WELD

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]

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/ 

Connect with Beau Wigington

Instagram: @beaudiditwelding — https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington E-mail: [email protected]

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 - [email protected]

Connect with Beau Wigington

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington

E-mail: [email protected]

Download the WELD App: https://foxly.link/Qj0VEa

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: [email protected]

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: [email protected]