Arc Junkies

In this episode of State of the Arc, I cover four high-impact stories shaping the future of welding and manufacturing in America. First, we break down the trends transforming global manufacturing through 2028—from smart factories to sustainability pressures. Next, we explore new welding challenges and solutions in the heavy equipment sector. Then, we turn to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and what it means for welding jobs across the country. Finally, we take a close look at how federal tax policies—and proposed changes like eliminating taxes on overtime—could reshape the financial future for welders and other skilled tradespeople. This week’s Welding History Fact celebrates the unsung welders behind the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge—an iconic American structure that wouldn’t exist without pioneering welding techniques in the 1930s.

Summary In this episode of Weld Wednesdays, Jason Becker and Daryl Peterson discuss the recent updates to the AWS D1.1 structural steel code, focusing on the changes from the 2020 to the 2025 edition. They explore various aspects of the code, including new definitions, clarifications, and the implications for welder certification and filler metal strength. The conversation also touches on design considerations and the differences between pre-qualified and qualified welding procedures, emphasizing the importance of understanding these updates for professionals in the welding industry. In this conversation, Daryl Peterson and Jason Becker delve into the intricacies of welding materials, techniques, and specifications. They discuss the importance of high strength materials, the impact of gas selection on welding quality, and the critical nature of preheat and interpass temperature control. The conversation also covers welding procedure specifications, visual inspection criteria, and the evolving standards in the welding industry. In this conversation, Jason Becker and Daryl Peterson discuss the updates and clarifications in the welding code, particularly focusing on the AWS D1.1 code. They delve into various aspects such as inspection techniques, non-destructive testing, weld discontinuities, and the importance of engaging in code committees to contribute to the industry. The discussion highlights the evolving standards and practices in welding, emphasizing the need for clarity and precision in welding procedures and inspections. For more information on the AWS Click Here To purchae the latest edition of the AWS D1.1 Codebook, Click Here 

In this episode, Jason sits down with Eric and Stacia Mueller, owners of Edge Welding Cups, to discuss how they’ve built a family-run business that's disrupting the welding consumables industry. From humble beginnings in scientific glassblowing to producing high-performance TIG and MIG accessories used in critical industries, their journey is all about people over profit. Hear how their commitment to customer service, community outreach, and student engagement is creating lasting impact. They also break down their approach to custom cup design, laminar gas flow benefits, and the exciting new frontiers they’re tackling in aerospace, nuclear, and even plasma welding. Follow Edge on Instagram Here   Arc Junkies Podcast: Instagram: @Arcjunkiespodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arcjunkiespodcast9253 Email: Show@arcjunkies.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-becker-45407b72?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BKipEwR3uQXCmCjaEfNzo6w%3D%3D Arc Junkies Website: https://arcjunkies.com Arc junkies Merch: https://shop.threadmob.com/arcjunkie/shop/home Underground Metal Works: https://www.underground-metalworks.com/   Friends of the Show: American Welding Society Conferences Weld Summit https://www.aws.org/community-and-events/conferences-and-events/welding-summit/registration#regform Use ARCJUNKIES at Checkout and get a free gift at the event. Outlaw Leather LLC Outlawleather.com Instagram: @outlawleatherusa Use ARCJUNKIES for 15% off all in-stock leather goods   International Welding Bureau Internationalweldingbureau.com   Everlast Welders Instagram: @everlastwelders  YouTube: Everlast Welders         Online: https://bit.ly/37xJstI Use Codeword ARCJUNKIES at checkout to get upgraded to a free Nova Foot Pedal and TIG Torch with the purchase of any machine that comes with a stock foot pedal and TIG Torch. Walter Surface Technologies https://hubs.ly/Q034MdgX0 ISOTUNES: Instagram: @isotunesaudio Online: https://shop.isotunes.com/arcjunkies10.  Use ARCJUNKIES10 at checkout and save $10 on your purchase    

In this episode of State of the Arc, we’re covering four of the most talked-about developments shaping the welding and skilled trades world right now: Battery-powered flash-butt welding is here — and it’s already changing the rail industry. A proposed $44 billion LNG pipeline in Alaska could unlock thousands of welding jobs across 800 miles of rugged terrain. Pipeline companies are opting to buy existing infrastructure instead of building new — what that means for field welders, inspectors, and contractors. Humanoid robots are stepping into real-world manufacturing and logistics — and the trades are next. Should welders be concerned or excited? Plus, this week’s Welding History Fact throws it back to 1948, when General Electric introduced GMAW and changed the game forever. Listen now and stay up to speed with what’s moving in the trades.

What’s up Arc Junkies, welcome back to the show! Joining me this week is Rex from the Handheld Laser Institute. In this episode, we demystify the tech that’s been flooding your feed—handheld laser welding. Rex breaks down what makes it revolutionary, the real differences between arc and laser, and why the barrier to entry is higher than most realize. We talk about procedure development, cracking challenges with aluminum, metallurgical insights, and how laser welding is shaking up traditional codes and standards. If you’ve ever been curious about laser welding beyond the TikTok hype, this is the episode you need to hear. Check out Rex's Website Here Follow Rex on Instagram Here Check out the Video From Nate Bowman w/ Rex Here   Arc Junkies Podcast: Instagram: @Arcjunkiespodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arcjunkiespodcast9253 Email: Show@arcjunkies.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-becker-45407b72?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BKipEwR3uQXCmCjaEfNzo6w%3D%3D Arc Junkies Website: https://arcjunkies.com Arc junkies Merch: https://shop.threadmob.com/arcjunkie/shop/home Underground Metal Works: https://www.underground-metalworks.com/   Friends of the Show: American Welding Society Conferences Weld Summit https://www.aws.org/community-and-events/conferences-and-events/welding-summit/registration#regform Use ARCJUNKIES at Checkout and get a free gift at the event. Outlaw Leather LLC Outlawleather.com Instagram: @outlawleatherusa Use ARCJUNKIES for 15% off all in-stock leather goods   International Welding Bureau Internationalweldingbureau.com   Everlast Welders Instagram: @everlastwelders  YouTube: Everlast Welders         Online: https://bit.ly/37xJstI Use Codeword ARCJUNKIES at checkout to get upgraded to a free Nova Foot Pedal and TIG Torch with the purchase of any machine that comes with a stock foot pedal and TIG Torch. Walter Surface Technologies https://hubs.ly/Q034MdgX0 ISOTUNES: Instagram: @isotunesaudio Online: https://shop.isotunes.com/arcjunkies10.  Use ARCJUNKIES10 at checkout and save $10 on your purchase    

In this episode of State of the Arc, I'm bringing you the top stories that matter: Infrared Welding Inspection: Exploring how thermal imaging is revolutionizing real-time weld quality control. Laser-Hybrid Welding: Combining laser precision with arc versatility for deeper, faster welds. Blue-Collar Wage Growth: Analyzing the 5–6% annual wage increase for skilled trades and its implications. Enbridge’s $700M Gulf Coast Pipeline Expansion: Discussing the welding opportunities arising from this major infrastructure project. Plus, a historical highlight on Lincoln Electric's 1911 innovation of the variable voltage arc welder. Stay informed and ahead in the welding industry.

In this weeks episode I'm chatting in person w/ Austin Ross and Leo Martinez. Austin stopped by the shop and we decided to chat about their travels on the pipeline and the classes they're offering right now. In this episode we chat about training welders, welding on the pipeline, machine rebuilds, and access to information in today's day and age.    Check out Austins YouTube Channel Here Give him a follow in Instagram Here    Arc Junkies Podcast: Instagram: @Arcjunkiespodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arcjunkiespodcast9253 Email: Show@arcjunkies.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-becker-45407b72?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BKipEwR3uQXCmCjaEfNzo6w%3D%3D Arc Junkies Website: https://arcjunkies.com Arc junkies Merch: https://shop.threadmob.com/arcjunkie/shop/home Underground Metal Works: https://www.underground-metalworks.com/   Friends of the Show: American Welding Society Conferences Weld Summit https://www.aws.org/community-and-events/conferences-and-events/welding-summit/registration#regform Use ARCJUNKIES at Checkout and get a free gift at the event. Outlaw Leather LLC Outlawleather.com Instagram: @outlawleatherusa Use ARCJUNKIES for 15% off all in-stock leather goods   International Welding Bureau Internationalweldingbureau.com   Everlast Welders Instagram: @everlastwelders  YouTube: Everlast Welders         Online: https://bit.ly/37xJstI Use Codeword ARCJUNKIES at checkout to get upgraded to a free Nova Foot Pedal and TIG Torch with the purchase of any machine that comes with a stock foot pedal and TIG Torch. Walter Surface Technologies https://hubs.ly/Q034MdgX0 ISOTUNES: Instagram: @isotunesaudio Online: https://shop.isotunes.com/arcjunkies10.  Use ARCJUNKIES10 at checkout and save $10 on your purchase    

In this week’s episode of State of the Arc, we dive into: ExxonMobil’s proposed $8.6B plastics plant in Texas and its potential impact on welding jobs. OSHA’s intensified enforcement on confined space violations and what it means for welders. The growing trend of welding schools partnering with industries to create direct job pipelines. The surge in welding opportunities within the agricultural and heavy equipment sectors. Plus, we explore NASA’s 1991 breakthrough in friction stir welding and its lasting impact on the industry. Stay informed and ahead in the welding world with State of the Arc.

In this episode of Arc Junkies, I sit down with Sam Noland, Product Manager, and Kodi Welch, Market Segment Manager, from Miller Electric to talk all things innovation, welding automation, and the evolving demands of our trade. We cover Miller’s customer-back innovation strategy, how welding codes like AWS D1.1 and D1.2 are influencing machine development, and the rise of co-bots and robotics in both small and large fabrication shops. Kodi shares insights from his 30 years in the industry and role on AWS code committees, while Sam breaks down how Miller is making robotic welding more intuitive and accessible for every skill level. We also get a sneak peek at what Miller’s bringing to Fabtech 2025—including developments in AI and advanced welding processes. If you’re curious about the future of welding, this episode is a must-listen.   Arc Junkies Podcast: Instagram: @Arcjunkiespodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arcjunkiespodcast9253 Email: Show@arcjunkies.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-becker-45407b72?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BKipEwR3uQXCmCjaEfNzo6w%3D%3D Arc Junkies Website: https://arcjunkies.com Arc junkies Merch: https://shop.threadmob.com/arcjunkie/shop/home Underground Metal Works: https://www.underground-metalworks.com/   Friends of the Show: American Welding Society Conferences Weld Summit https://www.aws.org/community-and-events/conferences-and-events/welding-summit/registration#regform Use ARCJUNKIES at Checkout and get a free gift at the event. Outlaw Leather LLC Outlawleather.com Instagram: @outlawleatherusa Use ARCJUNKIES for 15% off all in-stock leather goods   International Welding Bureau Internationalweldingbureau.com   Everlast Welders Instagram: @everlastwelders  YouTube: Everlast Welders         Online: https://bit.ly/37xJstI Use Codeword ARCJUNKIES at checkout to get upgraded to a free Nova Foot Pedal and TIG Torch with the purchase of any machine that comes with a stock foot pedal and TIG Torch. Walter Surface Technologies https://hubs.ly/Q034MdgX0 ISOTUNES: Instagram: @isotunesaudio Online: https://shop.isotunes.com/arcjunkies10.  Use ARCJUNKIES10 at checkout and save $10 on your purchase    

In this episode of State of the Arc, we're diving into four major trends shaping the welding and fabrication world in 2025. 🔧 Topic 1: How rising tariffs are impacting steel, stainless, and aluminum prices — and what shops are doing to stay competitive 🌱 Topic 2: Why renewable energy projects are creating more welding demand than ever before 🧪 Topic 3: How mobile welder certification units are saving time, cutting downtime, and keeping crews compliant 🤖 Topic 4: The rise of AI-assisted weld inspection — where it’s being used, what it does well, and what it won’t replace If you're a welder, shop owner, inspector, or educator — this is the weekly update you didn’t know you needed. No fluff, just real-world news that affects your trade. 🎙️ State of the Arc drops every Friday, powered by the Arc Junkies Podcast.