As a teenager, Lonnie Benn saw his dad welding cylinder regulars, and he soon picked up his own torch, cutting names into metal plates, welding the cars of his friends, and even attempting to construct his own open cockpit submarine in his backyard.
Benn took a two-year welding class at Spokane Community College and stayed in the welding trade for years where he relished opportunities to teach others. Four years ago Benn and his wife launched Anvil Welding Instruction where he teaches his lifelong trade to a new generation.
Welding Industry
World’s Smallest Robotic Arc Welding Cell Revealed: Kuka has revealed what it claims is the world’s smallest robotic cell for arc welding, developed by a company called Paul von der Bank Schweisstechnik.
The tiny cell – of about 1 cubic meter – is also said to have achieved a 50 percent increase in productivity. It uses Kuka Agilus robots.
Northern Kentucky Welding Group Set to Meet: “The Gateway Community and Technical College American Welding Society (AWS) Northern Kentucky Student Chapter will hold its first meeting at 7 p.m. Nov. 3 at the Boone Campus, 500 Technology Way, in the Convening Center.”
Welding Jobs
Welding Company Grows in Oregon: “Central Welding Supply has expanded into Oregon for the first time, acquiring United Welding Supply Inc. in Portland. The business will be the 21st retail location for Smokey Point-based Central Welding Supply, which has supplied products to the Portland business for years.
‘It’s not completely out of the blue,” said Dale Wilton, CEO of Central Welding Supply. “We’ve had a relationship with the ownership of that company for quite a long time.’”
Welding Students Have Clear Career Path: “Tiffanie Carter knows exactly what she wants to do with her life, and she won’t let anyone or anything stop her. Though she’s just a junior at C.M. Russell High School, Carter already has it all figured out. She’s spent years taking the classes she needs to live out her dream of being a professional welder.”
Welding Education
Mississippi Students Prepare for Welding Careers: “Nineteen-year-old Megan Traweek adjusted her welding helmet and touched a metal rod attached to a shielded metal arc welding machine to the metal plates she was joining together. A brilliant white arc of light shot from the welder as hot metal was deposited into the seam Traweek was working on…
The cost of the course is $150 and includes a $25 nonrefundable deposit to secure enrollment. Participants must be at least 18 years old and a high school graduate. Space for the class is limited.”
Welding Helps Students Apply Math: “Welded and melded together are two Butte High disciplines that teach real-world math and practical hands-on skills. Senior Caleb Hash is one of 30 students who learned how to create a welded project good enough for selling — original fire pits.
‘I really like the welding part of it,’ said Hash, aiming to study the trade after graduation. “The math project is good because it teaches the kids how to make something and put it to real life, which is really nice. You can figure out the angles and how to cut it.’”
Dire Need for Welding Instructors: “Michael Thomas has been working in industry for most of his life. It started in high school, when he worked as a machinist during the summer. Later, while running shops, he could never find qualified people to fill open positions.
‘We were always looking for machinists. We were always looking for welders,’ Thomas said. ‘Sometimes we would take a chance on people that looked really good or showed a little promise, and we’d hire them with no experience and train them.’”
Welding Events
Welding without Borders BBQ: “FABTECH 2016, North America’s largest collaboration of technology, equipment and knowledge in the metal forming, fabricating, welding and finishing industries, will support the advancement of manufacturing education by hosting the 2016 Welding Without Borders: Welding Thunder Fabrication Team Invitational. The student competition takes place at FABTECH 2016 in the Silver Lot of the Las Vegas Convention Center on Nov. 16, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Nov. 17, from 7 a.m.-1 p.m.”
FABTECH: FABTECH brings a wealth of innovation and technology solutions to Las Vegas, NV – November 16-18, 2016. More than 40,000 attendees and over 1,500 exhibiting companies are expected to gather once again celebrating metal manufacturing at its best. The event also provides learning opportunities beyond the show floor with over 100 educational sessions and expert-led presentations covering the latest trends and technology in the metal forming, fabricating, welding and finishing industries.
Welding Gone Wrong
Welding Fire Contained: “Independent Mail says that the fire was small and there was not a lot of damage to the maintenance building. There were no injuries and the fire was extinguished at 8:08 p.m., Independent Mail reports. Clemson University Fire Chief Bill Daniel says that the fire remains under investigation.”
