Whether you’re a mechanic, a fabricator, a machinist, or a writer, there’s no such thing as free time. Over the span of many years, you’ve spent long hours nearly every day of every week honing your talent, developing your skills, and gaining knowledge that only comes from such experience. Both the time it takes you … Read More
Shop Talk
TheWELDER: Why it’s OK to be your own boss and work for “the Man”
There is a sense of pride associated with working for yourself. The idea that you’re self-reliant, self-made, and answer to no one is enticing. It’s a romantic notion. We’ve all heard and read about the successes of individuals who make it work, from rock stars to actors and from artists to, yes, welders. But for … Read More
TheFabricator.com, Future welders: Enter the trade with both eyes open
While I want everyone to try welding, and I’d dig it if everyone then found that they loved welding, it’s not everyone’s bag. It’s why exposing kids at a young age to blue-collar trades is important, so they know what their options are. We’ve done a terrific job of removing any scarlet letter previously associated … Read More
TheFabricator.com: Wielding the tool of the gods for the first time
Christian and Alex Bird are our 16-year-old twin cousins. They are my wife Darla’s only blood cousins, and they hold American/British dual citizenship. The boys live in England, but each summer they travel with their mom to the U.S. She does a good job of exposing them to different cultures and lifestyles and found some … Read More
Taking It To a Higher Level
Earlier this year I shared a post about the necessity for artists and tradespeople to step out of their comfort zone to grow their skills. One of the examples I gave was of a sculpture that marked a departure from my past pieces, my take on an iconic Detroit landmark.” (Continue Reading)
Still Building America: Craig Thompson’s advice, Simply do something
I love hearing stories about how one generation has been influenced by the one before to carry the proverbial and literal torch. Craig Thompson, “Mikey Mayhem,” hails from a long line of automotive enthusiasts and fabricators and now owns his own off-road chassis fabrication business. (Continue Reading)