333. Self Taught Gang w/ Phil Garland

In this episode of the Arc Junkies Podcast, Jason Becker hosts a conversation with Phil Garland, a welding applications technician at Fronius and a self-taught welder. Phil shares his remarkable journey from knowing nothing about welding to becoming an expert in the field, all while balancing his passion for welding with his life on a family farm. Phil's story is filled with interesting moments, including his early struggles with welding, his unique learning experiences, and his transition to working with advanced welding technologies at Fronius. From his beginnings on a farm, where he first encountered welding through his father, to his extensive use of YouTube as a learning tool, Phil's journey is an inspiring example of determination and continuous learning. The episode delves into various welding techniques and technologies, such as stainless TIG welding, MIG welding, and the innovative processes used by Fronius. Phil discusses the challenges and rewards of teaching welding to others, his experiences with different welding equipment, and his plans for future projects, including teaching and custom welding work. Key Takeaways: Learning Welding: Phil's journey from zero knowledge to expertise, emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience, mentorship, and utilizing online resources like YouTube. Advanced Welding Technologies: Insights into the cutting-edge welding technologies and processes used at Fronius, including the use of AC polarity in MIG welding and the CMT (Cold Metal Transfer) process. Teaching and Mentorship: The importance of sharing knowledge and mentoring the next generation of welders, highlighting Phil's experiences teaching new welders at his previous job and his plans to offer lessons in the future. Welding Techniques: Discussions on various welding techniques, including stainless TIG welding, MIG welding, and the use of different torches and consumables for optimal results. Personal Growth and Passion: Phil's passion for welding and continuous learning, along with his personal experiences, such as his interest in blacksmithing and his connection to horses and farm life.   To learn more about Phil Garland and connect with him, visit his Instagram profile: https://www.instagram.com/theweldingphilosopher/   Arc Junkies Podcast: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arcjunkiespodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arcjunkiespodcast9253 Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-becker-45407b72 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: SendCutSend Instagram: @SendCutSend Online:  https://sendcutsend.com/arcjunkies/ 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://www.everlastgenerators.com/?rfsn=4461397.b3fd38 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.