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Jackson Williams is building large-scale steel sculptures with handmade bending tools, a MIG welder, and a small corner of a shared shop. If you're a welder thinking about getting into metal art, starting small, or building something original without buying a shop full of equipment, this episode will show you what actually matters. • Learn how Jackson builds full-size animal sculptures from half-inch round bar using mostly hand bending and simple jigs • See how he scales reference images on the floor to lay out a framework before skinning a sculpture with rod • Understand why shared shop space can be a smarter move than trying to outfit your own shop from scratch • Hear how posting his work online and saying yes to Fabtech helped create momentum and new opportunities • Take away Jackson’s best advice for beginners: start small, play around, and fix anything that is not right Jackson Williams is a steel sculptor based in Asheville, building wildlife and figure sculptures from round bar with a style that emphasizes motion, anatomy, and flow. He developed his craft working alongside his father, sculptor Chris Williams, before carving out his own direction in steel rod sculpture. What makes his work stand out to WELD listeners is how much he’s able to create with basic tools, strong fundamentals, and a clear artistic eye. Connect with Jackson Williams: Instagram: @williamssculpture https://www.instagram.com/williamssculpture/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/williamssculpture/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@williamssculpture  Website: https://www.williamssculpture.com/  Connect with Beau Wigington: Instagram: @beaudiditwelding Download the WELD App: iOS: WELD App on the App Store https://foxly.link/m6jqqa  Android: WELD App on Google Play https://foxly.link/cYEXjL  If this show has helped your career, leaving a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts takes 30 seconds and helps other welders find it.

Harrison Stone started his welding business at 24, but staying in the trade has meant learning how to work through serious health challenges, protect himself on the job, and build income beyond just welding. If you're a welder thinking about going out on your own, getting into mobile work, or trying to build a business that can survive real-life setbacks, this episode will give you a more honest picture of what that path looks like. In this episode, you’ll learn: • How Harrison went from welding school to running his own business in just a few years• Why safety, respirators, and pacing matter more when your health is already working against you• What mobile welders need to understand about overhead, helpers, tool costs, and jobsite prep• How Harrison uses social media to land brand deals and create income outside of fabrication jobs• Why younger welders should think beyond one paycheck and build multiple income streams early Harrison Stone is a welder, fabricator, and business owner who built his operation out of his grandfather’s old shop while navigating POTS and the physical demands of welding work. He has experience in TIG production welding, fabrication, mobile jobs, and content creation for welding and tool brands. His story stands out because it gives listeners a realistic look at building a welding business while dealing with health challenges, overhead, and the pressure to keep moving forward. Sponsors: Save 20% on American Welding Program courses with code WELD20 at AmericanWeldingProgram.org. Connect with Harrison Stone: Instagram: @harrisonstoneWebsite: ahweldingservices.com Connect with Beau Wigington: Instagram: @beaudiditwelding Download the WELD App: iOS: https://foxly.link/m6jqqaAndroid: https://foxly.link/cYEXjL Subscribe for weekly episodes from the welding world. New episode every week. If this show has helped your career, leaving a 5-star review where you listen to your podcasts takes 30 seconds and helps other welders find it.

In this episode, host Beau Wigington chats with Aaron Wulk about his path from race team fabrication to welding education and metal art, how competitions like SkillsUSA shape the industry, and why putting your work out into the world matters even when you are not chasing attention. Aaron also shares practical advice on learning welding, understanding metallurgy, choosing materials for sculpture, and preparing for competition. Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20 Use code WELD20 at checkout for eligible courses - https://foxly.link/9T3dtc  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/  Connect with Beau Wigington Instagram: @beaudiditwelding — https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington   E-mail: [email protected]

In this episode, host Beau Wigington chats with Chuck Faught from Flametech Scorpion about what it really takes to cut thick metal with oxy-fuel equipment. Using Chuck’s flame-covered torch throne as the backdrop, they break down the differences between torch styles, how oxygen flow affects cutting capacity, when to use long torches, and why fuel gas choice matters more than most people think. They also get into flashback arrestors, hose restrictions, and safety considerations that can directly affect cut quality in the field. Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20 Use code WELD20 at checkout for eligible courses - https://foxly.link/9T3dtc  Connect with Chuck Faught  Instagram: @lucky_chuckie https://www.instagram.com/lucky_chuckie/  LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/chuck-faught-26431480/  Flametech Scorpion: @flametech_scorpion https://www.instagram.com/flametech_scorpion/  Website: https://flametechnologies.com/  Connect with Beau Wigington Instagram: @beaudiditwelding — https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington   E-mail: [email protected]

In this episode, host Beau Wigington breaks down 27 different welding processes and ranks them by utility, accessibility, and overall cool factor. From shop staples like MIG, TIG, stick, and flux core to niche processes like atomic hydrogen, electron beam, and thermite welding, Beau gives his honest take on which methods are the most practical, which are the most interesting, and which ones are just plain fun to talk about. Whether you’re new to welding or already deep in the trade, this episode is a great overview of how many different paths exist in the welding world, and why some processes earn a permanent place in the conversation. Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20Use code WELD20 at checkout for eligible courses - https://foxly.link/9T3dtc Connect with Beau Wigington Instagram: @beaudiditwelding — https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington E-mail: [email protected] Watch The Video Version Of The Podcast - https://youtu.be/ATdFcSDQ8UM

In this week's podcast, we go back to Fabtech 2024 where Beau sits down at the  @esabweldingandcutting   booth with Scott Raabe to talk about the path way to starting his school Precision Welding Academy, and then Ian Johnson pops by to talk about what you need to get started in automotive fabrication.  Connect with Scott Raabe Instagram  @scott_raabe https://www.instagram.com/scott_raabe/ @precisionweldingacademy https://www.instagram.com/precisionweldingacademy/ Precision Welding Academy Website - https://www.precisionweldingacademy.com/ Connect with Ian Johnson Instagram @ianfrombigtiregarage https://www.instagram.com/ianfrombigtiregarage/ Connect with Beau Weld App @beaudidit Instagram @beaudiditwelding Email - ⁠[email protected]⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Host Beau Wigington visits the home shop of Sean Flottman, better known as Dabswellington, to break down the process behind stainless TIG art. Sean shares practical advice on stainless prep, filler metal choice, chill plates, tungsten setup, gas coverage, and weld planning so listeners can better understand how to create color, contrast, and clean finished artwork with a TIG torch. The episode also features Robert Carpenter, a journeyman pipe fitter who makes copper welder bracelets on the side. He explains how he builds bracelets from ground wire, forms braid patterns, welds in side rails, and polishes each piece into a finished wearable product. Together, their stories show how welding skills can move beyond the jobsite and into creative work, personal projects, and side income opportunities. Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20 Use code WELD20 at checkout for eligible courses - https://foxly.link/9T3dtc  Connect with Sean Flottman Instagram - @dabswellington https://www.instagram.com/dabswellington/  Etsy - https://www.etsy.com/shop/Dabswellington  Connect with Robert Carpenter Instagram - @carpwelding https://www.instagram.com/carpwelding/  Etsy - https://www.etsy.com/shop/CarpWelding  Connect with Beau Wigington Instagram: @beaudiditwelding — https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington   E-mail: [email protected]

In this episode we're on location with Michael Furick inside his shop where he manufactures TIG cups, gas lenses, and fabrication tools like bead rollers. Michael walks us through how a product idea turns into something he can actually build at scale, and how he’s streamlined production by creating machines that do the work his hands used to do, boosting speed and tightening up quality control. We also get into the process behind making glass TIG cups, what it takes to manufacture in the USA, and the mindset that separates hobby projects from real businesses. If you’re a welder, a shop owner, or a career changer thinking about going independent one day, this is a blueprint for playing the long game: investing in tools, building systems, and making decisions today that set you up for freedom later. Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20 Use code WELD20 at checkout for eligible courses - https://foxly.link/9T3dtc Connect with Michael Furick Instagram - @mfurick https://www.instagram.com/mfurick/  Website - https://furickcup.com/  Connect with Beau Wigington Instagram: @beaudiditwelding — https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington   E-mail: [email protected]

What does it really take to build a UTV that can survive King of the Hammers? This week on the Weld Podcast, Beau Wigington heads to CT Race Worx to sit down with Daniel Adams, better known as @phockerfabs, to get an inside look at what it takes to build off road machines that don’t just look good, they finish races. Daniel walks us through their machine shop where precision parts are made in house and trusted on some of the top performing UTVs in the country. Then we step into the fabrication side to break down how they prep material for roll cages, why their tab and slot method matters, and how attention to fit up can make or break a race build. If you’ve ever wondered how to get into the off road racing world as a welder or fabricator, Daniel shares what shops are really looking for and how to position yourself to land a job in the industry. From raw tubing to race ready monsters, this episode pulls back the curtain on what it takes to build at the highest level. Connect with Dan Instagram - @phockerfabs https://www.instagram.com/phockerfabs/  @ctraceworx https://www.instagram.com/ctraceworx/ Website - https://ctraceworx.com/  Connect with Beau Wigington Instagram: @beaudiditwelding — https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington   E-mail: [email protected]

In this episode, host Beau Wigington sits down with four Scrapfest artists to break down what the event is really like, how the categories work, what you can win, and why turning scrap into sculpture can be good for both your wallet and your head.Learn more about Scrapfest - https://scrapfest.com/ Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20Use code WELD20 at checkout for eligible courses - https://foxly.link/9T3dtcConnect with the artists from this week’s episode - Jonny SniderInstagram - @jonnysweld https://www.instagram.com/jonnysweld/ Andrew SandstedtInstagram - @stalartist https://www.instagram.com/stalartist/ Steve KostInstagram - @dads357 https://www.instagram.com/dads357/ Tom AdamsInstagram - @tommy_atoms https://www.instagram.com/tommy_atoms/ Connect with Beau WigingtonInstagram: @beaudiditwelding — https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington E-mail: [email protected]

In this episode, host Beau Wigington chats with maker Jimmy DiResta about the tools that shaped his craft, from a rescued line-shaft drill press to heavy old bandsaws, and the down-to-earth methods he uses to restore, retrofit, and actually use vintage machines in a modern welding workflow. Connect with Jimmy DiResta Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jimmydiresta/ Facebook: http://facebook.com/diresta/ YouTube:  @jimmydiresta  Connect with Beau Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington E-mail: [email protected]

Welding might be the headline skill on a service truck, but it's never the whole story. On this week's Podcast, Beau Wigington climbs into Dave Doherty's service truck to see just how many trades live inside one rolling toolbox. We explore the diverse skills and equipment necessary to operate a welding rig and handle a range of industrial jobs, highlighting the importance of a well-equipped work truck and the role of a field mechanic. If you've ever wondered what it really takes to run a service rig, this episode is for you! Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20 Use code WELD20 at checkout for eligible courses - https://foxly.link/9T3dtc Connect with Dave  Dave “DTB Fabrication” Doherty Instagram: @dtb_fabrication https://www.instagram.com/dtb_fabrication/ Facebook: Dave Doherty Connect with Beau Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington  E-mail: [email protected]

In this week's podcast host Beau Wigington explores the career path of a Boilermaker within the welding industry while attending the National Boilermaker Apprenticeship Championships, highlighting the diverse skill set required for this industrial profession. We discuss "what is a boilermaker" and the importance of a "boilermakers apprenticeship" for those interested in "skilled trades." We learned that Boilermakers are a little bit of everything, incorporating elements of rigging, welding, cutting, and fabrication, making it a comprehensive "welding apprenticeship" opportunity for any aspiring "welder."Key Topics Covered:- What a Boilermaker is (rigging, layout, planning, tube rolling, waterwall “Dutchman” repairs) and why welding is only ~10–15% of the trade.- How recruiting for the boilermakers apprenticeship works at the high-school level and why tuition-free training changes families’ trajectories.- The “apply now” process through BNAP, finding your local, and why initiative matters (call, visit, show up).- First-year expectations: heights, tight spaces, heavy machinery, union basics (dues, benefits, dispatch).- Skill progression: Stick plate → positions → MIG/flux-core structure → TIG (freehand & walking the cup).- Work realities: outages, 12-hour shifts, precise repairs, x-ray quality, and packing out.- Career growth: no seniority; apprentices who show up and lead can run work and become foremen fast.- Finding your niche: some chase welding certs; others fall in love with rigging or planning and excel there.Learn More About Joining The BoilermakersBoilermakers National Apprenticeship Program - https://www.bnap.com/ Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20Use code WELD20 at checkout for eligible courses - https://foxly.link/9T3dtcConnect with Beau WigingtonInstagram: @beaudiditwelding — https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington E-mail: [email protected]

At Fabtech, host Beau Wigington sits down with Anthony James aka “Meltin Metal Anthony” for a straight-shooting talk on where new and growing welding businesses burn cash, and what to buy instead. From grinders and torches to hoods, PPE, and shop layout, Anthony shares the gear that survives abuse, the stuff that fails fast, and practical ways to vet products at a trade show. They also dig into laser welding, automation, and how to prep your skills (and team) for the next decade. Key Topics Discussed Tools that pay for themselves vs. tools that fail: why cheap grinders and bargain rods often cost more long-term; when a low-cost flux-core box can still earn its keep. Welders & try-before-you-buy: using shows like Fabtech to demo MIG/TIG/stick, and the limits of testing engine drives on the floor. Torches that stay true: hard-earned opinions on Victor and older Smith gear; why some newer replacements disappointed. PPE that protects (and fits): pitfalls of bargain-bin clothing; the case for US-made textiles and consistent QC. Hoods that survive abuse: long-term experience with an auto-dark model (Optrel mentioned) vs. thin shells and short-lived lenses. Shop-build mistakes: poor layout planning, forgetting utilities (power, heat, downdraft, 3-phase alternatives), and failing to size for tables, forklifts, and workflow. Hiring & weld tests: “mess up the settings” as a practical screen for true competence. Laser welding & automation: what’s impressive now, code limitations today, and why technicians who can dial in machines will thrive. Mindset for growth: adapt or get left behind—how risk sports, preparation, and owning your quirks translate to business. Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20 Use code WELD20 at checkout for eligible courses - https://foxly.link/9T3dtc Connect with Anthony James Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/meltinmetalmobile/  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@MeltinMetalAnthony  Website - https://meltinmetal.net/  Connect with Beau Wigington Instagram: @beaudiditwelding — https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington E-mail: [email protected]

In this special 2025 recap episode of the WELD Podcast, host Beau Wigington is joined by Austin Hargett (Dr. Weldz) to look back on one of the biggest years yet for Weld.com. We break down some of our top performing videos of the year including Testing Viral Welding Hacks, Getting Dross Free Cuts with Plasma, and The Ultimate Guide to Weaving 7018. We also reflect on some of our favorite trips from 2025, from laser welding in Florida with Rex Alexandre, to visiting BZI in Utah, attending the Yeti Welding Competition, fly fishing out west, and asking Bo Jackson a question at Fabtech. We wrap things up with Maker Camp, where Dave took home Top Welder, and revisit some of our most memorable social media moments from the year. If you followed WELD in 2025, this episode ties it all together. If you are new, it is the perfect place to start. Key Topics Discussed Testing viral welding hacks and what actually works Plasma cutting tips for dross free cuts How to properly weave 7018 stick electrodes Laser welding in Florida with Rex Alexandre Visiting BZI and attending the Yeti Welding Competition Fabtech highlights and meeting Bo Jackson Maker Camp recap and Top Welder winner Viral welding social media moments from 2025 Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20 Use code WELD20 at checkout for eligible courses - https://foxly.link/9T3dtc Connect with Austin Hargett Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dr.weldz/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-hargett-2545ba20a Email - [email protected] Connect with Beau Wigington Instagram: @beaudiditwelding — https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beauwigington E-mail: [email protected] Download the WELD App: https://foxly.link/Qj0VEa