Welder and blacksmith Nicolas Wicks became an unpaid intern for a blacksmith in Scotland before returning home to his career in environmental economics, and the direction of his life changed dramatically. Wicks learned that his grandfather, who had worked as a welder and trained shipbuilders during World War II, had saved all of his tools for him. After returning home, Wicks began spending more time on his welding projects.
Wicks currently spends between 20-40 hours each week of his time off from his day job fabricating metal art for his clients. Many of the projects are music stands that are custom designed for clients who spend months providing input on design. His grandfather is still alive, and Wicks speaks with him regularly about their trade.
Welding Industry
A Review of the Miller Fusion 160 Welder/Generator
“Weighing just 222 pounds, the Fusion 160 is a versatile welder/generator that is up to 70 pounds lighter than other similarly sized welder/generators. This makes it easy to take the machine where the work is and improves safety and efficiency.
In addition to portability, the Fusion 160 delivers a smooth, stable stick arc that makes it easier for operators of all skill levels to produce better welds.”
Energy Industry Requires Large Custom Built Containers
“Niagara Energy Products Corp. (NEPC) has specialized in custom metal fabrication since 2001, including the rolling, machining and welding of such containers for North American and overseas companies. All of the containers are welded using MIG, TIG, GMAW (gas metal arc welding) or SAW (submerged arc welding) technology that meets CSA N285.0 (ASME Section III) standards.
In 2017, NEPC purchased two automated welding lines from IRCO Automation Inc. to help meet increased demand for containers up to 7 feet in diameter. One line (delivered in the ”
Welding Education
Young Welder Finds Vocation at Training Center
“Alejandro Miguel Mirelez arrives on campus early every weekday morning. At 8 a.m. he boards a school bus that takes him from King High School to the Craft Training Center. Alejandro has enjoyed working with his hands ever since he was a young child, and he had been steadfast about enrolling in welding class during high school.”
High School Welding Students Collaborate with State Parks
“When welding returned to Pocahontas County High School six years ago, students jumped at the chance to take the Career and Technical Education [CTE] class. Learning skills to gain certification and becoming completers, students are able to prepare themselves for a life-long career while still in school.
With the addition of Simulated Workplace, teacher Justin Kerr said students are not only learning the basics needed to become welders, they are also using their creative edge to fill orders for items on the county and state level.”
Welding Events
International Brazing and Soldering Conference (IBSC) 2018
Apr 15, 2018 – Apr 18, 2018
The IBSC remains the premier event for the brazing and soldering community. For years, the IBSC has provided professionals, scientists and engineers involved in the research, development and application of brazing and soldering, a unique networking and idea-exchange forum.
Welding Gone Wrong
Wood Stove Blamed for Welding Shop Fire
“Gene Monroe’s welding tools kept on giving until early Tuesday morning. When friends’ tractors broke, the retired steelworker would make replacement parts in his garage on Hunts Meadow Road in Whitefield and sell them for about $20. When he came by old propane tanks, he’d make them into ornamental pigs and give them away to raffles… But early Tuesday morning, a fire destroyed those tools and the garage that housed them.”
Welding Supplies on Sale
The latest promotions on Miller helmets, Miller’s build with Blue rebates, ESAB welders, and Thermal Dynamics plasma cutters are keeping prices at rock bottom. When it’s time to stock up on supplies and gear, you can find the best deals on welding supplies, welding helmets, and welding machines at Baker’s Gas and Welding. Visit Baker’s Gas and Welding to find the latest price promotions and discounts on name brand welders such as ESAB, Miller Electric, and Lincoln Electric.
Visit Baker’s Gas and Welding today!
