Welder and former logger Mark Looper has combined his two talents into his latest endeavour: creating works of art out of metal and blending them into the natural world. His works resemble trees, birds, and vines, sprouting roots out of railings and adding birds to posts.
Looper drew some of his earliest inspiration from the small trees he passed in the woods. After losing his logging job, he took that as a sign to try out his new welding business, welding works of art for clients who hired him after hearing about his excellent gates and handrails, among other welding projects.
Looper shows that when life leaves you with a pile of scrap metal, start welding.
Welding Industry
Lincoln Introduces Updated Multiprocess Welder
“Thanks to embedded CrossLinc Technology, Lincoln Electric says its Flextec 650X multi-process welder gives operators full functionality and control at the arc without an added control cable. Much like its predecessor, the Flextec 650X expands upon the Flextec 650 platform, and is rated 650 amps, 44 volts at 100 percent duty cycle. For heavy applications, it delivers up to 815 amps, or it can produce a stable arc at low currents for MIG or TIG welding on thin materials.”
New York State Firm Wins Welding Contract
“Hebel Welding and Machine has secured a contract to manufacture 3,500 metal frames previously made in China to be used by Kraft Canada during cheese manufacturing. ‘The frames are pretty simple but what may make it interesting to people is that these frames had previously been manufactured in China and we were able to bring the work back to the U.S. and hire a couple new employees,’ Mark Hebel, owner said.”
Welding Education
Recreational Welding Class Offered
“If you are a do-it-yourselfer with an interest in welding, or an aspiring artist or metalsmith, the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center (SVHEC) has the right course for you. A new six-week course, “Welding Basics for the At-Home Welder” will provide instruction on safety and basic welding processes including MIG, stick and flux core welding.”
Developed with the recreational welder in mind, no previous welding experience is needed to enroll in the at home welder course. Classes will meet on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. and will be taught by certified Welding@SVHEC instructors.”
Welding Classes Expanded at South Dakota Schools
“The South Dakota Board of Education has approved 2017-18 state tuition and fees at the state’s four technical institutes. The overall cost per credit will be $155. Students will pay $114 per credit in state tuition. State fees consist of maintenance and repair at $5 per credit, $1 per credit in technology fees and $35 per credit in facility fees.”
Washington School Uses New Welding Simulator
“In a back corner of the computer-integrated machining lab at a high school in Longview, Wash., there’s a new, hidden gem. It might not look like much among all the other large, loud machines in the lab: on a table lies a helmet, a computer monitor and a plastic wand connected to a cable that leads to a shiny red cart in the corner…”
Welding Open House for Agriculture Students in Columbus, OH
“A Youth Welding Workshop will be held at the Ag Engineering Building at OSU (590 Woody Hayes Drive in Columbus) on Saturday, April 15, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Youth Welding Workshop provides a unique opportunity for youth ages 10-18 to develop arc welding (stick or SMAW) skills or oxyacetylene welding and cutting skills. With one-on-one assistance, students begin at their own level and progress in their skills throughout the day.”
Welding Jobs
Oregon Welding School Capitalizes on Job Demand
“That’s where Kim Edwards, and her 30-plus other classmates, come in. Edwards is a second year welding student. She originally planned to pursue finance and business. ‘When I came back to Springfield, I found the welding program, and decided that that’s what I really want to do instead of sitting at a computer desk and just pushing numbers all day. I don’t find that very interesting,’ Edwards said.”
Welding Events
May 2, 2017 – May 4, 2017
“Join tens of thousands of industry professionals May 2-4, 2017 at FABTECH Mexico! The event takes place at the Cintermex in Monterrey, continuing to co-locate with the established AWS Weldmex and Metalform Mexico. New for 2017 – FABTECH Mexico recently acquired COATech and will now feature Finishing among the shows technology lineup.”
2nd Codes and Standards Conference
Apr 19, 2017 – Apr 20, 2017
“Each industry possesses individual operating conditions that may be unique or similar to other industries. Whether high, room or cryogenic temperatures, corrosive environments, high strength or conditions requiring material toughness are involved, appropriate codes and standards are applied.”
Welding Gone Wrong
Fire Spreads in Apartment Complex
“The fire began Monday afternoon and spread quickly. Firefighters were called to the apartment complex at College Boulevard and Nieman Road around 3:30 p.m. The building was under construction, and officials say no one was living there at the time.”
