WELD

Nathan Montes spent 12 years as a Texas rig welder before building Slickman Welding Apparel. Now, he’s using his voice in the industry to ask a question a lot of welders are feeling: What happens when the cost of doing the work keeps climbing, but the pay doesn’t?

In this episode, Nathan returns to the WELD Podcast to break down the Wage Wobble movement, why he started it, and what he hopes it can accomplish. We talk about the real cost of running a welding rig, his changing perspective on unions, and why earning a big check doesn’t always mean you’re getting ahead.

What You'll Learn

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Why Nathan started the Wage Wobble movement and how it grew from an online conversation into an in-person gathering in Monahans, Texas.

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How fuel, equipment, consumables, insurance, and other expenses can eat into a rig welder’s take-home pay.

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The four paths Nathan presented for pursuing better wages: holding out, negotiating a formal agreement, joining a union, or forming a new one.

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How conversations with pipeline welders’ Local 798 challenged his previous assumptions about unions.

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Why worker classification, access to health insurance, and retirement benefits belong in the conversation about welding pay.

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What Nathan says has happened since the first gathering, why individual participation matters, and where he hopes the movement goes next.

Nathan is the owner and founder of Slickman Welding Apparel, a former rig welder, and a former fabrication business owner. Alongside the Wage Wobble conversation, he shares how a stinger design he’d been thinking about for seven years finally became a finished electrode holder. His perspective brings together life under the hood, the realities of running a business, and a push to help welders build more sustainable careers.

Connect With Nathan

• Slickman Welding Apparel: slickmanweldingapparel.com
• Facebook: Nathan Montes https://www.facebook.com/nathan.montes.7
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/n8_da_gr8_/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nastyynate
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• Wage Wobble: Follow the Wage Wobble Facebook page for updates and community discussion.

Download The Weld App

iOS: App Store https://goweld.link/AppleApp
Android: Google Play https://goweld.link/Android

If this show has helped your welding career, leaving a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts helps other welders find it.

#WeldingPodcast #WeldingCareer #WageWobble #RigWelding #SlickmanWeldingApparel

Heading to FABTECH for the first time? Think of it as Comic-Con for welders. From meeting the people you follow online to trying equipment you might never get your hands on back home, there’s a lot more to the show than walking past booths and collecting stickers.

In this episode, Beau shares his tips for making the most of FABTECH, including what to pack, how to plan your time on the floor, and why some of the best connections happen after the show closes. With FABTECH 2026 heading to Las Vegas October 21–23, this is your first-timer’s game plan for showing up prepared and leaving inspired.

What You'll Learn

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Why FABTECH is about more than equipment, and how meeting welders, creators, and educators can help you find your next goal.

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What to handle before you arrive, from registration and badges to packing comfortable shoes, water, snacks, and a light backpack.

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Why stickers and business cards still matter, and why you should have a backup plan for sharing your contact information.

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How Beau approaches the show floor, including walking every aisle, keeping track of booths to revisit, and finding smaller brands beyond the big displays.

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Why it’s worth trying unfamiliar equipment, watching live demos, and jumping into booth competitions, even if the technology isn’t something you’ll use every day.

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How to plan for food and after-hours events, including the FABTECH Kickoff Party at the House of Blues.

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Why sticking around until the end of the last day could lead to a few extra samples for your shop.

Come Say Hey

Beau will be filming WELD Podcast interviews throughout the week at the American Welding Program booth, S39095. Stop by, say hello, and connect with the Weld.com crew.

Fabtech Kickoff Party

Join Weld.com, WeldPorn, Blue Demon, the Arc Junkies Podcast, and other industry partners for an evening of giveaways and connecting with the welding community.

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Wednesday, October 21, 2026

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7–10 PM

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House of Blues at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas

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Bring your FABTECH badge for entry.

Get there early if you’re planning to grab food, and stick around to meet the people behind the brands.

Plan Your Visit

Registration, exhibitor information, and floor plans:https://www.fabtechexpo.com

Got a FABTECH tip Beau didn’t cover? Drop it in the comments and help a first-timer make the most of the show.

Download The Weld App

iOS: App Storehttps://goweld.link/AppleApp

Android: Google Playhttps://goweld.link/Android

If this show has helped your welding career, leaving a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts helps other welders find it.

#WeldingPodcast #FABTECH #FABTECH2026 #WeldingCommunity #WeldingCareer

TIG Devil Diesel (Diesel D'Souza) known online as TIG Devil, is a self-taught welder and TIG welding artist whose work turns stainless steel into detailed, colorful artwork and dimensional metal sculptures.

In this episode, he shares how he went from picking up a MIG welder at work to becoming a full-time welder, earning CWB certifications, learning stick and TIG welding, and eventually building a recognizable name in the TIG art world. He also gets real about the years of trial and error behind his work, why persistence matters more than instant results, and how putting yourself out there at trade shows can lead to commissions, partnerships, and new opportunities.

What You’ll Learn

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How TIG Devil went from being self-taught on a MIG welder to becoming a full-time welder and earning CWB certifications.

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Why he prefers stick welding for much of his heavy-equipment work, while TIG became the foundation of his artistic work.

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Why TIG art takes patience, repetition, and a willingness to walk away, reset, and come back when progress feels slow.

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The difference between creating flat TIG art and building dimensional or 3D stainless-steel pieces.

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How he approaches commissions and generates business by talking about his work everywhere he goes, not just online.

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Why trade shows are one of the best places for welders and artists to meet people, learn from others, and create real opportunities.

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How to approach brand partnerships and sponsorships with a long-term mindset, and why you have to follow through once you make a commitment.

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TIG troubleshooting advice for welders who are running too hot, discoloring stainless, or burning through material.

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How experienced welders and artists can help others grow without encouraging them to copy someone else’s style.

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Why mistakes, discomfort, and getting out of your comfort zone are all part of becoming a better welder and artist.

TIG Devil is a self-taught welder, CWB-certified welder, fabricator, and TIG artist. He creates custom stainless-steel TIG art, detailed commission pieces, and dimensional metal projects while also working in heavy-equipment fabrication. Known for colorful stainless work, skull designs, custom logos, layered artwork, and his willingness to share what he has learned, TIG Devil represents the creative side of welding while staying grounded in the fundamentals of the trade.

Connect With TIG Devil

TIG Art: Instagram @tig_devil_inc

https://www.instagram.com/tig_devil_inc/

TIG Devil: Instagram @tig_devil

https://www.instagram.com/tig_devil/

Fabrication / Heavy Equipment Work: Instagram @destructive_asylum_13

https://www.instagram.com/destructive_asylum_13/

Download The WELD App

iOS: App Storehttps://goweld.link/AppleApp

Android: Google Playhttps://goweld.link/Android

If this show has helped your welding career, leaving a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts helps other welders find it.

#WeldingPodcast #TIGWelding #TIGArt #MetalArt #WeldingArtist #StainlessSteel #WeldingTips #WeldingCommunity #TIGDevil

Daniela Torelli didn’t take the traditional path into welding. After realizing a career as a veterinary technician would not give her the financial independence she wanted, she started looking through the skilled trades, and welding stood out.

In this episode, Daniela, Membership Services Lead for the CWB Association and the welder and artist behind Think Pink Welding, talks about mentorship, community, and why one conversation can change someone’s entire career path.

From learning the hard way without a clear roadmap to becoming a resource for new welders across Canada, Daniela shares why mentorship does not have to be formal or complicated. Sometimes, it is simply answering a message, welcoming someone into the shop, sharing honest advice, or giving somebody the confidence to take the next step.

What You'll Learn

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How Daniela found welding after exploring career paths that could offer more financial independence and long-term opportunity.

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Why her path into the trade felt unconventional, and how that experience helps her guide younger welders today.

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How an early connection with a woman ironworker became one of Daniela’s first experiences with mentorship.

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Why mentorship does not need to mean holding someone’s hand or telling them exactly what to do.

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How a few encouraging words helped one welding student push through test-day anxiety and successfully pass her weld test.

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Why responding to questions, being approachable, and welcoming people into the industry can make a major difference in retaining new welders.

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What the CWB Association does to connect welding professionals, students, educators, and industry members across Canada.

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How CWB Association chapters create opportunities through networking events, technical presentations, student outreach, and community meetups.

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Why Daniela believes the welding industry needs both mentors and mentees to keep the next generation moving forward.

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How Think Pink Welding gives Daniela a creative outlet through metal art, fabrication, and time under the hood.

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What Daniela is looking forward to next, including handheld laser welding education, women in metal industry events, and more opportunities to connect with the welding community.

About Daniella Torelli

Daniela Torelli is the Membership Services Lead for the CWB Association, where she works alongside chapters and volunteers across Canada to support welders, educators, students, and industry professionals.

With more than a decade in welding, Daniela has built a career around creating opportunities, sharing knowledge, and helping people feel welcome in the skilled trades. She is passionate about mentorship, community building, welding education, and increasing awareness of the many paths available in the industry.

Outside of her work with the CWB Association, Daniela is the owner of Think Pink Welding, where she shares her welding journey, metal art, and creative fabrication projects.

Connect With Daniela Torelli

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Instagram: @thinkpinkweldinghttps://www.instagram.com/thinkpinkwelding/

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Facebook: Think Pink Weldinghttps://www.facebook.com/thinkpinkwelding/

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CWB Associationhttps://www.cwbassociation.org/

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CWB Association events and local chaptershttps://www.cwbgroup.org/

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Email the CWB Associationinfo@cwbassociation.org

Download The WELD App

iOS: App Storehttps://goweld.link/AppleApp

Android: Google Playhttps://goweld.link/Android

If this show has helped your welding career, leaving a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts helps other welders find it.

#WeldingPodcast #WeldingCareer #Mentorship #WomenWhoWeld #CWBAssociation #ThinkPinkWelding

Michael Klee’s path into welding started with a skateboard rail. After growing up around his father’s machine shop, Michael learned to stick weld so he could build his own rail—and that one project turned into a 23-year career in the welding industry.

In this episode, Michael joins us in person at the show floor to talk about his path from shop work and welding technology school into automation, sales, applications, and his current role as a Welding Specialist with Messer Gases in Ontario. We get into real-world troubleshooting, common setup mistakes, shielding gas choices, high-deposition processes, cobots, handheld laser welding safety, and what shops need to have in place before investing in automation.

What You’ll Learn

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How a homemade skateboard rail helped Michael discover welding and set him on a new career path.

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How he moved through shop work, automation, sales, and applications before becoming a Welding Specialist with Messer Gases.

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How Messer specialists help shops evaluate their current welding process and identify opportunities to improve throughput, reduce spatter, and eliminate unnecessary grinding.

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Why the numbers displayed on a welding machine do not always reflect what is happening at the arc.

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Why common issues often come down to incorrect machine setup, drive rolls, contact tips, wire selection, gas flow, or shielding gas choice.

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What welders need to understand about short-circuit, globular, and spray transfer when selecting a shielding gas mixture.

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How shops can use process changes, wire selection, and gas mixtures to reduce spatter and increase welding speed.

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Where handheld laser welding fits, why it is a powerful process, and why safety procedures need to be taken seriously.

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Why cobots can be a practical entry point into automation for the right shop.

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How high-deposition processes like dual shield, submerged arc welding, and modern heavy-deposition MIG systems help shops put down more metal with fewer passes.

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Why there is no single career path in welding—and how welders, technologists, inspectors, salespeople, and automation specialists all play important roles in the industry.

Michael Klee is a Welding Specialist with Messer Gases, serving customers in Ontario and Manitoba. With a background in welding technology, automation, applications, and sales, Michael works with fabrication shops to evaluate welding processes and find practical solutions for challenges like excessive spatter, slow throughput, process selection, shielding gas optimization, and automation readiness.

If your shop is working through a welding-process issue or looking to evaluate new equipment, wire, or gas options, Michael recommends starting with your local Messer representative. From there, the Messer team can assess your current state, identify the biggest opportunities, and help build a plan for a better future-state process.

Connect With Michael Klee

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

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Messer Website:https://www.messer.com/

Download The WELD App

iOS: App Storehttps://goweld.link/AppleApp

Android: Google Playhttps://goweld.link/Android

If this show has helped your welding career, leaving a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts helps other welders find it.

#WeldingSpecialist #WeldingTroubleshooting #ShieldingGas #WeldingTechnology #WeldingEducation

Milena Stevanov is one of the owners of GS Engineering, a structural consulting firm supporting fabrication, welding quality programs, structural design, and more. In this episode, she shares how she and her business partner acquired the company they once interned for, what it takes to become a welding engineer, and why the best results happen when engineers and welders work together.

What You’ll Learn

● How Milena and her business partner went from interns at GS Engineering to acquiring and leading the company.

● Why mentorship, family-business experience, and a strong support system were critical in making the transition to ownership.

● What GS Engineering does, from structural design and equipment certifications to retained welding-engineering support.

● What a welding engineer actually does and how they help clients build quality-control programs, develop procedures, and troubleshoot production issues.

● Why practical feedback from welders and fabricators matters just as much as calculations, codes, and engineering requirements.

● How Milena approaches the classic welder-versus-engineer relationship by listening first, explaining the “why,” and working toward practical solutions.

● Why process choices matter when qualifying welding procedures, and how understanding the pros and cons helps shops make better decisions.

● A realistic look at the pathway into welding engineering, including welding-inspector training, metallurgy knowledge, mentorship, shop exposure, and working with clients.

● Why young people entering the industry should seek mentors, surround themselves with supportive people, and explore the many career paths available in welding.

Milena Stevanov is a civil engineer and co-owner of GS Engineering, a structural consulting firm serving clients across Canada, the United States, and Europe. Along with structural design, certifications, and industrial consulting, GS Engineering provides welding-engineering support to fabrication clients, helping them manage welding procedures, quality-control programs, and certification requirements. Milena brings a collaborative, practical approach to the role, connecting engineering theory with the real-world needs of welders and fabrication shops.

Connect With Milena Stevanov / GS Engineering

● Website: https://gsengineering.ca/

● LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/milena-stevanov/

Download The WELD App

iOS: App Store

https://goweld.link/AppleApp

Android: Google Play

https://goweld.link/Android

If this show has helped your welding career, leaving a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts helps other welders find it.

#WeldingPodcast #WeldingCareer #WeldingEngineering #StructuralEngineering #Fabrication #WeldingQuality #EngineeringCareer #GSEngineering

Montana Woolley’s welding career has taken her from a first-day beginner in the booth to shop work, inspection, supervision, and now education with CWB Education. In this episode, she shares how following curiosity, showing up ready to learn, and staying open to new opportunities helped her find a career path that keeps evolving.

What You’ll Learn

● How Montana went from having zero tool experience to falling in love with welding through a pre-apprenticeship program.

● Why working in smaller fabrication shops gave her experience with a wide variety of projects, processes, and problem-solving.

● What she learned by moving from welding into visual inspection, supervision, and education.

● How CWB Education builds custom training programs around real shop challenges, quality issues, and workforce goals.

● Why inspection can be a strong pathway for welders who are also interested in becoming supervisors.

● How micro-credentials can make welding theory and inspection education more approachable for people working while they upskill.

● Montana’s advice for new welders: look at the jobs available in your area, choose a process to focus on, learn the theory, and introduce yourself to shops in person.

● Why welding is such a versatile trade, from structural work and inspection to custom fabrication, artistic projects, and new technology like laser welding.

● How Montana turns scrap and drop material into garden trellises, metal bugs, dragonflies, and other whimsical welding art.

Montana Woolley works with CWB Education, where she oversees custom training programs and public courses. She helps companies identify training needs, build curriculum around specific welding and quality challenges, and create practical education pathways for welders looking to grow into inspection, supervision, and other roles in the industry.

Connect With Montana Woolley

● CWB Education: https://www.cwbgroup.org/education

● CWB Group: https://www.cwbgroup.org/

● For questions about CWB Education training pathways, custom training, or public courses, contact Montana through CWB Education.

Download The WELD App

iOS: App Storehttps://goweld.link/AppleApp

Android: Google Playhttps://goweld.link/Android

If this show has helped your welding career, leaving a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts helps other welders find it.

#WeldingPodcast #WeldingCareer #WeldingEducation #CWBGroup #CWBEducation #WeldingInspector #WeldingSupervisor #WeldingTraining #MicroCredentials #MetalArt

Collaboration Links

Weld

https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCM0kHJXSHR1k1wtLuliKmHg/collaboration/UCnqsXS9XPRa6vQvKoDdOkRg

CWB

https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCVbLbc7goDa6FxauaveyUHA/collaboration/UCnqsXS9XPRa6vQvKoDdOkRg

Al Theriault built 575 Custom Fabrications the hard way: first as a welder, then as an inspector, then in sales, and finally by turning a garage shop into a full-time fabrication business. If you’re a welder thinking about going out on your own, trying to price custom work better, or figuring out how to turn skill into a sustainable business, this episode is packed with practical advice and real-world perspective.

What You'll Learn

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How Al went from welding and inspection into sales before deciding to go all in on fabrication.

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Why he built 575 Customs as a tiny garage shop and reinvested every dollar back into tools and capability.

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How he prices custom work based on materials, complexity, lead time, and the real value of the job.

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Why finishing, material choice, and corrosion prevention matter just as much as the weld itself.

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How his inspection background shaped the way he thinks about blueprints, metallurgy, efficiency, and quality control.

Al is the owner and operator of 575 Customs, also known online as the 575 Shop, where he shares behind-the-scenes looks at his work and custom fabrication projects. After years in welding, inspection, and sales, he now focuses on one-off custom pieces, TIG work, finesse fabrication, and finishing details that make a project last.

Connect With Al Theriault

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Instagram @the.575.shop https://www.instagram.com/the.575.shop/

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YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@575customs

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Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p/575-Customs-100088256534836/

Download The Weld App

iOS: App Store https://goweld.link/AppleApp

Android: Google Play https://goweld.link/Android

If this show has helped your welding career, leaving a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts helps other welders find it.

#WeldingPodcast #WeldingCareer #fabrication #weldingbusiness #the575shop

Sarah Stork has built a name for herself by creating strikingly realistic metal animal sculptures that blend welding skill, texture work, and artistic vision.

If you’ve ever wondered how a welder turns scrap, wire, and texture into lifelike animals, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at Sarah’s process, inspiration, and approach to sculpture.

What You'll Learn

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Why Sarah chose animal sculptures and how that subject matter opened the door to her artistic style.

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How she builds sculptures from the inside out, starting with a concrete base and developing the form piece by piece.

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What role texture plays in her work, including how welding imperfections can become part of the final artistic effect.

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Why she values simple starting points for beginners, especially for welders who want to try sculpture for the first time.

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How competitions like SkillsUSA helped shape her path and connected her to the broader welding sculpture community.

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Why respiratory protection matters in welding art, and how safety should stay part of the creative process.

Sarah Stork is a welding artist based in Georgetown, Texas, who has been creating sculptures since 2015. She is known for realistic animal pieces that combine TIG welding, texture creation, and creative material choices to bring metal to life. Her perspective is especially valuable for welders who want to explore sculpture, improve their artistic side, or better understand how technical welding skills can translate into creative work.

Connect With Sarah Stork

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Instagram @sarah_stork ⁠https://www.instagram.com/sarah_stork_/⁠

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

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Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/sarah.scott.33865/⁠

Download The Weld App

iOS: App Store ⁠https://goweld.link/AppleApp⁠

Android: Google Play ⁠https://goweld.link/Android⁠

If this show has helped your welding career, leaving a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts helps other welders find it.

#WeldingPodcast #WeldingCareer #metalart #metalsculptor #sarahstork

Trent Konrad didn’t start in an office, he started in the welding industry, grinding mill scale, learning the trade, and working his way up from the shop floor. In this episode, he breaks down how he moved from welding to education, then into leadership at the CWB Group, and why being willing to shoot your shot helped open major doors along the way.

What You’ll Learn

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How Trent got introduced to welding and why a single conversation helped launch his career.

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What it was like starting at the bottom in fabrication and proving himself through work ethic.

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Why he chose to leave welding for education and how he kept building toward larger opportunities.

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How one bold cold call helped him secure funding and raise his profile inside the CWB Group.

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Why there are so many pathways in welding beyond just striking an arc.

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How CWB supports welders, instructors, and businesses through education, certification, and industry partnerships.

Thank you to this week's sponsor Abicor Binzel. Learn more about the xFUME Pro here https://goweld.link/abicorpod

Connect With Trent Konrad

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trent-konrad-13950765/

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http://www.cwbgroup.org

Download The Weld App

iOS: App Store https://goweld.link/AppleApp

Android: Google Play https://goweld.link/Android

If this show has helped your welding career, leaving a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts helps other welders find it.

#WeldingPodcast #WeldingCareer #weldingeducation #cwbgroup #weldingcertification

Brook Laing started in the trades as a steam-fitter welder and eventually found her way into industry media, where she now helps tell the stories behind manufacturing and fabrication. In this episode, Brook shares how she got into the trades, why she left union work, and how podcasting and content creation became part of her mission to make the industry more approachable and human.

What You'll Learn

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How Brook went from college plans to welding and steam-fitting.

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Why she loved the work but still chose to pivot out of the trade.

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The difference between a steam-fitter and a pipe-fitter.

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Why layoff culture can make trade careers hard to sustain.

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How she got involved with the Sisterhood of the Skilled Trades.

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Why trade communities and apprenticeship support matter.

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How her podcast helps introduce new people to the trades.

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Why storytelling is one of the most powerful tools for recruiting and retention.

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How manufacturing content can focus on the people, not just the shop.

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What she thinks about automation, robotic welding, and the future of skilled labor.

Thank you to this week's sponsor Abicor Binzel. Learn more about the xFUME Pro here ⁠https://goweld.link/abicorpod⁠

Connect With Brooke Laing

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LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-laing11/⁠

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

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TikTok: @lainggerrr ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@lainggerrr⁠

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Two Bolts Short Of A Flange Podcast: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6pmLbiTozQOjsh4d7fun2s?si=fc6f8fc7c08d4e06⁠

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YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TwoBoltsShortofaFlange⁠

Download The Weld App

iOS: App Store ⁠https://goweld.link/AppleApp⁠ Android: Google Play ⁠https://goweld.link/Android⁠

If this show has helped your welding career, leaving a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts helps other welders find it.

#WeldingPodcast #WeldingCareer #steamfitter #twoboltsshortofaflange #WeldingEducation

In this episode of the WELD Podcast, we sit down with Guy Seguin, program coordinator and welding professor at Algonquin College in Ottawa, Ontario, to talk about what it really takes to get good at stick welding. Guy shares the biggest mistakes beginners make, how to build consistency with arc length and travel speed, and why getting comfortable and putting in the reps matters more than chasing tricks early on. We also get into stick-start frustrations, tie-ins, arc blow, TIG fundamentals, and the little setup issues that can make or break a weld.

What You’ll Learn

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Why stick welding comes down to practice, consistency, and comfort more than gimmicks.

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The best way to teach beginners without overwhelming them with manipulation too early.

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Why starting with an easier-to-run rod can help new welders build confidence.

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How to avoid common issues like sticking, bad tie-ins, arc blow, and poor setup.

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What to look for in a clean, stable puddle across both stick and TIG welding.

About Guy Seguin

Guy Seguin is a welding professor at Algonquin College and the creator behind Sewing With Fire Welding. He teaches the next generation of tradespeople while sharing hands-on welding content that focuses on real shop skill, strong fundamentals, and practical technique. His experience with stick and TIG welding makes him a valuable guide for anyone trying to level up their work in the booth.

Thank you to this weeks sponsor Abicor Binzel. Learn more about the iBOTone here https://goweld.link/abicorpod

Connect With Guy Seguin

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Website: https://sewingwithfirewelding.com/

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

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TikTok: @sewingwithfirewelding https://www.tiktok.com/@sewingwithfirewelding

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YouTube: @sewingwithfirewelding5627 https://www.youtube.com/@sewingwithfirewelding5627

Download The Weld App

iOS: App Store https://goweld.link/AppleApp

Android: Google Play https://goweld.link/Android

If this show has helped your welding career, leaving a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts helps other welders find it.

#WeldingPodcast #WeldingCareer #stickwelding #tigwelding #WeldingEducation #WeldingInstructor

Kayla Vander Molen is a pressure welder, welding examiner, and senior instructor with the Boilermakers in Canada, and in this episode she breaks down what it really takes to build a career in one of the most demanding trades in welding.

If you’ve ever wondered how pressure tickets work in Canada, what boiler makers actually do, or how mentorship and union training can change the trajectory of a welding career, this conversation gives you a real inside look at the path.

In this episode, you’ll learn

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How Kayla went from welding in the field to becoming an instructor and education advocate for the next generation.

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What the pressure ticket means in Canada, and why it opens the door to additional pressure qualifications rather than being the finish line.

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What boiler makers do on site, from tube work and pressure applications to high-stakes welds that can require X-ray inspection.

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How union apprenticeship training builds skills through classroom learning, hands-on work, and mentorship.

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Why confidence, workplace culture, and asking questions matter just as much as technical ability in welding.

About Kayla

Kayla Vander Molen is a pressure welder by trade, a welding examiner and instructor with the Boilermakers, and a contributor to educational content through the CWB. Her background includes field welding, union training, mentorship, and a strong focus on helping welders avoid the mistakes, unsafe habits, and dead-end paths that can hold them back.

She also talks about the importance of keeping skills local, supporting strong workplace culture, and creating more access to practical welding education for people entering the trade.

Thank you to this weeks sponsor Abicor Binzel

Learn more about the iBOTone https://goweld.link/abicorpod

Connect with Kayla

•

Website: WeldTux.com

•

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

Download The Weld App

iOS: App Store https://goweld.link/AppleApp

Android: Google Play https://goweld.link/Android

If this show has helped your welding career, leaving a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts helps other welders find it.

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The welding industry is changing fast, and if you want to keep up, it is not about learning one process anymore. In this episode of WELD, Beau Wigington takes a look inside the brand new CWB Group Center of Innovation in Milton, Canada, during its grand opening to see how training, technology, and industry partnerships are shaping the future of the trade.

Beau talks with leaders from CWB Group about the new innovation hub, the weld shop, the EV repair training area, and the Canadian Collision Repair Academy. From advanced inspection methods and automation to practical training for newcomers and upskilling welders, this episode shows why facilities like this matter for the next generation of technicians and fabricators.

In this episode, you will learn:

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How CWB Group is bringing innovation, training, and industry partnerships under one roof.

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What the innovation hub is showcasing, including cobots, simulators, laser welding, and ultrasonic phased array technology.

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Why phased array ultrasonic testing is a major step forward in weld inspection and traceability.

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How the new EV repair center is preparing technicians for the safety demands of working on electric vehicles.

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What the Canadian Collision Repair Academy teaches about structural repair, aluminum welding, and manufacturer procedures.

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How the new weld shop is being used for hands-on training, testing, and government-funded education programs.

This episode also explores Industry 4.0 and what it means for welding, automation, robotics, and AI in a field that still depends on strong manual skills. The big takeaway is simple: the future of welding will reward people who can adapt, learn, and work across more than one discipline.

Facilities like the CWB Center of Innovation are more than impressive buildings. They are a sign of where the industry is headed, and why training, access to new technology, and collaboration between manufacturers, educators, and welders are becoming more important than ever.

Ian Mehlenbacher is a Red Seal Welder for the Niagara Parks Commission, and his job is anything but ordinary.

If you're a welder who wants to see what it looks like to work on iconic infrastructure, custom fabrication, and one-of-a-kind projects every single day, this episode shows you exactly what that career can look like.

In this episode, you'll learn:

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What the Red Seal certification actually is and how it differs from the American apprenticeship system, including why it's competency-based rather than hour-based.

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How Ian apprenticed at Niagara Parks and how going to school for welding technology allowed him to skip ahead in his apprenticeship and get his foot in the door.

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The wide variety of work Ian does at the park, from fabricating the iconic railings at the Falls and converting them to stainless steel, to building custom truck beds, repairing cast iron park benches, and supporting underwater welders.

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How Ian and his mentor Ed tackled the Aero Car canopy conversion, replacing old mild steel infrastructure with stainless steel with no blueprints, just problem-solving and a rented roller.

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Why working with aluminum, stainless, and mild steel on a regular basis sets Ian apart from welders who only get to touch those materials once in a while.

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How the CWB Hamilton Association is breaking down barriers to get young people into trades, donating to 22 schools this past year and bringing parents and students in for hands-on welding seminars.

Ian Mehlenbacher is a Red Seal Welder with the Niagara Parks Commission, where he maintains and fabricates infrastructure across 56 kilometers of parkland surrounding Niagara Falls. He is also the chair of the CWB Association Hamilton Chapter, where he works to connect students, parents, and employers to grow the next generation of skilled tradespeople. His perspective is especially valuable for welders curious about the Red Seal path, non-production welding careers, or getting involved in their local welding community.

Connect with Ian Mehlenbacher / CWB Hamilton:

https://www.cwbgroup.org/advocacy/membership/chapters/hamilton-chapter

Download the WELD App:

iOS: App Store https://goweld.link/AppleApp

Android: Google Play https://goweld.link/Android

If this show has helped your welding career, leaving a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts takes 30 seconds and helps other welders find it.

#WeldingPodcast #WeldingCareer #WeldingJobs #WELD #TradeLife #WeldingLife #RedSeal #CanadianWelding #NiagaraFalls #WeldingEducation #CWB #Apprenticeship #Fabrication

Mohamed Amer has spent 15 years climbing every rung of the aerospace welding world, from the shop floor to engineering, inspection, sales, and management, and now he helps manufacturers break into one of the most compliance-driven sectors in the industry.

If you're a welder looking for a cleaner environment, better pay, and a long-term career path, or a shop owner wondering what it actually takes to get aerospace certified, this episode gives you a real, no-fluff look at what that world requires.

In this episode, you'll learn:

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What aerospace welding actually is and why it's about far more than the weld itself, covering everything from pre-weld compliance and procedure qualifications to post-weld inspection and traceability.

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Why material traceability is a massive deal in aerospace, including how filler material heat lot numbers, tungsten, argon flow rates, and cleaning procedures all have to be documented on the traveler.

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How a shop gets aerospace certified, starting with a gap assessment, building out a quality system like AS9100, and earning NADCAP (National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program) accreditation through an external audit body.

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Where most shops fall short on compliance, from WPS applicability and machine setup on the shop floor to the flow-down of customer requirements reaching inspectors.

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Why aerospace is one of the best career paths for welding students, with clean, temperature-controlled environments, competitive pay, and clear paths into inspection, quality, and management roles.

Mohamed Amer is the owner of Amer Welding Solutions, a consultancy that helps manufacturers enter the aerospace welding market and elevate their overall welding processes. With 15 years of experience spanning shop floor work, machining, engineering, inspection, sales, and management, Mohamad brings a full-picture perspective on what it takes to build a compliant, high-performing aerospace welding operation. He also volunteers at schools across the country to introduce students to aerospace welding opportunities, free of charge, because he believes the trade can take anyone further than they think.

Sponsors:

Save 20% on American Welding Program courses with code WELD20 at checkout at AmericanWeldingProgram.org

Connect with Mohamad Amer:

LinkedIn: Mohamed Amer https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohamed-amer-2bbb1b57/

Website: https://amer-welding-solutions.com/

Connect with Beau Wigington:

Instagram: @beaudiditwelding

Download the WELD App:

iOS: App Store https://goweld.link/AppleAppAndroid: Google Play https://goweld.link/Android

#WeldingPodcast #WeldingCareer #AerospaceWelding #WELD #AerospaceManufacturing #WeldingEducation #WeldingJobs #Fabrication

Justin LaFond built a welding career the hard way — through shop work, sales, field experience, and learning how to solve problems most people overlook.

If you’re a welder trying to figure out your next move, avoid expensive career mistakes, or understand what opportunities exist beyond the booth, this episode gives you a real-world look at where welding can take you.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Justin went from welding in a family shop to becoming a field application engineer at ESAB

• Why the lack of a college degree became a challenge — and how experience, reputation, and networking helped him move forward

• What simple shop issues cause the most welding problems, including liners, feedability, ground clamps, and overlooked consumables

• Why auto-set machines and simplified welding technology can help shops but also leave welders without the fundamentals

• How different regions of the U.S. offer different welding opportunities, from manufacturing and shipyards to pipe, tanks, heavy equipment, and structural work

Justin LaFond is a field application engineer with ESAB who brings a practical, boots-on-the-ground perspective from years in welding, fabrication, distribution, sales, and technical support. His background includes general fabrication, structural work, stainless, heavy equipment repair, cryogenic certifications, and years of helping welders and shops troubleshoot real problems in the field. His path is especially valuable for welders who want to understand how far the trade can take them without following a traditional college route.

Connect with Justin LaFond:

Instagram: @justin_esab

TikTok: @justin.lafond7

Connect with Beau Wigington:

Instagram: @beaudiditwelding

Download the WELD App:

iOS: App Store https://goweld.link/AppleApp Android: Google Play https://goweld.link/Android

If this show has helped your welding career, leaving a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts takes 30 seconds and helps other welders find it.

#WeldingPodcast #WeldingCareer #WeldingJobs #WELD #TradeLife #WeldingLife #WeldingTips #WeldingEducation #WeldingTools #Fabrication

EJ Naegeli moved across the country for a welding job, and two years later she’s building custom hot rods, race cars, and a whole new level of confidence.

If you’re a welder starting a new job, learning fabrication on the clock, or wondering whether taking a big career leap is worth it, this episode gives you a real look at what that growth actually feels like.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How EJ handled the first month at Chuckles Garage while learning the tools, shop flow, and expectations of a professional custom car shop.

• Why fabrication confidence takes time even when your welding skills are already solid.

• What EJ learned about speed, fit-up, and efficiency when working on professional-level builds where time matters.

• How custom engine swaps and race car projects force fabricators to problem-solve without a perfect template.

• Why working on your own project car can build the confidence and reps you need to grow faster at work.

EJ Naegeli is a metal fabricator and welder at Chuckles Garage in Northern California, where she works on custom hot rods, race cars, engine swaps, exhaust systems, chassis modifications, and one-off fabrication projects. Since her last appearance on WELD, she’s grown from preparing for a big career move to building her own fabrication style inside a high-level custom shop. Her perspective is especially valuable for welders who are learning how to balance quality, speed, confidence, and pressure in a real shop environment.

Sponsors:

Save 20% on American Welding Program courses with code WELD20 at checkout at AmericanWeldingProgram.org

Connect with EJ Naegeli:

Instagram: @ej_was_here

YouTube: @ej_was_here

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ejnaegeli

TikTok: @ej_was_here_

Connect with Beau Wigington:

Instagram: @beaudiditwelding

Download the WELD App:

iOS: App Store Android: Google Play

If this show has helped your welding career, leaving a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts takes 30 seconds and helps other welders find it.

#WeldingPodcast #WeldingCareer #WeldingJobs #WELD #TradeLife #WeldingLife #Fabrication #MetalFab #WomenWhoWeld #CustomCars

Mini Mayhem brings out the kind of builds that show what welding is really good for: making weird ideas work, fixing what breaks, and learning by doing.If you’re a welder, fabricator, student, or garage builder looking for real-world inspiration beyond the booth, this episode shows how mini bikes, go-karts, electric builds, and trackside repairs can sharpen your skills.More about Mini MayhemMini Mayhem is a yearly event at Busco Beach where builders bring mini bikes, four-wheelers, dirt bikes, go-karts, electric machines, and homemade creations to ride, race, test, and break. John describes it as a free-for-all event built around camping, group rides, a drag strip takeover, night rides, and seeing what people built in the off-season.This episode features builders including Scuba Man, Brad from Big Nasty Bikes, Zach from Cars and Cameras, Brandon and Russ from Mini Metal Fab, and several other garage fabricators showing how welding connects directly to creativity, problem-solving, and motorsports.Special thanks to ESAB for making our repair station possible - https://esab.com/us Check Out The Builders We Talked WithBig Nasty Bikes - https://bignastybikes.com/ Rattle Can Customs - https://www.youtube.com/c/rattlecancustoms Rather B Welding - https://www.youtube.com/@ratherBweldingChris Chadbircated - https://www.youtube.com/@Chadbricated Mini Metal Fab - https://www.youtube.com/@MiniMetalFab CarsandCameras - https://www.youtube.com/@CarsandCameras Connect with Beau Wigington:Instagram: @beaudiditweldingDownload the WELD App:iOS: App Store https://foxly.link/m6jqqa Android: Google Play https://foxly.link/cYEXjL If you enjoyed the show please leave us a review to help reach more welders looking to learn.#WeldingPodcast #minimayhem #minibike #gokart #fabrication

Tom Patsis turns old license plates, flywheels, camshafts, rims, and swap meet finds into custom trophies with real racing history built into every piece.

If you’re a welder, fabricator, car builder, or creative maker trying to figure out how welding skills can lead to unique work, this episode shows what that process actually looks like.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to spot parts at a swap meet that can become strong, eye-catching trophy pieces

• Why Tom looks for weight, balance, color, and story when choosing materials for a custom build

• How to negotiate with vendors without breaking the budget on specialty parts

• What to consider when joining different metals and choosing the right welding process

• How Tom built a trophy business from fabrication skills he developed in the racing world

Tom Patsis is a trophy builder, fabricator, and the Season 1 winner of Metal Shop Masters on Netflix. His work blends welding, racing history, found objects, and custom fabrication into trophies shipped to customers around the world. For WELD listeners, Tom’s story is a reminder that welding skills can open doors far beyond a traditional shop job.

Connect with Tom Patsis:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coldhardart/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/coldhardart

Website: https://coldhardart.com/

Connect with Beau Wigington:

Instagram: @beaudiditwelding

Download the WELD App:

iOS: App Store https://foxly.link/m6jqqa

Android: Google Play https://foxly.link/cYEXjL

If you enjoyed this episode leave us a review to help us inspire more welders out there.

#WeldingPodcast #trophybuild #fabrication #WELD #coldhardart