WELD

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 

• 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 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 

• 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 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 

• 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 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 

• 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 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 

• 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 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 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashley.dunlap.3597/ 

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

• Website: https://ashescustomwelding.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/Qj0VEa 

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/ 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastian-max-ceron

•  CWB Association Podcast - https://cwbapodcast.buzzsprout.com/ 

Connect with Beau Wigington

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

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington/ 

• Email: [email protected]

• WELD App: @beaudidit

Download the WELD App:

• https://foxly.link/Qj0VEa 

In this episode, host Beau Wigington takes listeners to the Yeti Welding Competition in Spanish Fork, Utah, where he speaks with competitors, judges, spectators, and the man behind Yeti Welding, Dillon Hales. Competitors share their biggest challenges, surprises, and strategies for success, providing invaluable insight into what it takes to thrive in a welding competition.

Key Topics Covered:

• Common pitfalls competitors faced, including 3G vertical welding, time constraints, and reading welding symbols

• Advice from experienced welding instructors on competition preparation

• The importance of cleanliness, consistency, and weld tie-ins during judging

• Dylan Hale’s journey of building Yeti Welding from a farm workshop to a successful fabrication business

• Networking and community-building within the welding industry

Memorable Quotes:

• "Fail early, fail often, and pay attention. Because in the real world, there's going to be a next time." – Jared Massic, High School Welding Instructor

• "I just want [my students] to know they can do hard things. Putting myself in this nervous situation, doing something difficult, I know I can do hard things too." – Jared Massic

• "Most welders know how to weld, but they don't know how to run a business." – Dillon Hales, Owner of Yeti Welding

Resources Mentioned:

Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20

• Welding Symbols Course – Gain confidence reading welding symbols https://foxly.link/t8aJ0M 

Guest's Instagram & Contact:

• Dillion Hales: @yeti_welding https://www.instagram.com/yeti_welding/ 

• Rodrigo Rodarte: @RRfab https://www.instagram.com/rr_fab/ , @overkillracingandchassis https://www.instagram.com/overkillracingandchassis/

• Jared Massic: @mass.welds https://www.instagram.com/mass.welds/ , @mmhs_welding https://www.instagram.com/mmhs_welding/

• Kamryn Price (Athena Welding): @athenaweldingcco https://www.instagram.com/athenaweldingco/ 

• Michael Swanson: @dark.arcllc https://www.instagram.com/dark.arcllc/ 

• Jacob Tobler: @barracuda.fabrication https://www.instagram.com/barracuda.fabrication/ 

• Tyson Nelson: @fineironllc https://www.instagram.com/fineironllc/ 

• Michael Miller: https://www.amfab-steel.com/ 

• Benjamin Cornaby: @benjamincornaby https://www.instagram.com/benjamincornaby/ 

Connect with Beau Wigington

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

• Email: [email protected]

• WELD App: @beaudidit

Download the WELD App:

• https://foxly.link/Qj0VEa 

In this episode, host Beau Wigington chats with John Malecki, former NFL player turned successful YouTube creator and entrepreneur in the maker space. John shares his unexpected journey from professional football to building custom furniture and creating engaging content on YouTube. He provides valuable insights on overcoming perfectionism, implementing metalwork into woodworking projects, and growing a successful brand online.

Key Topics Covered:

• Transitioning from professional sports to woodworking and content creation

• Tips for makers to effectively incorporate metalwork into their projects

• Essential advice for aspiring YouTubers and content creators

• The importance of storytelling and audience engagement over perfectionism

• John's favorite projects, including building smokers and custom furniture

• Development of his successful brand, Shop Shades

Memorable Quotes:

• “I didn’t quit football to become a maker. I'm a maker out of necessity.”

• “If you want to win on YouTube, stop making content for you and start making it for your audience.”

• “We need more people with their hands on welders and their hands on tools—we're in dying trades.”

Resources Mentioned:

• SmokerBuilder.com: Kits and resources for building smokers (SmokerBuilder.com)

• Shop Shades: Stylish and comfortable safety glasses (johnmalecki.com)

• Creator Playbook: John's mentorship program for content creators (johnmalecki.com)

Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20

• See all the different courses you can start learning today - https://foxly.link/t8aJ0M

Check out all of John Malecki’s Content

• Website - johnmalecki.com

• Build YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@John_Malecki 

• Unscrewed YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@JohnMaleckiUnscrewed 

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

Connect with Beau Wigington

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

• Email: [email protected]

• WELD App: @beaudidit

Download the WELD App:

• https://foxly.link/Qj0VEa 

In this week’s episode, host Beau Wigington speaks with Jason Corder, a 28-year veteran of Ironworkers Local 433 in Los Angeles and current Welding Program Manager for Iron Workers International. Jason shares insights into the comprehensive role of an iron worker, union benefits, the apprenticeship process, and advice for aspiring tradespeople.

Key Topics Covered:

• What differentiates ironworkers from traditional welders

• Overview of the iron worker apprenticeship and journeyman progression

• Common welding processes in ironworking (SMAW, FCAW)

• Misconceptions about climbing tests and height fears

• Modern practices and the legacy of riveting

• Job stability, overtime opportunities, and vacation structures

• Advantages of joining the Iron Workers Union, including paid maternity leave

• Essential skills and attitudes for success in the ironworking trade

• Typical jobs and responsibilities of ironworkers

• Earning potential and pay structure for ironworkers

Memorable Quotes:

• “The biggest thing in any skilled trade is have the heart and show up.”

• “Women make better welders than men...the attention to detail.”

• “My job as a foreman is to find out where that person is gonna make the most money for themselves and the company's gonna make money at the same time.”

Resources Mentioned:

Iron Workers International: Official website for more information about apprenticeships and careers https://www.ironworkers.org 

Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20:

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

Jason Corder Contact:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-corder-493a89249/ 

• Email: [email protected]

Connect with Beau Wigington

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

• Email: [email protected]

• WELD App: @beaudidit

Download the WELD App:

• https://foxly.link/Qj0VEa