WELD

Weld.com
  • 4.5 (22)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

WELD is the show that opens real doors in the welding world. From first arc to six-figure specialty work, host Beau Wigington talks with industry professionals as they share wins, mistakes, and the various pathways available in the welding industry. Whether you are in school or on the tools, guests will share practical steps, safety-first habits, and career plays to help you master the trade. MIG, TIG, stick, flux-core, pipe, fabrication, repair, inspection, and business growth all live here. New episodes each week.

  1. DEC 15

    This Is Your Sign To Build A Go-Kart with Cars And Cameras

    WELD

    18 min

  2. DEC 8

    Job In Welding OUTSIDE Just Welding

    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

    17 min

  3. DEC 1

    Homegrown 4X4 Van Conversions with The Swim Shop

    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

    17 min

  4. NOV 24

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

    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

    31 min

  5. NOV 15

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

    In this episode, host Beau Wigington chats with pipeline, shop, union, rig, and underwater welders about getting started, choosing a path, managing money, and building a reputation that keeps you working. Key Topics Covered Pipeline reality for new grads, why most start as helpers, and how prior plant work translates to the right-of-wayShop welding as a launch pad, learning MIG aluminum at night, and stacking TIG reps until it clicksUnion entry routes, testing in late, and navigating attitudes when you do not start at Year 1Rig welder vs single-hand: what the truck changes about pay, expectations, alloys, and accountabilityUnderwater work safety, crew size, comms with cranes, tables, and why diver discipline mattersMoney talk without the fluff: per diem, overtime, and avoiding debt on lift kits and rimsNetworking that works: texts, referrals, timing, and demonstrating value before the testParenting and welding paths: why some stick to shops, shipyards, or offshore rotation for balance Memorable Quotes “All you got is your name. Everything you do affects the work you are going to get.” — Joel Welch“I burned through pallets of aluminum wire and TIG’d couplings all day until it clicked.” — Keenan Maines“People are going to have a problem when you test in late. Prove what you can do and keep it moving.” — Laura King“Commercial diving is safe when you respect the procedure. Most problems start with the diver.” — Jordan Moreno“The machine does not start until 400 dollars.” — Kenny Stu“If I cannot afford to buy two, I cannot afford to buy one.” — Hunter Wilson“Overtime and per diem are the math behind ‘welders make money’.” — Liv Taylor Dodge Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20 Use code WELD20 at checkout for eligible courses - https://foxly.link/9T3dtc Guests’ Content & Contact Joel Welch Full EP - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/ZVKXL0w5eYb Instagram - @welchwelding https://www.instagram.com/welchwelding/ Keenan Maines Full EP - 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

    49 min

  6. NOV 10

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

    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/⁠  ​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/⁠  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

    41 min

  7. NOV 3

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

    In this episode, host Beau Wigington pulls together the most practical, hard-won business advice shared on WELD over the past three years—everything from getting your first customers and pricing your time, to choosing insurance, building a team, and using short-form video to keep orders flowing.  Key Topics Covered Why reliability beats “stacking dimes” perfectionism for business growth (show up, do what you say) Budgeting and bootstrapping: paying down debt, selling online, and reinvesting in tools Social media that sells: consistent short-form posting, showing your face, and treating content as a product Getting legal and protected: LLCs, accountants, business banking, and choosing the right insurance broker Knowing when to hire: escaping burnout, delegating office work, and building a small, capable team Culture that retains welders: safe shops, good lighting, respect, and clear values people can rally around Mobile welding startup basics: van setup, Google Ads, word of mouth, and keeping a “day-job safety net” Skill growth for beginners: daily reps, letting learning compound, and not chasing “perfect” Sales fundamentals: websites, clear branding, phone numbers on trucks, and simple prospecting habits Memorable Quotes “You don’t have to be the best welder on earth. Show up on time, do what you say, and be a person of your word.” — Anthony (Melton Metal Anthony)“If you’re a maker on YouTube, the video is the product—not the project.” — John Malecki “We couldn’t afford marketing—so we posted. Consistently.” — Jason & Miranda (Shass on Smoke) “File the LLC, hire a good accountant, and stop trying to do it all alone.” — Luke Labdie “Get decent insurance and learn the terms they want to hear—answer only what’s asked.” — Kevin Johnson (JMW Fabrication) “If you want a world-class team, create the kind of place world-class people want to work.” — Matthew Nix (Nix Industrial) Save 20% On American Welding Program Courses Use code WELD20 - https://foxly.link/9T3dtc Connect With The Guests Anthony James 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/@JohnMaleckiUnscrewed⁠   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/  TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lukethewelder  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 Instagram: @beaudiditwelding — https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington E-mail: beauw@weld.com

    37 min

  8. OCT 20

    Finding Prime Cuts with Hero Machine Co.

    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  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington  E-Mail : beauw@weld.com

    30 min
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Trailer

4.5
out of 5
22 Ratings

About

WELD is the show that opens real doors in the welding world. From first arc to six-figure specialty work, host Beau Wigington talks with industry professionals as they share wins, mistakes, and the various pathways available in the welding industry. Whether you are in school or on the tools, guests will share practical steps, safety-first habits, and career plays to help you master the trade. MIG, TIG, stick, flux-core, pipe, fabrication, repair, inspection, and business growth all live here. New episodes each week.

Information

  • Creator
    Weld.com
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    228
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Weld.com
  • Show Website
    WELD

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