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• EP 200: Inside the Laser Cell: 30kW Welding and Aerospace Drilling with Prima Power Laserdyne

  In this week’s episode, Beau Wigington chats with Mason Bongers and Dallas Reed, Application Engineers at Prima Power Laserdyne, from inside one of their advanced laser cells. Mason and Dallas share insights into laser welding, cutting-edge drilling applications, and their personal journeys into laser technology.Key Topics Covered:Differences between continuous wave (CW) and quasi-continuous wave (QCW) lasers.Importance of gas flow in laser welding.Prima Power Laserdyne’s Vulcan project, a high-power laser competing with electron beam welding.Laser drilling applications for aerospace components.Advice for newcomers interested in becoming laser application engineers.Overcoming challenges in laser programming and machine operation.Memorable Quotes:“Gas flow is incredibly important. I've done welds where I'm changing things every single time and it just looks terrible. I change the gas flow a little bit—perfect weld.” – Mason Bongers“This isn't an unskilled position where you're just pressing a button and letting it run. We need people that can look at the welds, holes, and cuts and say, 'This is good, this is bad, let's change this.'” – Mason Bongers“You say I can't, but I'm gonna find a way to do it.” – Dallas ReedResources Mentioned:Prima Power Laserdyne Website: Explore products, studies, and technical resources https://foxly.link/a7DvIrPrima Power Laserdyne YouTube Channel: Tutorials and demonstrations https://foxly.link/Yiu8ilGoogle Scholar: Recommended resource for academic research papers on laser technology https://scholar.google.comSave 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20Check out all the different courses available - https://foxly.link/t8aJ0MConnect with Beau Wigington:Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding/ Email: beauw@weld.com WELD App: @beaudiditDownload the WELD App:https://foxly.link/b7xDzp 

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• EP 199: Diving Into Commercial Diving & Underwater Welding with Alex Rogers

  In this week’s episode, Beau Wigington speaks with Alex Rogers, an entry-level tender and diver who recently graduated from The Ocean Corporation in Houston, Texas. Alex shares his firsthand experience of entering the exciting and challenging world of commercial diving and underwater welding, highlighting what newcomers can expect from training, job opportunities, and life offshore.Key Topics Covered:What commercial diving school entails, from dive science and construction to underwater welding and burning.Transitioning from diving school to working offshore: securing jobs, necessary certifications, and specialized offshore training.Day-to-day realities of working offshore, including schedules, work expectations, safety standards, and life aboard diving vessels and rigs.Personal adjustments required for living offshore, including handling long shifts, confined spaces, and staying connected with family.Insights into saturation diving and the supportive roles entry-level divers provide.Memorable Quotes:“An underwater welding job is pretty few and far between. You're more likely to do underwater burning than actual welding.”“The rules are written in blood—safety is paramount. Everyone wants to make it home safe and in the same state they came out there.”“You really gotta be dedicated to it. If you're considering it, do your homework ahead of time, commitment is key.”Resources Mentioned:The Ocean Corporation: Commercial diving school in Houston, known for excellent training and job placement assistance - https://oceancorp.com/Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20Basic Inspection Concepts and Methods - https://foxly.link/tbRDjABasic Shielded Metal Arc Welding - https://foxly.link/xelOebAlex Roger’s Content & Contact:Instagram: @alex.rog_ https://www.instagram.com/alex.rog_/Connect with Beau Wigington:Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding/ Email: beauw@weld.com WELD App: @beaudiditDownload the WELD App:https://foxly.link/b7xDzp 

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• EP 198: The Art of TIG: Techniques, Colors, and Craftsmanship with Clint Evashkevich

  In this episode, Beau Wigington sits down with Clint Evashkevich from The Onyx Grove Company, a talented TIG artist known for creating stunning stainless steel artworks. Clint shares his journey transitioning from heavy industrial welding by day to intricate TIG art at night, exploring how his work incorporates unique techniques to achieve vibrant colors and precise textures. He discusses his setup, from laser etching to chilling plates, and reveals common pitfalls and essential tips for aspiring metal artists. Clint also highlights the collaborative spirit within the TIG art community and his partnership with his wife, who complements his metalwork with woodworking.Key Topics Covered:​How to effectively set up TIG art projects using laser etching.​Importance of using chill plates like steel and copper to manage heat distortion.​Layering techniques to achieve depth and realism in TIG art.​Mastering color control through cup sizes and gas flow.​Common TIG art mistakes, such as clear coating colors, and how to avoid them.​Practical advice for newcomers on getting started in TIG art without expensive tools.​Insights into Clint's creative process and his collaborative work with his wife at The Onyx Grove Company.Memorable Quote:​"Just do it. If you've got a TIG torch, find any piece of steel and play. Draw something simple, practice lines, and just experiment. It’s the best way to learn."                               - Clint EvanshkevichRecommended American Welding Program Courses​Basic Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Theory - https://foxly.link/Uy3PrA ​Intermediate Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Theory - https://foxly.link/N6xR8p  Clint Evashkevich’s Content & Contact:​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/ Connect with Beau Wigington:​Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding/ ​Email: beauw@weld.com ​WELD App: @beaudiditDownload the WELD App:https://foxly.link/b7xDzp 

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• EP 197: How to Survive & Thrive in Tank Welding with Miguel Millan

  In this week’s episode, Beau Wigington chats with Miguel Millan, aka Datboimiggz, a tank welder, about essential advice for stepping onto welding jobsites, key insights into tank welding, common pitfalls to avoid to keep your job, and how networking can lead to new opportunities. Key Takeaways:Getting Started in Welding: Miguel's journey from roofing with his father to discovering welding and transitioning into tank welding.Jobsite Essentials: The importance of awareness, trust, active listening, and managing complacency to stay safe and valuable on a jobsite.PPE Requirements: Critical PPE items you must have and why safety compliance is essential for your long-term health and employment.Jobsite Conduct: How improper cell phone use, failing to follow site rules, and lack of awareness can quickly end your career.Finding Welding Jobs: Practical tips for finding new jobs, networking effectively, and presenting yourself professionally to employers.Tank Welding Insights: Unique challenges, required skillsets, typical schedules, and practical welding test expectations for tank welders.Increasing Your Jobsite Value: Miguel’s tips on how to stand out positively, help your crew, and adapt to your foreman’s preferences to become invaluable on the job.Entrepreneurship in PPE: Miguel shares his journey of launching his PPE brand, handling challenges with logistics, and his personal inspiration behind the designs and color schemes.Miguel Millan’s Advice for Welders:Always be ready to adapt; flexibility is crucial.Be proactive and helpful to keep the job moving forward.Make safety and proper PPE use a top priority for long-term career sustainability.Miguel Millan's Contact Information:Instagram: @datboimiggz https://www.instagram.com/datboimiggzTikTok: @datboimiggz https://www.tiktok.com/@datboimiggzWebsite for PPE Gear: https://datboimiggz.com/Related Courses From The American Welding ProgramBasic Shielded Metal Arc Welding - https://foxly.link/xelOebBasic Wire Process Welding - https://foxly.link/XXJUk1Connect with Beau Wigington:Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding/Email: beauw@weld.com WELD App: @beaudiditDownload the WELD App:https://foxly.link/b7xDzp 

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• EP 196: Blacksmithing Techniques To Level Up Your Railings & Gates with William England

  In this episode, Beau Wigington chats with William England, a seasoned blacksmith turned fabricator, who shares how his background in traditional blacksmithing significantly elevated his fabrication skills, particularly in creating ornamental ironwork. He reveals simple yet effective blacksmithing techniques that can drastically increase the value and uniqueness of fabrication projects.Key Topics Covered:Transitioning Careers: William shares his journey from corporate America, where he was involved with innovative tech products, to discovering his passion for metalwork and fabrication.Blacksmithing Basics: Introduction to essential blacksmithing skills like twisting metal, tapering, and shaping iron to add ornamental value and functionality.Ornamental Ironwork: Detailed exploration of ornamental ironwork, highlighting its aesthetic and practical value in modern fabrication projects.Essential Tools and Techniques: Advice on affordable and accessible tools (hammers, anvils, twisting wrenches) and basic techniques to create impressive ornamental metal features.Forge Types: Pros and cons of using coal, propane, and induction forges, and recommendations on which might be best for beginners.Material Sources: Tips on sourcing metal affordably, including utilizing scrapyards, flea markets, and online retailers like King Metals for ready-made ornamental components.Skill Development: Importance of precision and hammer accuracy in blacksmithing and how to practice effectively.Resources Mentioned:Forge Groups & Conferences:Southern Ohio Forge and Anvil (SOFA) – Quad StateAppalachian Area Chapter of BlacksmithsLocal hammer-ins and workshops for practical learning experiencesAmerican Welding Program Metallurgy and Material Specifications - https://foxly.link/bc6EHP William England Content & Contact:Instagram: @england_ironworks https://www.instagram.com/england_ironworks/ Connect with Beau Wigington:Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding/Email: beauw@weld.com WELD App: @beaudiditDownload the WELD App:https://foxly.link/b7xDzp 

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