In this episode of the Arc Junkies Podcast, Tim Kinnaman returns to continue our deep dive into welding history, shifting the focus to gas welding and cutting. We explore how oxy-fuel processes developed alongside early electrical advancements, why oxy-acetylene welding became the dominant method for decades, and how industrial chemistry played a critical role in shaping welding as we know it today.

The conversation traces the discovery and commercialization of oxygen and acetylene, the rise of early torch designs, and the transition from cutting to welding applications. We also discuss autogenous welding, early shipyard and aviation use, and the companies and innovators that helped scale these technologies worldwide. This episode offers valuable historical context for welders, educators, and industry professionals who want to better understand the roots of modern welding processes.

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

Inspection Expo and Conference

https://www.aws.org/community-and-events/conferences-and-events/inspection-expo-and-conference/

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

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.

Fronius:

Instagram: @FroniusUSA

Website: https://bakersgas.com/collections/fronius-accupocket

ISOTUNES:

Instagram: @isotunesaudio

Online: https://shop.isotunes.com/arcjunkies10.

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In this episode, I sit down with returning guest and long-time friend, Dusty James of Pacific Arc TIG Welding, for one of the most honest conversations yet about the realities of doing anything for the long haul — whether it's welding, creating content, teaching, or building a business.

Dusty and I break down what truly keeps people going in the trades and the creator world: passion, curiosity, and the willingness to push through burnout. The two share battle-tested lessons from years of welding and content creation, including graphic shop injuries, why safety training still matters, and the surprising truth behind videos that take days to make… but flop anyway.

We talk about burnout, chasing excitement instead of trends, stolen content, algorithm frustration, writing textbooks, and why the work only becomes sustainable when you genuinely love it.

This episode is a must-listen for welders, educators, content creators, or anyone trying to build something meaningful — even when the numbers don't show it.

Follow Dusty on Instagram Here

Checkout his YouTube channel Here

Checkout his Website and get his Textbook 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

Inspection Expo and Conference

https://www.aws.org/community-and-events/conferences-and-events/inspection-expo-and-conference/

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

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.

Fronius:

Instagram: @FroniusUSA

Website: https://bakersgas.com/collections/fronius-accupocket

ISOTUNES:

Instagram: @isotunesaudio

Online: https://shop.isotunes.com/arcjunkies10.

Use ARCJUNKIES10 at checkout and save $10 on your purchase

In this episode of Weld Wednesday with AWS, I sit down with Andrew Brown, host of The Lost Art of Skilled Trades Podcast, live from FABTECH 2025 in Chicago. Andrew and I dig into the real numbers behind the Skilled Trades shortage — including the projected need for over 320,000 welders by 2029 and the retirement wave that could pull more than 157,000 welders out of the industry in the next decade.

I share how I first discovered the workforce gap when I moved into teaching, and Andrew breaks down why so many companies are struggling to connect with Gen Z. We talk about wage issues, soft skills, entry-level expectations, and why companies can't just post an ad and expect welders to line up anymore.

We also get into a topic that both of us feel strongly about: mentorship vs. gatekeeping. I talk openly about my own early struggles finding someone willing to teach me, and Andrew explains why passing knowledge down is critical if we want the next generation to succeed.

We wrap up with a discussion on automation, co-bots, and why welders, pipefitters, ironworkers, and aerospace fabricators continue to be irreplaceable in a world that's becoming more digital every year.

If you care about the future of the welding workforce, this is an important conversation.

To get involved with AWS click here