects.

Key Topics Covered:

• Transitioning Careers: William shares his journey from corporate America, where he was involved with innovative tech products, to discovering his passion for metalwork and fabrication.

• Blacksmithing Basics: Introduction to essential blacksmithing skills like twisting metal, tapering, and shaping iron to add ornamental value and functionality.

• Ornamental Ironwork: Detailed exploration of ornamental ironwork, highlighting its aesthetic and practical value in modern fabrication projects.

• Essential Tools and Techniques: Advice on affordable and accessible tools (hammers, anvils, twisting wrenches) and basic techniques to create impressive ornamental metal features.

• Forge Types: Pros and cons of using coal, propane, and induction forges, and recommendations on which might be best for beginners.

• Material Sources: Tips on sourcing metal affordably, including utilizing scrapyards, flea markets, and online retailers like King Metals for ready-made ornamental components.

• Skill Development: Importance of precision and hammer accuracy in blacksmithing and how to practice effectively.

Resources Mentioned:

• Forge Groups & Conferences:

Southern Ohio Forge and Anvil (SOFA) – Quad State

Appalachian Area Chapter of Blacksmiths

Local hammer-ins and workshops for practical learning experiences

• American Welding Program Metallurgy and Material Specifications - https://foxly.link/bc6EHP 

William England Content & Contact:

• Instagram: @england_ironworks https://www.instagram.com/england_ironworks/ 

Connect with Beau Wigington:

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

• Email: [email protected] 

• WELD App: @beaudidit

Download the WELD App:

https://foxly.link/b7xDzp 

In this weeks episode, we’re diving deep into welding consistency as Beau Wigington chats with Alex Seibert, known on social media as @CrapOutWelds. Alex specializes in both MIG and TIG welding in the aerospace industry as well as off-road fabrication. In this episode, he shares valuable insights into dialing in perfect welds, mastering the “stacked dime” technique, and crucial fabrication tips he’s learned from years of experience across multiple industries.

Key Topics Covered:

• Alex’s Welding Journey

• How Alex got started welding at Palomar Community College.

• The origin story behind his unique username, “Crap Out Welds.”

• Achieving Consistent Welds

• Tips for mastering stacked dime welds with MIG.
  

• Why controlling your puddle (wet vs. sluggish) is critical for consistency.

• Alex’s unique MIG technique, resembling “roller coaster” cursive e’s, to achieve perfect dimes.

• The importance of rhythm and how using a metronome or music playlists could help maintain consistent weld patterns.

• TIG Techniques

• Manipulating filler rod and torch motion to perfect your TIG welds.

• Tips on pulsing your foot pedal and filler dips for consistent results.

• Fabrication Essentials

• Key skills every fabricator needs, including accurate layout and precise measuring.

• Practical clamping tools that every fabricator should have in their workshop.

• Advice for handling sheet metal and avoiding common pitfalls with thin-gauge welding.

• The importance of creating a detailed build plan to avoid fabrication mishaps.

• Strength vs. Aesthetics

• Alex discusses the debated topic of stringers vs. stacked dimes, clarifying when each is appropriate and why being proficient in both techniques is essential.
  

Memorable Quotes:

• “The best way to master welding consistency is through repetition. Keep practicing, keep asking questions, and absorb as much information as you can.” – Alex Seibert

Related Courses From The American Welding Program

• Basic Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Theory (GTAW/TIG 101) - https://foxly.link/dEyNvQ

• Basic Wire Process Welding (GMAW,FCAW)- https://foxly.link/yGkYhL 

Alex Seibert's Content & Contact:

• Instagram: @crapoutwelds https://www.instagram.com/crapoutwelds/ 

• TikTok: @crapoutwelds https://www.tiktok.com/@crapoutwelds?lang=en 

Connect with Beau Wigington

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

• Email: [email protected]

• WELD App: @beaudidit 

Download the WELD App:
https://foxly.link/b7xDzp

In this week’s episode, Beau Wigington chats with Tim Luskin from Tim Welds, a welding and mechanical engineer specializing in aerospace. Tim dives into his unique journey into aerospace, detailing the processes, metals, and meticulous standards involved. He also shares jobs in the aerospace field on the NDT side that people often overlook and gives us some insight into the inspiration of starting his YouTube channel Tim Welds

Key Topics Discussed:

• What is Aerospace Welding?

• Exploring gas turbine engines for jets and land-based turbines.

• Welding exotic metals like nickel alloys and stainless steels.

• Getting started in Aerospace:

• Importance of TIG welding and other processes like electron beam and laser welding.

• Advice on gaining industry experience through entry-level positions.

• Welding Tests & Qualifications:

• Typical tests in aerospace welding, dealing with thin materials and precision.

• Non-Destructive Testing (NDT):

• Careers in inspection, dye penetrant testing, ultrasonic inspection, and more.

• Engineering & Welding Intersection:

• How welders can transition into engineering roles.

• Understanding how engineers design welds considering fatigue, corrosion, and real-world applications.

• Metallurgy in Welding:

•  Insight into the chemistry behind welds, sensitization, and alloy selection.

• Misconceptions Between Welders and Engineers:

• The importance of effective communication and collaboration.

• Tim's Journey & YouTube Channel:

• Starting Tim Welds, transitioning from projects to educational content.

• Favorite projects including V8-powered cordless drill and custom-built go-karts.

Quotes:

• “Get a job somewhere doing what you think you want to do—even if it's deburring parts. Getting in the door is the first step.” – Tim Luskin

• “Engineers who've worked as welders or machinists are typically way better engineers.” – Tim Luskin

Recommended Resources:

• AWP CWI Prep Course - https://foxly.link/08Kcg0

Connect with Tim Luskin:

• YouTube: Tim Welds - https://www.youtube.com/@TimWelds

• Instagram: @timwelds - https://www.instagram.com/timwelds

• Website: TimWelds.com - https://timwelds.com

Connect with Beau Wigington:

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

• Email: [email protected] 

• WELD App: @beaudidit

Download the WELD App: 

https://foxly.link/b7xDzp

In this episode, Beau Wigington chats with Brianna Harbinson, a skilled sanitary and stainless steel welder based in Denver, Colorado. Brianna shares her inspiring journey of overcoming a severe brain injury and rediscovering her passion for metalwork by mastering the intricate skills of stainless steel welding. She highlights the nuances of welding in the sanitary industry, her approach to precise fabrication, managing distortion, and ensuring weld quality through meticulous purging and preparation techniques.

Key Topics Covered:

• Recovering from a traumatic brain injury and its impact on her welding career

• Techniques for mastering stainless steel welding

• Sanitary welding standards and practices

• Managing heat distortion in stainless steel

• Proper material preparation, cleaning, and purging

• Importance of precision and attention to detail in fabrication

Memorable Quotes:

“Your brain is a muscle, and you just have to retrain it.”

“What you do on one side, you must do on the other to manage distortion.”

“Be hungry to learn and dedicated to doing things right the first time.”

Resources Mentioned:

Purge Plugs: Tools for sanitary welding https://www.purgeplugs.com/

Helpful YouTube Videos:

Fighting Stainless Steel Distortion While TIG Welding Nozzles https://youtu.be/HKX3p9sYnlI

How To Get Gold TIG Welds On Stainless Steel https://youtu.be/1pNj30wGV9M

Brianna’s Content & Contact:

Instagram: @_ravnoye_welds

Website: https://www.rmaart.com/

Connect with Beau:

- Instagram: @beaudiditwelding

- Email: [email protected]

- WELD App: @beaudidit

Download the WELD App:

https://foxly.link/b7xDzp

In this episode, Beau Wigington sits down with Frank Vargas from Uniweld Products to discuss the fascinating cross-section of welding, sales, and everything in between. From Frank’s journey into the welding industry to the unique ways he approaches sales, this conversation shows how having technical skills can be just as crucial as knowing how to close a deal. Frank also shares his passion project, Torch Tales, and talks about how building relationships—on both the manufacturing and distributor sides—can shape a fulfilling career in the trades.

Quotable Moments

On Adapting Communication Styles in Sales:

“Learn how to read people and communicate the way they want to be communicated with, not just how you prefer to communicate.”

On Bringing Value Beyond Price:

“You’re not just buying the product—you’re getting the experience, the support, the follow-up. That’s what sets us apart.”

On Finding Mentors:

“Pick someone who’s strong where you’re weak. That’s how you add a new tool to your belt.”

On Torch Tales:

“I wanted to show people there are so many different paths in this industry—welding is the highway, but it has countless exits.”

Resources

Books Mentioned

Leadership Gold by John C. Maxwell

The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino

Industry Organizations & Shows

Fabtech: Major trade show highlighting metal fabrication and welding innovations

IOMA: International Oxygen Manufacturers Association show (global scale)

GAWDA (Gases and Welding Distributors Association): Spring, Regional, and Annual Conferences

Connect with Frank Vargas

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

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

Torch Tales YouTube - @TorchTales https://www.youtube.com/@TorchTales

Connect with Beau

Instagram: @beaudiditwelding

WELD App: @beaudidit

Email: [email protected]